This is bittersweet. It's our last challenge for America Takes It Off: Shrink a Size, and that's kind of sad. But it's happy too, because those who have been participating for the month of January have lost a whopping combined 214 pounds. Who can be sad about that?

Only 36 pounds stand between us and our 250-pound goal. Let's let Bob Greene deliver us to this goal -- and help us maintain our losses well into the future. Here, your final challenge:

• Make exercise a priority. That's what successful losers do, says Bob. Find a balance between cardio and strength training, and schedule these activities on our calendar just like you would a work meeting.
• Never skip breakfast. It really is the most important meal of the day. Don't believe it? You should. Studies show that breakfast eaters are slimmer than those who skip. Gotta make it healthy for it to count, though. Hint: No donuts.
• Eat on schedule. Three meals a day with snacks in between will keep your hunger under control.
• Work out in the morning. Your metabolism is elevated more in the early hours, which means your body burns more calories all day.
• Get support. Locate family and friends who support your goal. Find a workout buddy too.
• Look inward. It's not just about diet and exercise. You've got to figure out your emotional eating issues too.
• See beyond black and white. Don't make diet and fitness all-or-nothing pursuits. Do the best you can, get back on track if you fall off and try to make healthy decisions most of the time.

Shrink a size with these seven -- and we'll see you back here on Wednesday for the final weigh-in.