Introduce Yourself!!

[aphil]

Screen Name:

Age/Age Range:

Family Life:

Occupation:

Hobbies and Interests:

Favorite Music:

Favorite Color(s):

Favorite Exercise/Workouts:

What are your fitness/health goals?

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health?

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?

(Evil motivation :devil: ) Who do you want to look better than? ;) :

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?

[aphil]

*Screen Name: Aphil

*Age/Age Range: almost 30! :lol:

*Family Life:
Married with two children-Raiden is 3, Jasmine is 6

*Occupation:
Middle Eastern dancer with Troupe Taleeba, professional seamstress and costume maker specializing in belly dance costumes and movie costume replicas, vendor for belly dance merchandise, member of the costume staff at TheForce.net

*Hobbies and Interests:
Art, dance (all kinds), music and instruments, costumes and costume design, sci-fi and fantasy movies and books, foreign culture, wine and mead, Renaissance faires, exercising, Natural health and eating practices, funky clothing, any craft-crocheting, floral design, beading, painting-you name it I do it. :lol:

*Favorite Music:
Middle Eastern, Prince, Ani Difranco, Adult alternative-folksy stuff, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, classical, Gothic-Type O Negative or Manson type stuff, Electronic Techno-Raver stuff, Bluegrass (yeah-imagine that! :lol: ) Afikan Jenbe, Native American and Middle Eastern drumming...really anything that makes unique use of instruments and musical talents. (So I actually pretty much hate pop music like Britney Spears and Hillary Duff.)

*Favorite Color(s): green, black, and any shade of brown. I like orange as well.

*Favorite Exercise/Workouts: strength training, belly dancing, walking, and yoga.

*What are your fitness/health goals?
To become stronger, more flexible, and more more aerobically fit. I would ultimately like to maintain a weight of around 140-but I am in no hurry. I concentrate the most on athletic fitness. I also concentrate on eating as much of a natural diet as possible.

*What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?

After I had my first child I weighed 200 pounds. The trigger to get fit was when I saw photos of me with her during a baby pageant. It tore me up to see how fat I was. I made it to goal and maintenance, and soon became pregnant again.
I hadn't even recuperated from his birth totally yet when he became very ill with pneumonia and aspirated lungs at a few weeks of age. He was in intensive care for a while and I was doing breathing treatments and such every couple hours for a while after his hospital release. Once that was all over with-I realized how worn out and fat I was. I was 211 pounds and tired and just worn out. I couldn't wear anything but housewife sweatpants. I knew I had to start taking care of myself, if I was going to take care of my children.

*What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health?
Binge eating/snacking

*What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
*Stop occasional binge eating/snacking
*To drink more water
*To try to push my dance experience and ability to a higher level

*(Evil motivation :devil: ) Who do you want to look better than? ;) :
Every female on my husband's side of the family. :rofl:

*What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?
Shorts! (legs are my problem area)

[ChrissyL]

Screen Name:ChrissyL

Age/Age Range: 39 - will be 40 on 11/13/05

Family Life: married 3 children 2 girls, Cara 13 (14 in 2 months!) and Victoria 2, a son Anthony 9

Occupation: SAHM, web design ...my husband and I own our own WebDesign Company so I help him with that.

Hobbies and Interests: My husband and children are my main interest :) Pixel Art, Web Design, Cooking & Baking

Favorite Music:I like all sorts of music, Rock (Motely Crue!!) Some Country, Dance, hiphop (good music to sweat too while your doing housework dance dance dance away! Makes cleaning fun!) Alternative

Favorite Color(s): Burgandy & Forest Green, Mauve

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: I LOVE to work out to Richard Simmons! and I love to dance around the house with the kids, its great exercise!

What are your fitness/health goals? My fitness goals are to get in better shape, I want to be around when Tori becomes a grandmother(Of course when all my children become grandparents but since she is the youngest I want to make it till shes one) I want to be in good health and in good shape

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Noticing I have to *lift* my leg up to put on socks and shoes, I just can't pick it up on its own anymore, plus I get out of breath going up the stairs, thats not good...My husband is tall and thin so we look like a #10 when we walk together, I don't want that, I dont want people to see us and think what is such a good looking skinny guy doing with a fat chick like that....makes me sad (Although my husband likes a little more meat on the bones, he doesn't like real thin)

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Exercise...wanting to snack on a cookie or a piece of cake

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
1. I need to exercise more
2. I need to learn how to cook differently
3. I need to do more ab work

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : Any of the women my husband looks at!

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? A nice form fitting shirt and a pair of zip up jeans, instead of wearing a shirt big enough to cover the fat and no more stretch jeans.

[rebelridergirl]

Screen Name: rebelridergirl

Age/Age Range:28

Family Life: married will be 1 year June 5th, no children from either of us

Occupation: paraeducator for special education

Hobbies and Interests: riding motorcycles, being with my family, being outdoors, boating, swimming, dancing at clubs :lol: , music, and just having fun!

Favorite Music: I like lots of different types...Slipknot, Disturbed, Saliva, Avril, rock and roll, some blues, Fleetwood Mac, The Doors, Nirvana, System of a Down, Drowning Pool...just about everything my husband hates!

