Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: I have stepped on the scale for the world to see for the last time.

Ashley Suarez-Ortiz, News Clerk writes: It has been a very long time since I last wrote a blog and I apologize for my absence. 

I am happy to report however that despite my lack of keeping everyone in the loop that I have been finding ways to exercise and have been able to trim off some of the fat. 

I still have much more work to do and I am glad to have the readers out there to keep encouraging me and I hope that I have encouraged some of you. 

What I have done so far

I have began eating far more fiber and multi-grain enriched foods. Instead of eating something full of sugar and fat, I will grab a snack that is far healthier but still tastes great. One of my favorite things to eat are Multi-Grain Cheerios. 

I have also cut back on the amount of soda I drink. Now, instead of soda, I will substitute tea or water, making it much healthier for me. 

I have also began walking more. When I take my lunch breaks at work, I walk to my lunch destination instead of driving. I also enjoy going to the Farmer's Market in downtown Raleigh every Wednesday.  I also like to take walks with my kids on the weekends and we spend several hours at the park, running and playing together. I get my exercise and get to spend time with my kids at the same time. 

These are just a few things that I have done but it normally is the small things that count. 

I hope that all the readers out there are doing well and please feel free to leave your comments below.

Carole Tanzer Miller, Features editor, writes: Dr. Andrew Ordon, co-host of the syndicated TV show “The Doctors,” has a new book out, “Better in 7: The Ultimate Seven-Day Guide to a Better You.” It includes tips for avoiding the bumps and lumps of cellulite. In a piece for McClatchy-Tribune Information Services, the good doctor outlines them. Check it out:

Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: A new driver's license and a milestone birthday sent me to the magnifying mirror in a panic. Is that scary visage on my new I.D. really mine, complete with the turkey neck, saggy jowls and droopy eyelids of an old woman?

You know the answer.

Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: If there's one food that's my downfall, it's cheese. I just love the stuff. So do most Americans.

According to the Washington Post, the average American ate 33 pounds of cheese in 2010 -- three times as much as in 1970. As the Post's commentary "One nation, under cheese" points out, few foods contain as much saturated fat. But I just can't resist.

Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: There's a funny scale making the rounds online these days -- one that lets you see just how much weight you've lost, in stunningly graphic terms. My health coach, Charity Husk, of Take Shape for Life posted it recently on her Facebook page, and it gave everyone a good laugh.

Turns out the 65 pounds I lost (and have kept off almost two years!) falls between the weight of a male elephant's (censored) and how much fats and oils an average American consumes in a year. Oh my!

Where do you fit in? Here are some other rough equivalents:

1 pound = a Guinea Pig

1.5 pounds = a dozen Krispy Kreme glazed donuts

2 pounds = a rack of baby back ribs

3 pounds = an average human brain

5 pounds = a Chihuahua

10 pounds = chemical additives an American consumes each year.

15 pounds = 10 dozen large eggs

20 pounds = an automobile tire

25 pounds = an average 2-year-old

30 pounds = amount of cheese an average American eats in a year

40 pounds = an average human leg

50 pounds = a small bale of hay

55 pounds = a 5000 BTU air conditioner

60 pounds = an elephant's penis

70 pounds = an Irish Setter

80  pounds = the World's Largest Ball of Tape

90 pounds = a newborn calf

100 pounds = a 2-month-old horse

120 pounds = the amount of trash you throw away in a month

130 pounds = a newborn giraffe

140 pounds = the amount of refined sugar an average American eats in a year

150 pounds = the complete Oxford English Dictionary

200 pounds = 2 Bloodhounds

235 pounds - Arnold Schwarzenegger

300 pounds = an average football lineman

The Obesity Control Center has a more detailed list. Check it out.

The Millers are fresh off a weeklong food fest we nicknamed "The Great Yankee BBQ Tour."

Some of you may wonder if it's even possible to get good 'cue north of the Mason-Dixon, but those of us who migrated to the Triangle from the Northeast know it is, indeed, possible. I'm not talking about the vinegar-based Eastern North Carolina variety, but there is definitely some good grub to be had. But is it possible to partake and stay within the comfort zone?

Andrea Weigl, food writer, writes:

In response to my call for books that inspires exercise, Carl Reichenbach of Angier wrote: “I would like to add “Chi Running” by Danny Dreyer to your list. This book was mentioned in “Born to Run” (by Christopher McDougall) and is unique in that it teaches natural, biomechanically-correct running form. I became interested in running at age 65 as a way to improve my declining stamina. My results were disappointing and painful."

"Danny Dreyer was giving a lecture in Raleigh. After hearing him speak about learning to run as your body is designed and reading the book, I started to run again. I have now been running for seven years with no injuries. My normal week is to run three times in the three- to five-mile distance. Last fall, I worked up to a half marathon distance with no trouble. My goal is to run a half marathon this fall. I believe running, when done properly, is a great form of beneficial exercise. I plan to run the rest of my life.”

Thanks Carl for the suggestion. Please send any other books that inspire you to exercise to aweigl@newosbserver.com.

I noticed success first when my capris no longer hugged my thighs like a tourniquet. Then, finally, at last, the numbers on the scale started to drop. First, 1.7 pounds overnight. Then, another pound. Then 0.7. So I'm comfortably back in my five-pound comfort zone -- and I intend to stay there, if I can.

Success tastes sweet. And is calorie-free.

Got a bunch of weight to lose? NBC-TV's popular show "The Biggest Loser" will be in Knightdale July 14 searching for contestants for the upcoming season.

Producers are looking for "charismatic" individuals who have at least 85 pounds to lose. Contestants will compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Knightdale is one of 13 scheduled casting stops nationwide.

Think you've got the right stuff for the diet-and-exercise competition? Show up at Rex Wellness Center of Knightdale, 6602 Knightdale Blvd., between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. July 14.

A little more than three years ago, a Raleigh couple, Heba Salama and Ed Brantley, each lost more than 130 pounds in six months on the show.

More info: thebiggestlosercasting.com