Short story: I put on weight over the last few years and saw my cholesterol climb to 273. For the first time in my life I had to take meds. December 4, 2009 was the new start. Portion control and 2 - 3 hours of hiking and climbing 3 - 4 days a week. 30 lbs lost. Meds cut in half, probably off them by May. Didn't throw out any food in the house. I figured if it was in the house I must like it, so I just eat less. I figure that way I can stick with it. The exersise was the easy part, hiking and climbing are my passion. Never have and never would set foot in a gym. I have a small home gym set up, but mostly haul boulders up and down mountians for that part.