Favorite Color(s): purple, silver, green

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: jogging, swimming, walking, dancing

What are your fitness/health goals? To be comfortable in my body. I am tired of feeling that my weight always hinders or holds me back on things that I really want to do. I would like to find a weight ( maybe 140-160) that I can maintain and enjoy being me.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I think what really did it for me was cleaning out my closet a few weeks ago. I found my "skinny" clothes and I realized that even though they aren't small to most people, I cant fit in them at all. They are size 14/16. It made me aware of how much I have truly gained, but also showed me that those clothes were loose at one time. I put my mind to it then and did it, so there is no reason that I can't do it now. Plus, I also did some soul searching and realized what I did wrong last time and why I regained weight.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Obssession over food and calories and binge eating.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
1) Drink minimum of 64 oz of water.
2) Work towards doing more weight training and toning.
3) Control binge eating and curb obsession with calories.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : My husband's ex-wife. Although...I don't find her too terribly attractive. :devil:

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? hotpants...just kidding! Sexy jeans and a cute top that doesnt cover my belly.

[Forever42]

Ok, I need a bit of motivation this week!

Screen Name: Forever42

Age/Age Range: 23

Family Life: Living with fiance and an annoying furry feline child. Planning on staying human child-free.

Occupation: Food science student

Hobbies and Interests: surfing the Internet, reading cookbooks, cooking, going to Disney :D oh, and food. I love food. Did I mention food?

Favorite Music: Adult contemporary :o Country, oldies, whatever's playing on the "mix" station, usually.

Favorite Color(s): Green

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Elliptical (without arms), strength training, swimming

What are your fitness/health goals? To be happy in my body, mostly. I want to weigh what I weighed in high school, which isn't unreasonable for me - I want to weigh 135, which is 45 more lbs.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?

This time around, it was that my "fat" jeans were too tight, and I was not going to waste money on "fatter" jeans. I was also starting to get embarrassed to go out in public. I had lost 40 lbs in the past but ended up gaining all but two back.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Exercise, definitely.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Eating more fruit, more cardio, more strength training

(Evil motivation :devil: ) Who do you want to look better than? ;) : A friend of mine who, when she diets, ends up eating a net 400 cals a day and drops the weight quickly, but gains it all back. :rolleyes:

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? A bikini! And a sundress!

[lilybutt]

Screen Name: Lilybutt

Age/Age Range: turned 43 in January

Family Life: Single, dating, and two kittie girls at home

Occupation: Special Education consultant

Hobbies and Interests: Reading novels and magazines, going out with friends, reality TV, napping

Favorite Music: Listen to country, like Toby Keith

Favorite Color(s): Green

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: UGH.....none of them are my favorites!!!! But i switch it up alot....right now I am walking 2 1/2 miles......then I switch stationary bike, sometimes I swim laps or do wieght training....all depends on my mood!

What are your fitness/health goals? Not to get so winded! I would like to try to keep my blood pressure down and just feel better abobut myself!

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?

Well THIS time, it was ending a relationship in which I had kind of let myself go......I felt I needed to get control of my life back and that included my weight.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health?

Binge eating and sometimes driking alcohol....I know, but I like to socialize with friends and that includes a few drinks on the weekend. Empty calories, I know!

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?

More water
Less diet pop
the occassional binges

(Evil motivation) Who do you want to look better than?:

Hmmmmm...long past caring to look better than anyone, but want to look good so that my evil ex will be sorry he dumped me!

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?


Some of my clothes that no longer fit....
I have an awesome pair of capri pants that are lime green gingham....love them!

[VermontMom]

Screen Name: VermontMom, real name Holly

Age/Age Range: oh, over 40 (44) :D

Family Life: Married, to same guy, for 25 years. Two sons, 22 and 14. One huge furry Alaskan shepherd

Occupation: Pastry Baker

Hobbies and Interests: MOTORCYCLES, working out, mostly baking but some cooking, reading, gardening, motorcycles

Favorite Music: I am hopelessly stuck in the music of late '70's and 80's, lol, but I also like the girl groups of the '50's, early Elvis.

Favorite Color(s): Black studded leather (sorry! :D) Black and dark deep colors, greens/burgundies.

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: anything by Gilad. I like weight training, I love muscles, I think a muscled woman is so sexy, strong.

What are your fitness/health goals? I would like to be a compact size 6, around 140, with definite muscle tone. I want people to be able to tell I work out. I would like enough bodyfat eliminated so I can actually see what non-fat legs and ankles look like. I do not want to see any rippling on the back of my thighs.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Nothing in particular; just felt time marching on and I was unhappy, tired all the time, sick of myself, jealous of nice-looking women.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Keeping my eating under control. I got to a comfortable size 6, weight 142, but have allowed some pounds to come back, due to lax attention to portion control and being accountable.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? again, going back to realizing I FOREVER have to be vigilant; staying AWAY from white sugar/flour/cakey sweets; drinking my 64 ounces of water daily.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : Anyone significantly younger than me :D

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Is this limited to only one??? Leather chaps, with just sexy panties...at a motorcycle rally :rofl: and a short denim skirt with heels.

thanks, aphil!






__________________

[Chubella]

Screen Name: Chubella

Age/Age Range: 19

Family Life: single, off at college

Occupation: sophmore college student

Hobbies and Interests: drawing, reading, dance parties, dress-up, giving makeovers.. I pretty much havent matured past 15 yet. I just realized this right now.

