As part of Joy's 25,000 pound Weight-loss Challenge, TODAY viewers were invited to submit short essays on how their lives had been transformed while following the monthlong diet plan. Two participants would win a trip to New York City and a makeover, courtesy of TODAY. When selected Dayna Rice, 29, from Charleston, S.C., told TODAY producers she's been too busy taking care of her daughter for the past two years to really focus on herself.

Read her essay:

By Dayna Rice

I started on January 1, 2012. It was the day that changed my life. I started at 180 lbs and as of today I have lost 14 lbs. I know that may not be an earth-shattering number for most people, but for someone that has been the same weight for the past two years it is HUGE!!

Nothing motivated me more than the chance to win this contest and meet Matt Lauer. I have counted every calorie and have been running on a treadmill and doing Zumba several days a week. I have been tempted many times but I think about the chance to come to NYC and that allows me to tap into my inner strength and keep going.

At the prime of my life I weighed 125 lbs. After I got pregnant I have struggled to lose the weight. I have been setting small realistic goals, which I think had been my downfall in the past. I celebrate every pound and I am more motivated than ever. Entering this contest and having to be accountable has made a big difference. There were many nights this past month that I went to bed excited to wake up and get on the scale. The sheer joy of getting to log in to TODAY.com and enter a new number was the extra motivation I needed to get through the day. Now that the weight has started to fall off I am officially hooked. I can now see my final goal of 130 lbs in the distance and I feel stronger than ever that I can definitely reach it.

It's never too late to start your own weight-loss challenge! Click here to read all of Joy Bauer's daily tips.

As part of Joy's 25,000 pound Weight-loss Challenge, TODAY viewers were invited to submit short essays on how their lives had been transformed while following the monthlong diet plan. Two participants would win a trip to New York City and a makeover, courtesy of TODAY. When selected, Penny Matthews told TODAY show producers she had been afraid to step on the scale before beginning the weight-loss challenge, but "now I'm not scared."

Read her essay:

By Penny Matthews

I started accounting for my weight with the first [Weight-loss Challenge] segment. I had reached 220 pounds, a gain of 90 pounds over two years. I got on the scale and decided that I was going to weight myself every Tuesday and keep a written diary.

My weight gain started in September of 2010. That is when my sister passed away from cancer. I was just beginning my second semester towards becoming an RN. I had just found out I had made the Dean’s list the day she died. I withdrew from school until I was under better emotional control. After that, the weight started to pile on.

The following May, my 10-year-old dog Cisco was diagnosed with bone cancer and had to have a leg amputation. He was given 4 months to live.

Traumatically, later that month I had a fall off a horse. It resulted in breaking my back and consequently killing the nerves to my bladder. I was almost virtually bed bound, having to learn to walk again. This only compounded my weight gain.

In August 2011 Cisco had to be put to sleep. Then I had surgeries to implant an Interstim that would allow me to void.

Things started to improve and I was able to slowly start riding again in December 2011. I was released from physical therapy the same week that Joy's weight-loss challenge started and saw it as a good time to start working on my wellness plan and taking accountability for my eating habits. I lost 16 pounds during the month. Seeing the weekly weight loss was like having 4 mini-goals met during the month. I now have my incentive back. I truly owe it to the first day's tip of keeping a weight-loss diary.

It's not too late! Follow Joy's 25,000 pound Weight-loss Challenge

FOLLOW-UP EMAIL:

Because Tuesday is my Weight Day, to be posted on the calendar, I was amazed that I had lost three more pounds as of February 7th. I would say that now having lost a total of 19 pounds means that it has been going great since the 31st and that I have maintained a steady weight loss from many of the tips from Joy.

I now continue to keep a log and record on my calendar, and have, as well, greatly reduced my Starbucks drinks. I go to Drayers where I had my [physical therapy] because once I was released, they set up a personalized workout for my needs.

Then, there is the long walk to get the horse, so I think I am definitely getting 30 minutes of walking every day. I then added in Greek yogurt protein shakes for breakfast and added veggies to the dinner table.

