Every day after school, for three hours a day, I would sell those pralines on the street corner. I was just eight years old. I'd bring the money home to my parents and say, "This is just the beginning."

I get an abundance of e-mail every day, some say 'dear Richard, can you call my husband, he weighs 400 pounds...' or 'my 14-year-old is 200 pounds...' or 'I just got divorced, no one wants me, I am 500 pounds.' So I pick up the phone and I call people.

I do not want any child in America to have my childhood because it was taken away from me because I just wasn't good enough; well I am good enough now.

After all the throwing up, I would starve myself. Which meant eating lettuce and water for two and a half months. I almost lost my life.

No tricks, gimmicks, special pills, special potions, special equipment. All it takes is desire and will.

I just want people to get off the back burner of their life and start to take better care of themselves and their children.

Sleep is critical to me ... at least eight or nine hours a night. I start to slow down my body and my mind at least 30 minutes before I get into bed. I don't watch any disturbing or invigorating TV at night.