Favorite Music: Dave Matthews Band, Counting Crows, Andrea Bocceli, Patsy Cline, Bruce

Favorite Color(s): red

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: anything with the arms, and i love kickboxing and soccer and things that you don't realize that you are actually working out doing

What are your fitness/health goals? to get into shape, meaning being able to play soccer with all my cousins or friends or whoever and not feel like im going to die after 5 mins. and to stop having my life revolve around food and stop worrying about what I look like every second of the day.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?
After seeing a picture of me and all my friends after graduation and realizing that I was the biggest person in the picture, especially because two years before that I was the skinniest.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health?
Actually following through with my elaborate diet and exercise plans I make for my self. I will plan out everything I will eat and exercises I will do for a month and by day 3 totally lose interest or forget about it and then a week later I will remember and get upset.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
1 Binge eating, or having the feeling that the minute I'm alone I have the freedom to eat anything and everything I want because no one will be watching me eat it.
2 Exercising regularly and not just once a week
3 Try to eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of eating hardly anything until dinner, where of course I will stuff myself to make up for it.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : my mom, no offense mom its just that I have to be smaller than you...because its embarassing

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?
a pair of long dark blue low riding jeans with flowy peasent/hippie speghetti shirt... sigh.. that would be awesome. i would want to show off my skinny neck and sculpted arms and pretty collar bones.

[chubbyvixen]

Screen Name: Chubby vixen
Age/Age Range: 21

Family Life: Family is back in the States, I'm in the Middle East with my husband, Nic. We have 2 dogs, a mastiff/great dane named Tonka and a jack russel named Bomber. A cat named Gambino. We have a cat here named Lucy. The others are with our parents in the States.

Occupation: not working

Hobbies and Interests: the beach, motorcycles(my husbands in paticular), shopping, traveling, meeting new people, learning about other cultures, volleyball, my husband.
Favorite Music: Rock(Alice in Chains is my favorite), Top 40, Country, Some rap, old rock...

Favorite Color(s): Red

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: My new Denise Austin dvd and my exercise ball

What are your fitness/health goals? To get to my goal weight and maintain it with a healthy lifestyle for the rest of my life

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I know y'all probably dont want to hear this but when I have sex with my husband, I feel so fat and Im so worried about what I look like. I want to feel sexy again. I want to not have to worry about the light being on.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? I am bipolar and when I get to a depression phase, I crash and burn on my healthy living.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? The amount that I exercise is very minimal. I want to exercise alot more. I feel great when I do.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : My husbands ex wife. Shes not pretty in the face but weighed less then my big toe. I live in the MIddle East and there are alot of Asian women here. They are sooo tiny. They're on my list as well.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? A mini skirt with boots and a cute top. Oh and my bikini from last year.

Love,
Deanne

[chubbyvixen]

Aphil...tell me about the MIddle Eastern stuff you're into. We can compare notes!

Love,
Deanne

[lyds39]

Screen Name: :D
lyds39 (real name Lydia)
Age/Age Range: :(
turning 30 in 2 weeks!
Family Life:
A very large family but not very close and a fantastic fiance :love:
Occupation:
Telephonist and Receptionist, poet and writer(still have not made any money but all good things happen to those who wait?) and AVON lady!!! :comp:
Hobbies and Interests: :cb:
I love reading, writing and music, once was a classical singer years and years ago but still have a fantastic appreciation for music!!! I enjoy anything to do with performance arts and alternative healing methods, I have done Indian Head Massage and Magnet Therapy... Oh yes and making chocolate truffles and sweet things!!! OH and most importantly - learning something new everyday no matter how insignificant it might seem to others.
Favorite Music: :dancer:
I have a very ecclectic taste in music but pretty everything goes exept Doef doef music
Favorite Color(s): :wizard:
Purple and pinks, well any colour really except gold
Favorite Exercise/Workouts: :no: :no:
none, but have started to see the benefits of Callanetics and am loving it but also realize that I will have to do it till my dying day!!! I do enjoy stolls and long walks, but no hiking, admittedly I have never learnt how to ride a bike and that seems like great fun I just know that the day I learn not only will I fall off countless times but I will probably break a leg or two!!!
What are your fitness/health goals? :hyper: :hyper:
To be fit and healthy, lower my cholesterol and to look good in all my clothes that don't fit me!!!!
What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? :yikes:
I had a fun day out with one of my mates to a photo session and when I looked at the photo's they had taken of me i was embarrassed - I never looked so big in my life before - I did not even look like a woman I looked like a 50 year old drag queen ( not my ideal look at nearly 30)
What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health?
I think the idea that there is no quick fix that I have to do this for the rest of my life, I want to start having babies in the next couple of years and do not want to be unfit and unhealthy for when they grow up - i want to be able to run around with them in the park and play with them without getting tired. Also knowing that I should have done this years ago - i know that things catch up to us very quickly and I feel guilty for having 'giving up' so soon in my early 20's. Another struggle for me is motivation, it just takes one thing to get me off the track so I need tons of that and nagging to make me keep an eye on what I eat and that I exercise everyday!!!!!
What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? :
Nigella lawson!!!!!!!!!Who else she has the most beautiful figure, curvy and feminine WOW
What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size
My current goal is to be able to wear my skinny jeans for my 30th birthday party and not feel that I am not allowed to breath the whole night. Ideally I would like to drop down a couple of dress sizes, I know it sounds alot but I am currently a 18/20 (was 22/24 in November) and want to be 12/14!!!!!!!!!! Lots of hard work ahead!!!



http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;13;125/st/20050402/e/30th+birthday+party%21%21%21%21%21%21/dt/5/k/8008/event.png
(http://www.TickerFactory.com/)

[Dritter79]

Screen Name: Dritter79

Age/Age Range: 25

Family Life: I love my mom, but live far away from her.

Occupation: Was a special education teacher, now a housewife looking for a job!