I also try at all times to keep trigger foods out of the house and we also always add spice to our meals.

To not make my back hurt, I use commercial breaks to clean the house! Finally the most important tip Joy had was to forgive my splurge and just shake it off and get back on track.

This essay has been edited for clarity

Although my “25,000 Pound Weight-Loss Challenge” officially ends today, your personal journey may be just beginning.

As you move forward, having a solid support network in place will be critical to staying the course.  Your system could include a supportive family, co-workers or friends you can “buddy up” with at the gym, or a therapist who helps you probe your relationship with food. Also consider joining a weight loss community, either in-person or online. You can dramatically increase your chances of success by surrounding yourself with encouraging individuals who help you troubleshoot challenges, celebrate milestones, reinforce good habits, and stay motivated for the long haul. Best of luck as you continue losing and working towards your goal!

To enhance your weight-loss efforts, check out Joy’s delicious, easy-to-follow meal plan that’s perfectly formulated to maximize results.

For slimming recipes, menus and health tips, visit joybauer.com and follow Joy on Facebook and Twitter.

What do you think of the weight-loss challenge? Did you reach your personal goal? Share with us on TODAY Health's Facebook page.

Read yesterday's tip from Joy:
Forgive your slip-ups

It's the last day of Joy's 25,000 pound Weight-loss Challenge! We're so close but we need your help to make it over the finish line.

Make sure you record your progress as soon as possible -- every pound brings us closer to the 25,000 goal.  Click the link to go to the form where you can submit your total weight loss this month. Today's your last chance!

Need incentive? If we make the goal -- all 25,000 pounds of it -- by the end of the day, Joy has pledged to jump-rope through the entire hour of Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda! Click here to let us know how many pounds you've lost!

 Read Joy's special tip of the day: Forgive your slip-ups

We've only a day to go with the 25,000 Pound Weight-Loss Challenge! And we need everybody's help to make sure that we hit our goal by Tuesday. Have you recorded your progress today? Click here and tell us how it's going.

Nobody eats perfectly all the time, and it’s fine—totally normal, in fact—to stray from your plan from time to time. But to be successful in the long-term, you must learn to overcome these temporary setbacks. You can’t let one binge or one “off day” turn into a full week, or month, of splurging.  Instead of dwelling on your mistakes, shake it off and get right back on track at your very next meal, or the very next day. Remember, nobody gains weight from one rich meal or a single slice of cake.  The real trouble starts when you allow that one “splurge” to snowball into an all-out eating frenzy. As the challenge draws to a close, it’s important to remember to take it one meal at a time, and learn to forgive yourself if you should fall slightly off balance.

To enhance your weight-loss efforts, check out Joy’s delicious, easy-to-follow meal plan that’s perfectly formulated to maximize results.

If you've joined the Challenge and not logged your total pounds lost, go here to record your progress now. If you haven't joined yet, click here to sign up -- it's never too late. All through January TODAY viewers are being challenged to lose weight -- 25,000 pounds!-- together. After you join, you can log your weight loss anytime.  

For slimming recipes, menus and health tips, visit joybauer.com and follow Joy on Facebook and Twitter.

What do you think of today's Challenge tip? Share with us on TODAY Health's Facebook page. And record your progress on our Twitter hashtag #TODAYHealth!

Read yesterday's tip from Joy:
Choose lean proteins

Protein is a weight loss hero, but you want to choose the leanest options to control calories and minimize unhealthy fats. Best bets include skinless poultry, fish and shellfish, egg whites, beans, lentils, low-fat dairy, and whole soy foods (tofu, tempeh, edamame). For overall health, I recommend eating red meat (lean cuts, of course) no more than two times per week. When it comes to beef, cuts with the terms “loin” or “round” in the name, such as sirloin and top and bottom round, are the trimmest options.  For pork, go for the ultra-lean tenderloin.

