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"        Name: Dan Benanav  Location: Seattle, WA  Worst of times: 260 pounds  Best of times: 185 pounds  My turning point: When I moved to Seattle from New York, I got motivated to change my lifestyle and eating habits.  My slim-down techniques: I keep active instead of staying home at night to watch TV. I go to movies, the opera or any kind of activity, to make sure that I am not at home mindlessly snacking.  Kept the weight off: One year  My best motivator: The reduction in stress that comes from losing the weight and feeling so light and fit.  My greatest temptation: Muffins or scones. I do occasionally eat one, but when I do I usually purchase a vegan or healthy brand that&amp;#039;s made without butter.  My favorite diet food: I enjoy making my own hummus. I puree two cans of canned chickpeas along with half of a cup of tahini paste and 1 tablespoon each of cumin, lemon juice and paprika.  My snacking tips: Fruits, such as apples or pears, are great when I choose to snack.  My exercise routine: I do yoga for about an hour every day. Sometimes I&amp;#039;ll also go for a hike near my home.  Slim-down advice: Don&amp;#039;t starve yourself: just keep eating healthy, flavorful meals. I cut out white-flour products that contain excess sugar. Also, never feel guilty. If you do splurge, accept it and enjoy it instead of treating it as a negative.  The payoff: I have so much more energy and less stress. I also really enjoy eating colorful and tasty foods!  The Secret of Your Success Have you lost unwanted pounds and kept them off? Whether you&amp;#039;ve shed that extra weight with a diet that really worked or by revamping your snack habits, we want to know your secrets for an ongoing Good Housekeeping Web feature. Email us your success story and be sure to include your name and daytime phone number. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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