Hobbies and Interests: I love teaching myself sign language and knitting

Favorite Music: Country

Favorite Color(s): Light blue-North Carolina Tar Heels

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and my step video workout

What are your fitness/health goals? To maintain a healthy weight

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? When I didn't fit into my teaching clothes

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? When I get bored, I tend to overeat for no reason.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? My eating habits and my running endurance.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : Jennifer Aniston

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? my tan hip hugger pants and of course a bikini.
__________________

[srose]

Screen Name:srose

Age/Age Range:26

Family Life:I am not married. I am very close with my parents and my 2 older sisters.

Occupation:Kindergarten teacher

Hobbies and Interests:I love to read, walk, shop, and be with my friends and family (especially my 2 nephews).

Favorite Music:I listen to all kinds of music rock, christian, bluegrass. I am into christian worship music right now.

Favorite Color(s):anything pastel

Favorite Exercise/Workouts:Walk away the pounds with Leslie Sansone

What are your fitness/health goals?I want to feel comfortable being me. I don't know what weight/size that will be, but I am not comfortable right now. I want to be healthy, in all areas in my life.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I got on the scale and literally thought I was going to die, because I've never been this heavy before.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Portion control!!!!!!!! I've been on every diet known to man, but it all boils down to portion control for me. That is why the calorie counting is vital for me.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? portion control and getting in exercise, some form, each day.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? :Basically, I just want to look better than I have in the past few years. I'm not out to get noticed more so than anyone else, I just want to be able to get into my skinny clothes, and be forced to buy new ones.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? I want to walk into a store and not have to go to the plus size clothes. I also want to buy something that clings to my figure, and not have to worry about the rolls of fat showing through.
__________________

[BrOOklyN ChIcK]

Screen Name: Brooklyn Chick! :)

Age/Age Range: 22

Family Life: Single (but so married in my heart to my boyfriend of 7 years)

Occupation: Client Retention Specialist (Sports Management Grad Student)

Hobbies and Interests: Music, Thinking I can dance like Janet...

Favorite Music: Reggae, Hip Hop, RnB and pretty much everthing else

Favorite Color(s): Pink and Blue

Favorite Exercise/Workouts:Elliptical (with arms), jump rope

What are your fitness/health goals? To get to 140 (My healthy range)

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I got a new gym membership for my birthday and this summer I want look good, I wore way too many jeans last year.


What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Walking past the McDonalds Smell & Missing Jumbo burgers.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? I need to eat more veggies, find healthier snacks and improve my strength training.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : Some girl named Beyonce, Ever heard of her? no? lol Nah but we have the exact same body shape (hips and everything) and her body is to die for.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?
*singing* she wore an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini.... :lol:

[newchick]

[FONT=Verdana]Screen Name:newchick

Age/Age Range:38

Family Life:husband, daughter(12), 2 cats

Occupation:teacher

Hobbies and Interests:reading, decorating my new house, swimming, movies, cooking, losing weight

Favorite Music:any except violent or overtly sexual or lyrics that put others down

Favorite Color(s): pink, red, white, light turquios?, yellow

Favorite Exercise/Workouts:swimming, stepping, Kathy Smith

What are your fitness/health goals? to be pain free, under 200 lbs.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? constant pain, being over 300lbs. :o :ink:

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? wanting to eat more

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? sweets, daily exercise, motivation

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? my sister-in-laws

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? all my clothes that don't fit now, pantyhose and dresses

[elsbit]

Screen Name: Elsbit

Age/Age Range: 25

Family Life: Engaged, two cats, a dog, and a bird

Occupation: Probation Officer

Hobbies and Interests: Going to concerts, movie, literature, art

Favorite Music: Dave Matthews Band, Jack Johnson, U2, Ani DiFranco, Tom Petty, Paul Simon, Damien Rice, Beatles.... I could go on and on

Favorite Color(s): Green

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Taking our puppy to the park and hiking. But I will be honest, I am still in that stage when I groan at the idea of excercise. In fact, I am procrastinating right now by playing on the computer rather than sweating on my treadmill;)

What are your fitness/health goals? To be healthy and in shape and weigh in around 140 lbs.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Well, I have known for a long time I need to lose weight. I became obese in college after being about 140 -160 lbs for most of my life. It has been a very hard adjustment. But what kicked my *** into gear is my October wedding. Gotta lose the chub for my day!

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Not binging at night and excercising regularly.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? More protein, more excercise, even more veggies!

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : No one. I just want to look and feel the way I used to:)

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Wedding dress (though I do not plan to be at my 'ultimate' goal by then.. partially there!)

[garnetrose32]

I am in my fifties and ready to start over again with my weight loss. It is never too late to start, I say. I am a wife, mother and my life is filled with my children and my hobbies. I am a retired foster mom. I had to retire cause of health issues. If I can get my weight down and get my health back, I may go at it again.

[ashleysdiet]

Screen Name: ashleysdiet

Age/Age Range: 19 years old.

Family Life: I live with my boyfriend.

Occupation: Student.

Hobbies and Interests: Music, shopping, the Internet.

Favorite Music: Pretty much everything except jazz, classical..

Favorite Color(s): Navy blue & red

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: I love the elliptical machine! And I love weight lifting as well.

What are your fitness/health goals? I am currently 5'7" and 166 lbs. I would like to be 135 by the end of this summer.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I reached the highest weight I felt comfortable with (190 lbs) and knew it was time for me to do something about it.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Exercising. I'm too lazy, and I don't do it as often as I should.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Eating less junk (mind you it's "healthy junk" but it still makes me feel bad), exercise more, wake up earlier so I can get breakfast in each day.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : Sandra Bullock! People tell me I look like her - maybe my face, but not my body!