To enhance your weight-loss efforts, check out Joy’s delicious, easy-to-follow meal plan that’s perfectly formulated to maximize results.

For slimming recipes, menus and health tips, visit joybauer.com and follow Joy on Facebook and Twitter.

What do you think of today's Challenge tip? Share with us on TODAY Health's Facebook page. And record your progress on our Twitter hashtag #TODAYHealth!

Read yesterday's tip from Joy:
Do-it-yourself smoothie for a convenient meal replacement

Having a quick and easy meal replacement smoothie recipe in your back pocket comes in handy for times when you’re eating on the run…or simply feel like mixing things up. My homemade Power Protein Smoothie works perfectly as a stand-alone breakfast or lunch. It has plenty of filling protein to curb your appetite, plus lots of colorful frozen berries for fiber, vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness. To make it, simply blend together ¾ cup milk (skim, soy, or almond), ½ banana, 1 cup frozen mixed berries, 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, and 3 to 5 ice cubes until smooth and frothy. One generous, 2-cup serving provides 305 calories and 31 grams protein.

To enhance your weight loss efforts, check out Joy’s delicious, easy-to-follow meal plan that’s perfectly formulated to maximize results.

For slimming recipes, menus and health tips, visit joybauer.com and follow Joy on Facebook and Twitter.

What do you think of today's Challenge tip? Share with us on TODAY Health's Facebook page. And record your progress on our Twitter hashtag #TODAYHealth!

Read yesterday's tip from Joy: 
Clean out your condiment shelf

There's only a few more days left in Joy's 25,000 weight-loss challenge. How are you doing?

There are only a few days left in the 25,000 Pound Weight-Loss Challenge! Have you recorded your progress today? Click here and tell us how it's going. We can do it!

We’re in the home stretch of Joy’s 25,000-pound challenge! There’s just a handful of days to go, a handful of pounds to lose, so we are wondering – how is it really going?

We asked TODAY Health Facebook fans  to share what is motivating them to stick to their diet, and to let us know what tips are working best.

Sarah May’s motivation is two-fold: health and self-esteem.

Writes Sarah:

I have spent the past 3 years getting bigger and bigger and had reached the point that I felt so disgusted with myself …that I had stopped wanting to go places and do things due to my embarrassment about myself!

Mays, who has lost 15 pounds since January 1,  started working out daily with her boyfriend and has been changing her eating habits by focusing on lean proteins and vegetables.

She adds:

Having a workout partner keeps us accountable and sticking to our workout plan. Another thing that keeps me on track is working out first thing in the morning so that there are no excuses about being tired, etc... later in the day. Another bonus of working out first thing in the morning… it keeps me from caving and eating unhealthy food during the day because I know it will undo the work that I got up so early to do!

Marinelli De Chavez Payne’s motivation for getting healthier is for the hope of having a baby one day.

She writes:

Of course, like most people who want to loose weight, I also want to have a nice figure and bring back my self-confidence. BUT my main goal is really for health. This may sound ironic, but I am actually working out and trying to lose weight for a bigger belly!... you know... so I can be healthy and get pregnant. :) 

For Beth Laszlo-Griffith, motivation comes in the form of wanting to look and feel good, so that others will know she cares about her health. She comments:

I have been unemployed for a year now and with that came a weight gain of about 30 pounds. (The heaviest I have ever been) I want/need a job, and want to feel good about walking into an interview, letting them know health is important to ...me by looking healthy, and will have the energy and stamina that a healthy person has.

Annie Mulder is also focused on staying on track, and has been soaking up the tips. She advises:

Try to move more, even if it's just stretching, yoga and resistance training. Any small movement is better than not moving. And get a biggy 64 oz travel cup and drink boat loads of water!!

If you've joined the Challenge and not logged your total pounds lost, go here to record your progress now. If you haven't joined yet, click here to sign up -- it's never too late. All through January TODAY viewers are being challenged to lose weight -- 25,000 pounds!-- together. After you join, you can log your weight loss anytime.  

