"...I just kept thinking of that guy who used to shovel it in like he was starving to death and that was a huge deterrent to stuffing myself."

Ever wonder what happens to those amazing people who loose a ton of weight? What happens after the buzz dies down? Do they stay on track and keep the weight off or do they gain it back? How do they manage over the holidays?

Remember John Pozzobon, the guy we profiled last year? At the time, he had lost quite a bit of weight and we have the pictures to prove it. You can catch up on his story here. So how has John been doing? Did he survive the holidays? Let's find out:

JP: My entire thought process was that I was going to enjoy myself and not deprive myself of things, but at the same time keep in mind all the effort and hard work it took to get to where I am now. After losing 205lbs, going from 370 to 165, I knew I wouldn't be able to eat anywhere near the amounts I used to, so I knew that would take care of itself. From there it was just moderation and making good decisions. A little of this and that and a lot of salad, fruit, veggies, etc. With this mind set, I felt prepared heading into Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

B&M: Were there any particular foods you were tempted by?

JP: I was tempted by my old favorites like chocolate chip cookies, cherry pie, Christmas cookies, and my mother's homemade chocolates. While I had some I did not go wild as I used to. By having a cookie here or there and a piece of chocolate once in a while I was able to satisfy my cravings and not feel like I was depriving myself of anything. My mother and grandmother make wholesome foods using organic and natural ingredients so I was still on track with my diet. We had an organic turkey, grass fed beef, organic ham etc.

B&M: I really like your point about your mother and grandmother's DIY (Do It Yorself) approach to snack food. By making it themselves with natural ingredients, they've found the key to healthier snacking. Follow that up with organic turkey, grass fed beef, and organic ham and you've got yourself an amazing meal. I guess I know where I'm eating next Thanksgiving.

So how did you handle situations where, perhaps there was food being served that you normally don't eat? Did you indulge, or decline?

B&M: Another great point about sugar. I've found that the only way to kill the cravings is by not eating it. Then if you want something sweet now and then, you can have it without feeling like a heroin junkie who just fell of the sobriety wagon.

Did you stick to your eating/workout schedule over the holidays?

B&M: Wow, exercising on Christmas morning! You're amazing, but what a wonderful way to start the celebration. Morning workouts really help you appreciate breakfast too.

Did you have to make up for any holiday excesses?

JP: I actually only put on 2lbs after all was said and done, which was incredible I thought. It took me three days in the gym to get back to normal but I think my body is adapting to the new routines. Since I varied my workout routine only slightly I was able to keep the metabolism rate high and didn't get that lazy feeling you sometimes get after holiday meals. I didn't need to unbutton the pants etc when I was done eating nor did I feel like a nap. So even though I varied my diet slightly I did not eat too excessively and was able to maintain my diet. Moderation is the key word to anything.

B&M: Moderation is key, but as you've proven, you've got to eat the right foods to begin with to make moderation possible. For many people, moderation is impossible because they're stuck in the eat/fatigue/hunger/eat cycle characterized by too much sugar and grains in their diet and not enough exercise. Vigorus exercise can help, but if you're tired all the time, it's not possible either.

Did you make any health and fitness-related New Year's resolutions?

JP: My relatives jokingly said I should resolve to gain 10-15lbs. They all feel I'm too thin now, my waist is down to a 33. But on a serious note I just vowed to keep up with what I've been doing and maintain my new healthy lifestyle. I was never a big New Years resolution person but I feel I've made a New Lifetime resolution so I'm sticking with that plan.

B&M: It can take friends and relatives, who may be used to seeing you heavier, a little longer to adjust to the new you. The way to know the difference between the pursuit of health and the obsession with thinness is to read, think and learn. How do you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally? How is your health? Do you have more energy? How do you handle life's stress? What is your health care provider telling you? Does exercise feel good or does it hurt? Are you getting stronger or weaker? Are your hair, fingernails and skin healthier? How flexible are you with regard to your routine? Can you roll with the punches? Are you more optimistic about life or pessimistic?

The answer to these questions and others will let you know whether you're on the right track and John, it sounds like you're defintely on the right track.

What are your health/fitness goals for 2007?

JP: They are going to continue to be the same as I've been doing. Weight training, cardio workouts, walking, and proper diet and eating. I'm really no longer on a diet per say I'm just eating the way our fore fathers did and keeping it whole and organic. My only change is that I would like to start doing some step and spin classes if I can fit them into my schedule. Other than that its status quo for the new year.

B&M: Thanks for spending some time with us John. As always, you're an inspiration.