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? "Wow, you are hot!"
__________________

[KTna]

Screen Name:
KTna
Age/Age Range:
27
Family Life:
Married, no kids yet.
Occupation:
Marketing
Hobbies and Interests:
Music, cars, real estate, art...
Favorite Music:
depends on the day, alternative-rap-classical...everything!
Favorite Color(s):
they all work for me
Favorite Exercise/Workouts:
Yourself!Fitness, Dance Dance Revolution, walking
What are your fitness/health goals?
I would like to get to 150, and see where I will go from there
What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?
Lost when I got married (but not enough) gained after that, lost for a cruise, maintained after that, now losing for my friends wedding that I am in (in June) and after that I am continuing losing for my birthday
What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health?
body image, I can't see the loss, and I feel that I haven't come as far as I have, I struggle with accepting the loose skin
What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
I need to exercise more in general. I try to get up in the morning, but it's so hard!
(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? :
Myself, but I would like to look like one of the female wrestlers on WWE
What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?
Bridesmaid dress in June, and look great in it!

[anthemfamily]

Screen Name: anthemfamily

Age/Age Range: 35

Family Life: Live with my DH, 13 yo daughter, 10 yo son, and 3yo daughter and adorable golden retriever Toby

Occupation: WAHM, medical biller/coder

Hobbies and Interests: cooking, sewing, camping and vacations

Favorite Music: almost anything, work out to Hip-Hop, madly in love with Sammy Hagar and Toby Keith (notice dog's name) ;)

Favorite Color(s): pink and green

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: definately running, but also like biking and swimming

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to live a long healthy life and be around to see my great-grandchildren I would like to feel good and no longer be the "fat friend" :o

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Lots of things, but mostly, my oldest daughter wanted to run the rock n roll marathon next year.... of course now I am running, and she wont get out of bed most mornings :lol:

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Eating breakfast, and not overeating at dinner

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? eating more in am, up the excercise, stop weighing so much

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : hands down, my sister!!

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Funny, I actually "fantasize" about this when excercizing gets rough... men's Levi 501's like high school, with a t-shirt... simple but i think my husband would REALLY notice... :D

[HollyBerries]

Screen Name: HollyBerries

Age/Age Range: 36 for another 2 mos.

Family Life: Married for 1 1/2 yrs to my best friend. No kids, but have our dog Buddy (Jack Russell), Murphy, our senile cat, and Dusty, a very sassy cockatiel.

Occupation: Corporate Relations

Hobbies and Interests: Music (playing and listening), riding with my husband on our motorcycle, karaoke, gardening, camping, fishing.

Favorite Music: I listen to so much...Jazz, blues, rock, country....right now I am on a Sheryl Crow kick, and waiting for Lisa Marie's new album.

Favorite Color(s): green, brown, black

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: ugh...If I have to pick one, I would have to say crunches and squats, only because I tend to see results quickly.

What are your fitness/health goals? I need to get in the groove of working out every day. I feel better when I do it. Stop smoking...I have Crohn's disease and smoking is horrible for me. Long range is to lose the weight safely and keep myself in remission.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? When the scale hit 200. I knew I had gained a considerable amount of weight, but after having 4 surgeries in 1 yr for my Crohn's disease, I needed to gain some weight. I was just soooooo happy to eat more than a tablespoon of food every 3 hrs, I went a bit overboard. Ooops!

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? SMOKING!!!! I can cut back on the food because I have not had a great relationship with food for yrs. I don't miss eating. Smoking, on the other hand, has kept me sane through many years of horrific pain from my disease. My deepest fear is if I don't have a cigarette near by, and the pain kicks in, I won't be able to handle it. I'm getting better with this though!!!!

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
1. Portion control---since having so many intestinal surgeries, I can't tell when I am full. Now I have to make a conscious effort to eat normal portions.
2. Exercise even when I am dog-tired.
3. Not going overboard on my cheat days.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : For 25 yrs I was always the fat one in the family and around friends. When the Crohn's disease kicked in full blast, I went from 265 to 140 in a very short amt of time. People said that I was too skinny. Now that I am 200, people say I look so much better. I want to look sooooo much better at a healthy 150!!!
AND....I want to be the "little" hottie that my husband's friends talked about!!! :devil:

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? My entire closet of size 10 clothes. THEY ARE SOOO CUTE!!!!

[Jman1]

Screen Name:

Jman1

Age/Age Range:

Late 20s

Family Life:

Cohabitatin'.

Occupation:

Sitting in front of a computer.

Hobbies and Interests:

Basketball, games, movies, books.

Favorite Music:

Varies

Favorite Color(s):

Brown.

Favorite Exercise/Workouts:

Basketball & running.

What are your fitness/health goals?

Weigh less than 170, ideally 160. Be able to run a 5K in about 20 minutes. Dunking a basketball would let me die a happy man.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?

Been struggling for a while. Lately, I've gotten the rest of my life more under control and feel I am now more able to tackle the weight loss.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health?

Overeating. :) Consistency.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?

1) Range of foods. I tend to eat the same things every day.
2) Consistency, especially on weekends.
3) Flexibility. I have none. I need some.

(Evil motivation :devil: ) Who do you want to look better than? ;) :

The younger guys.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?

Tight athletic tee-shirts.


Feel free to PM me.