In case you missed them, here's some tips from Joy's Challenge:

Clean out your condiments

Sip water before lunch and dinner

Spice up your meals

Get moving during commercial breaks

Take advantage of those spare moments while watching your favorite shows—jump up off the couch and fill them with exercise. Take your pick: you can march or jog in place, do crunches, add extra jumping jacks (you’re still doing 300 a day, right?), or squeeze in a set of lunges or push-ups. During each 2-minute commercial break, you can burn an extra 20 calories…and that could add up to a total of 100 calories during an hour-long program! Way to be efficient, right?!

To enhance your weight loss efforts, check out Joy’s delicious, easy-to-follow meal plan that’s perfectly formulated to maximize results.

For slimming recipes, menus and health tips, visit joybauer.com and follow Joy on Facebook and Twitter.

What do you think of today's Challenge tip? Share with us on TODAY Health's Facebook page. And record your progress on our Twitter hashtag #TODAYHealth!

Read yesterday's tip from Joy: 
Spice up your meals

At this point in the challenge, it’s all about fine-tuning your diet to get every advantage possible—and spicing up your food is one way to get ahead. New research out of Purdue University suggests that adding fiery seasonings and condiments like cayenne pepper, fresh and bottled hot peppers, and hot sauce to meals suppresses your appetite and slightly revs your metabolism.

To cash in on these calorie savings, mix spicy ingredients into your food as often as you can in the weeks ahead. Try sprinkling chopped hot peppers into salads, or mixing hot sauce into low-fat mayo or hummus to make a spicy spread for sandwiches. Add minced jalapeno or chipotle peppers to omelets, low-fat chicken or tuna salad, stir fries, and marinades. Bring on the heat!

For slimming recipes, menus and health tips, visit joybauer.com and follow Joy on Facebook and Twitter.

What do you think of today's Challenge tip? Still sticking to your New Year's Resolution? Share with us on TODAY Health's Facebook page. And record your progress on the new Twitter hashtag #TODAYHealth!

Read yesterday's tip from Joy: 
Make the TV room a 'no-eating zone'

It’s incredibly easy to polish off a whole bag of chips or entire row of cookies when you’re mindlessly snacking while watching television. When you’re distracted by the TV, you’re less aware of your body’s internal fullness cues and more likely to overeat. From now on, make it a rule to eat meals only while sitting down at the kitchen table (not camped out on the couch), without a computer or a TV playing in the background. When your meal is your only focus, you’re far less likely to eat past the point of fullness.

You’ll be more in control of your eating, which translates to faster results.

For slimming recipes, menus and health tips, visit joybauer.com and follow Joy on Facebook and Twitter.

What do you think of today's Challenge tip? Still sticking to your New Year's Resolution? Share with us on TODAY Health's Facebook page. And record your progress on the new Twitter hashtag #TODAYHealth!

Read yesterday's tip from Joy: 
Low-fat dairy swaps can help you cut major calories

Game plan a list of super-simple, starch-free dinners you can whip up in 20 minutes or less. These will be your go-to recipes for days when you’re short on time, so you’ll avoid losing resolve and grabbing unhealthy fast food or pizza. Some quick and easy ideas include: turkey burgers with frozen green beans, teriyaki grilled chicken with broccoli, frozen shrimp and vegetable stir fry, grilled or broiled fish with sautéed spinach, and an egg white omelet or frittata with vegetables and reduced-fat cheese. Then, make sure you have the ingredients for at least 2 of these meals on hand in your fridge, freezer, and cupboards at all times. On nights when you’re feeling stressed and exhausted, you’ll always have these quick suppers to fall back on, and you can still put something healthy and homemade on the table.

For slimming recipes, menus and health tips, visit joybauer.com and follow Joy on Facebook and Twitter.

What do you think of today's Challenge tip? Still sticking to your New Year's Resolution? Share with us on TODAY Health's Facebook page. And record your progress on the new Twitter hashtag #TODAYHealth!