'Dateline' diet challenge: Reunion time

Jim's weight loss story
To lose weight on the Food Pyramid Jim had to cut his calories to 2,500 a day, eat smaller portions and pay attention to food content. He would also have to drop his worst habit – six cans daily of sugary pop. And he got what turned out to be a great advice -- just follow the rules 80 percent of the time. Instantly it worked. His weight began falling off. After just two weeks, Jim had lost 14 pounds. Feeling confident one month in, Jim went for broke on Easter.

After two helpings of everything, it cost him. He gained a pound back.

Still, at his 43rd birthday this June, Jim could see that the Food Pyramid diet may have saved his life. No one was more grateful than his mom who lost her husband to heart disease at age 60. Even with five months to go until the reunion, Jim was sure he had the homecoming king's crown in the bag. But on their annual fishing trip the king didn't bite. And sure enough, Jim's confidence didn't last.

JIM'S DIET DIARY Breakfast English muffin with ‘I Can't Believe It's Not Butter’ Lunch Ham or turkey sandwich on 7-grain bread and 7 oz. bag of chips Piece of fruit: orange, banana or apple Diet A&W Dinner Steak, Chicken, or one large pork chop with large portion of veggies One handful of french fries or potatoes every meal Snacks Pudding a couple times a day Exercise Full workout with weights and conditioning five days a week for an hour after work Walked four days a week

After more than three months of dieting, he saw a blueberry pie in the house and the Dateline diet was on ice. The proof was in the scale. He was up nine pounds from his lowest weight.

By the fall, with three months until the reunion, our star athlete on the Food Pyramid was back in the game. Yes indeed, all was well again. He'd lost eight pounds since his summer setback and found a way to recharge his battery – lifting weights, what he loves to do best. By September he was actually below his goal weight. Come October, with one month to go, Jim even surprised himself. He was down 38 pounds eight past his goal. Now he was certain the crown was a done deal.

The star athlete on the USDA Food Pyramid had a weight loss goal of 30 pounds. Jim started off at a husky 229. He blew away his goal and dropped a total of 42 pounds. He got that crown at the reunion.

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