'I did it!' Weight-loss success stories

Sydney Pershing, 32, Miami Now: 125 lbs, size 4-6 Before: 287 lbs, size 22-24 How she did it: Started biking, first just a few blocks at a time, eventually building up to longer rides. Sydney also started eating more vegetables and lean protein instead of pizza, and eventually lost 162 pounds.

<a href="http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20466776,00.html">25 Shocking Celebrity Weight Changes</a> Angie Filardo, 35, Verona, Wis. Now: 128 lbs, size 4-6 Before: 368 lbs, size 26-28 How she did it: Cut calories and started exercising, rewarding herself along the way with a new handbag or workout gear for reaching mini targets, like walking 15 minutes each day

Ashli Johnson, 34, Cookeville, Tenn. Now: 140 lbs, size 6-8 Before: 206 lbs, size 14 How she did it: Cut back on calories. Ashli switched to ordering kids' meals at the fast-food restaurants she loves and ate only a serving of her favorite snacks, so she could still enjoy her favorite foods. She also started exercising, and ran a 5K for the first time.

<a href="http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20307363,00.html">Diet-Busting Foods You Should Never Eat</a> Doree Kalfen, 52, Deerfield, Ill. Now: 126 lbs, size 4 Before: 230 lbs, size 20 How she did it: Started walking (and then running!) and eating six small meals a day full of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats

Petrita Red, 37, San Francisco Now: 162 lbs, size 12 Before: 274 lbs, size 20 How she did it: Traded candy bars, fast food, and soda for veggies, and started jogging and kickboxing

Jen West, 31, Birmingham, Ala. Now: 145 lbs, size 8 Before: 192 lbs, size 14 How she did it: Started a weight-loss blog and posted photos in a bikini every week to track her progress, upped her exercise, and adopted our CarbLovers Diet plan

<a href="http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20475957,00.html">Best Superfoods for Weight Loss</a> Sarah Schallern, 34, Falls Church, Va. Now: 155 lbs, size 10 Before: 300 lbs, size 28 How she did it: Joined Weight Watchers and started biking

Starla Wilkins, 35, Hoover, Ala. Now: 146 lbs, size 10 Before: 176 lbs, size 14 How she did it: Started playing soccer and Wii Just Dance with her sons and adopted our CarbLovers Diet plan

<a href="http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20572199_12,00.html">Click here for more 'I did it' weight-loss stories from health.com.</a> Julia Gressick, 28, Madison, Wisc. Now: 130 lbs, size 6 Before: 223 lbs, size 20 How she did it: Started exercising and using Nutrisystem to help her eat at regular meal times. Julia lost 38 pounds right off the bat, and then upped her exercise routine, finishing her first marathon 93 pounds lighter.