I decided first of the year I was going to try to knock some weight off also. I'm 5'6, easy with the Shaw references, and weighed a little over 190. I ate whatever I wanted, sometimes healthy, more often not. I also consumed a substantial amount of liquid calories with Ol'Forrester and Buff Rock. I dropped the bourbon and buffalo rock, switched to vodka/soda, eliminated most carbs, and only ate till I wasn't hungry anymore. I also started running a couple times a week but have been unable to the last month due to an IT band issue. I have dropped right at 35lbs as of this morning. What I have found is as long as I control my portions, I can "cheat" on several meals during the week. I share Straycats love of Cheeseburgers and allow myself one every week or two. I have been maintaining around this weight for the last couple weeks and see 2-3 lb swings daily, but they don't seem to be tied to any of my cheat meals. The next phase is to get into some form of strength training to see if I can get this IT band worked out. I'm a firm believer that it has to be a lifestyle change otherwise it won't work, and I don't care to live without an awesome cheeseburger or huge plate of pasta once in a while!