[ksduffster]

Screen Name: ksduffster

Age/Age Range: 22

Family Life: single and looking (hard!); right now it's just me and my puppy though

Occupation: receptionist/copy operator at a law firm and usher for the Columbus Crew (the first one pays the bills, the second one satisfies my soul! lol :lol: )

Hobbies and Interests: knitting, reading, soccer junkie

Favorite Music: anything but contemporary Christian

Favorite Color(s): blue, blue, and especially Earthquakes blue!

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: I love swimming, but I don't have access to a pool right now, so mostly I just walk during my lunch and when I take the dog out. I also LOVE soccer, but until I get into better shape, that is out of the question.

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to be back where I was when I graduated from high school, 45 pounds ago. I also need to lower my cholesterol (around 300!!!) using diet and exercise (although it has never really helped in the past) and just generally get in shape. I want to be able to play 90 again without huffing and puffing 10 minutes in.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I have 3 incidents that accumulated and made me decide it was time. The first one was, when I went to renew my driver's license in August 2003, for the first time since high school, the clerk asked me if all the information was correct. I was just thinking address, so after I changed that and told her that was all, she looked me up and down and said "You really think you weigh 130?" And I'd like to thank that wonderful clerk for pretty much ruining my 21st birthday. The second was when I went home a couple months ago and my mom and I were talking about how we both think that we should lose weight, I found out that I am almost 20 pounds heavier than her. Neither of us looks very heavy, it was just a bit of a shock to find out that the woman who had been larger than me my whole life (and is still an inch or two taller than me) is now the smaller of us. The last one was when my company told me that I am in line for a transfer to California (!) and I thought I need to look better if I am going to be starting a new life with tons of new people and if I am more confident in myself it will be easier to get to know these people and really learn to be comfortable out there.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Portion control!!! I have been counting my calories now, so it is getting easier, but I still don't always know what a serving of beef or chicken or whatever looks like. And the such and such looks like a deck of cards or 2 Tbsp. is the size of a ping pong ball visualizations don't really work for me.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? 1. Portion control!!! (See above) 2. Making time to workout. Most of the time when I get home from work all I want to do is let the dog out and flop down on the sofa with a giant bowl of pasta or something and veg until morning. But, since the time change it has been easier and I have been making myself get out and take the dog on longer walks. 3. Getting a better variety of produce in my diet. Neither of my parents are big produce eaters; my mom can't stand asparagus and my dad hates just about everything else vegetable-wise, so I grew up with corn and peas as the main vegetables in my diet. Since I have moved out on my own, I have been getting better (I found out that I LOVE asparagus, radishes and squash- 3 things that never would be allowed over the threshold of my parent's house) but I'm still not where I want to be since I don't really know how to prepare these things well. Also, a lot of fruit is too sweet for my tastes, especially bananas and pineapples, and I have a problem with textures, so anything overloaded with seeds or that is really soft I won't eat. Most of my fruit, outside of apples, pears and grapes, comes from Gerber, which is better than nothing, but I know I'm losing a lot of nutrients eating it this way. So if anyone has anyway I can sneak whole fruits into my diet I would be extremely grateful. I have tried smoothies, but the issue with the seeds or with it being too sweet comes back.

(Evil motivation :devil: ) Who do you want to look better than? ;) : Every other girl at the bar :D

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Do I have to pick one? I think my backless tops and short shorts. Oh and NOTHING!!! I can't wait to be comfortable enough in my own body again that the thought of sitting around naked won't cause me to be squeamish!

[BingleBug]

Screen Name: BingleBug

Age/Age Range: 27

Family Life: I live with my fiance, and 4 cats :)

Occupation: Network Administrator

Hobbies and Interests: I love to read, shoot pool, watch baseball (Go Cubbies!), play board & card games, cook, camp . . .

Favorite Music: I'll listen to pretty much anything, but don't care for rap, most R&B, or very hard rock. Most of the time, I listen to country.

Favorite Color(s): Yellow, blue, green

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Have to say, I don't really enjoy exercise. I do like to ride my bike outdoors, but the weather seldom cooperates

What are your fitness/health goals? Oh, I have so many. I would like to be healthy and active. I don't want to be the "fat" twin anymore. I want to be happy with the way I look and feel. I want more self-confidence. I don't want my weight to cause me health problems in the future.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? After the first of this year, I weighed in at the doctor's office and found myself at 204 pounds. For some reason, that seemed so much worse to me than the 197 I had been. It just clicked: I needed to do something about this NOW!

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Not becoming discouraged, believing in myself, forcing myself to do things I really don't enjoy, pushing on even when I don't feel well, being too hard on myself when I slip up a bit.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
(1) Drinking enough water!!!!
(2) Eating when I'm not hungry.
(3) Remembering that celebrations don't have to include food.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? Me, at my best and at my worst. I want to look better than I ever have.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? The possibilities are endless. I'd like to be able to go shopping and find cute things to wear. I think I'll develop quite the shopping habit :)

[MinuetInC]

Screen Name:MInuetInC

Age/Age Range:35

Family Life:3 kids (not counting husband) 2 dogs and a sister down the road

Occupation: housewife (for 2 more months then I get to work again)

Hobbies and Interests: reading, knitting, horses, internet, massage, anatomy, science, research, church, ASA (american stroke association), costuming, yoga, anime, computers, general geekdom "blah blah blah insert geeky phrase/fact here blah blah blah" Fasinating

Favorite Music: I listen to everything... I mean EVERYTHING, lately i'm listening to country and pop and electric celtic

Favorite Color(s): green and purple and white especially white shirts when they're not stained, oh wait I have three kids... nope no white

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Yoga journal, balance ball and Bellydance

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to walk a marathon for Train To End Stroke... and be able to bench 200 again... and those extra twisty yoga poses, getting my ankles to my nose again would be awesome.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Three friends, two strokes one heart attack and catching a BAD angle of myself in a mirror and thinking HOLY S! I"m gonna keel over if I don't lose this weight! the ages of the people who had the strokes were 40 and 35. :eek:

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? daily excercise and giving up those high calorie snack foods. I don't like fruit much either(yuck :p ewww). The worst is managing my portion sizes, why can't I eat a normal portion size, or just ONE normal portion size?

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Portion size. Daily excercise, not just a couple times a week, balancing my diet is so hard for me lately, I just can't seem to be able to do it for more than a day or two at a time.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : Looking better than the other girls in costume contests. I miss being hit on. Marriage has nothing to do with it.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Switch costume from the Matrix, she's the only one who wears white, got killed... or Vash costume from Trigun, I know he's a boy but what the heck. And a chainmail bikini.

[LaughingDog]

Screen Name: LaughingDog

Age/Age Range: 37 (now I have to check the 36-50 box on surveys, yuck)

Family Life: 1 DH, 1 dog, 1 teen

Occupation: Happy Homemaker :dizzy:

Hobbies and Interests: Reading, knitting, movies, and most of the same geeky stuff as my slightly more geeky sister MinuetInC.

Favorite Music: I listen to everything, and I mean everything. Right now I have Dr. Demento, Martha Stewart Playtime, Bobby Darin, Bob Marley, and the Practical Magic soundtrack in my car, among others. See, the geeky stuff comes out in all areas.

Favorite Color(s): Pink, I just luuuuuv Pink. I also like green and white.

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: I love the balance ball, can't say enough nice things about it. After using the balance ball regularly I have such nice posture and abs. I also like my Nordic Track ski machine, but I don't think there are many ski machines anymore. Nordic Track was bought out and now they only make one type of skier (which I don't like). I hope my machine lasts 100 years. I also like free weights. I just got the Firm fanny lifter and I can't wait to try it out.

What are your fitness/health goals? I just want to feel good after being on my feet all day, right now I'm pooped by 6 or 7. I used to go-go-go all day and feel great the whole time.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? My feet hurt in the morning and I can't stand it (there's a double meaning in that). Did I mention I love corny jokes in the interest section? There's another stupid joke in that sentence too.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? I drink lots of water, I don't eat junk food, I eat plenty of fruits and veggies so you'd think I wouldn't be in this boat. My problem is I can't control my portions and I get bored with exercising after about four months. That's the longest I last and then it's a struggle again.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? I need to eat less and move more and keep my walking pact with my sister.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : Holy cats! I just want to look better than ME!!!

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? I want to wear a size 5. Everything looks good in a size 5, though I'd take an 8 too.

[skinnyrose]

Screen Name:Skinnyrose

Age/Age Range:23

Family Life:married for 6 years with 2 children(6, 3.5)

Occupation: student(accounting degree)

Hobbies and Interests:

Favorite Music: anything I can dance too

Favorite Color(s):blue and pink

Favorite Exercise/Workouts:Pilates and Buns of Steel

What are your fitness/health goals? to be tone and fit and weigh 130

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I saw myself in a picture and I was tired of buying larger clothes

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? staying on track

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? finding time to exercise more for longer periods of time.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? :

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? a sexy dress to my husband's christmas party

[waterbaby]

Screen Name: Waterbaby, but call me Claire

Age/Age Range: 52 (birthday is Halloween)

Family Life: Husband, stepson & his wife & son live 3,000 miles away; DH and I have two cats and a lot of tropical fish (3 aquariums!)

Occupation: Database analyst; classically trained singer; voiceover actor

Hobbies and Interests: too numerous to list here...NASCAR, writing, handwork of any kind, organizing, restoring/fixing just about anything, skin care, horses.

Favorite Music: I like most of it and listen to a pretty wide variety.

Favorite Color(s): warm tones; faves are terra cotta and turquoise.

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Love the feel of a cold iron dumbbell in my hand. Free weights! Horseback riding or swimming are my favorite cardio. I also enjoy belly dancing when I'm thinner. There's too much real estate in the way to even get a decent camel walk working!!! :lol:

What are your fitness/health goals? I want small, defined muscles all over me. I think it gives a feeling of strength, power and confidence (which I sorely need)...also, muscles are the only thing that will give my body any shape after I get the lard off.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I've been overweight and on and off diets since I was thirteen. When the scale went over 300 pounds and I was wearing the largest size that most stores carried, that was IT...I have to do something. 320 pounds and five feet five doesnot paint a pretty picture.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Sugar, and boredom eating.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
1. Try not to do everything at once. baby steps, baby steps.
2. Stop searching for the magic pill or program. After 40 years of diets, I should know what works.
3. Expecting more of myself. I let me off the hook too easily.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : I want to look better than I do now. I want to be an original that others want to look better than. I want to be a national treasure, in a manner of speaking.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Cute panties, and I can't wait to wear my own skin and it look fabulous!

[lilymay10633]

Screen name: Lilymay10633

Age: 32

Family Life: Divorced mother of 3 (Zack 12, Megan 8, Abby 6). Living with parents so I can finish school.

Occupation: full time student attending Bowling Green State University to fullfull my middle school education degree. 1 yr left!

Hobbies/Interests: Walking, reading. movies. Love to spend time with friends as time to do that is so limited.

Favorite music: I listen to country and pop.

Favorite color: Love all colors but especially that ever so slimming black!

Favorite exercise/workout: I love to walk. Not only do you lose pounds but it's also a stress reliever. I also like to do taebo on those days when walking outside is not possible.

What are fitness/health goals: I want to get to 150#. I want to be the one to drag my kids outside to play and not the other way around. And of course I want to look good for those single men out there :D

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide to lose weight and become more fit? Being on a university campus with all those young, skinny girls does not help one's self esteem. I also want to start my teaching career off feeling good about myself so that I can devote my time on the students and not on my problems.

What do you struggle with most on this journey to health? I'm a sugar addict. I definitely eat when I am bored. My worst time is between 1 and 4. I don't eat at night and am satisfied after breakfast but once 1 rolls around I am ready to devour the kitchen.

What are 3 things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
1. eliminate the sugar
2. Eat one healthy snack in the afternoon instead of 10 :p
3. Do more exercise.

Who do you want to look better than? I already look better than my ex's fiance which is always beneficial but I would like to look better than what I do now. Trying to compare to others just makes my goals unrealistic.

What can you not wait to wear once you reach your goal weight/size? Anything form fitting and a bathing suit that I don't need to wear a shirt over!

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/bar061/slider-situp/lb/196/150/196/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

[zoritsa]

Screen Name: Zoritsa

Age/Age Range: 33

Family Life: Husband and two boys,Alex(11) and Ty(3)

Occupation: Stay at home Mommy

Hobbies and Interests: Camping,swimming,snow skiing,gardening

Favorite Music: New age,alternative,80's

Favorite Color(s): Blue and purple

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Walking,pilates and yoga

What are your fitness/health goals? To be at an ideal weight for my height and to be able to get around without being winded,tired or achey,and to feel stronger

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Going to the Dr. and seeing that I was gaining back some of what I had lost once.I was not about to have to start from the beginning,or even at a higher weight.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? I'm still having a hard time trying to figure out if I am truely hungry,or just wanting something to keep me busy.Also trying to eat in moderation when it comes to snacks.Right now I've cut out snacks entirely because I just can't seem to control how much I eat...but eventually I'd like to enjoy a single serving of something sinful like everyone else I see.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Getting in more exercise,getting in enough water on a daily basis,measuring foods out,and remembering to log everything in on Fitday...ok,so that was 4 things :D

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : Hmm...not better,but I want to look as good as I did when I was younger...weight wise,don't mind if theres some added wrinkles or anything like that. :smug:

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? A dress.I don't think I've ever worn a dress when I was thinner.I always hated them...but now I want to feel sexy in a cute lil summer dress,or something hot. ;)

[dakotamidnight]

Screen Name: DakotaMidnight

Age/Age Range: 20

Family Life: Single

Occupation: Student and part time secretary

Hobbies and Interests: Reading and video games

Favorite Music: I like a bit of everything

Favorite Color(s): Blue

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: I'm jsut starting out, and at the moment mostly just walking.

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to be fit enough to join the Air Force

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Had a bit of a diabetes scare

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Eating out of boredom

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Willpower, snacking, and sticking to a routine

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : One of my former college friends

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Hopefully, my Air Force Dress Uniform!

[MelissaDell]

Screen Name: MelissaDell

Age/Age Range: 24

Family Life: Just broke up with my live in fiance of 5 years. Moving back to San Diego in a few weeks with my cat (my 10 year old baby!). My parents live in Oregon and i talk to them every day!

Occupation: Professional Photographer (you can see my stuff of http://www.melissamcclure.net )

Hobbies and Interests: Photography, travel, computers, Tivo, reading, working out

Favorite Music: Tori Amos, and just about anything on the radio

Favorite Color(s): pink, red and brown/turquoise (but only together)

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Elliptical and pilates

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to look good in my clothes again. I would love to lose 50 more pounds this year.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? When all of my new clothes started to be tight.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Snacking

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Motivation, stamina and late snacking

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than?: Pretty much most of my friends. I want to turn guys heads again (now that i'm single!)

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? a bathing suit!
__________________

[TNmommyof2]

Screen Name: TNmommyof2

Age/Age Range:29

Family Life: married for 10 years and have 2 of the most beautiful girls you have ever seen!!

Occupation:SAHM....going back to school in August to become a NURSE

Hobbies and Interests:I love to shop (when I have $$$)

Favorite Music: I listen to anything with a beat

Favorite Color(s):Navy blue and black (both very slimming)

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: I hate to exercise (hence the reason I am overweight)

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to lose 35 lbs and maintain it and begin eating more healthy so I can be around to see my grandkids

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? When my daughter asked my hubby why mommy was so fat..She is only 4

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Avoiding sweets

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Everything

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : my sister

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? My size 6 shorts
__________________

[Macey]

ashleysdiet,

I can totally relate to the "hottie" thing!! I'm 4' 10" tall so I know I will never get close to looking like a model, but I am losing weight. The only thing that works for me is cutting calories and exercising. You have to do both (unfortuanately). I do an 8-min advanced Tae Bo workout everyday. I feel empowered when I'm kickboxing I guess. And it's fun! I could use some support though...I've gone vegan and I get late night sweets cravings. Ugh! Hope to see more posts from you, and don't let my little scale fool you, 94 pounds is alot on a girl as short as me. Take Care, Macey
http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/bar098/slider-scale/lb/107/88/94/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

[hlblack4]

Screen Name: hlblack4

Age/Age Range: 31

Family Life: married

Occupation: editor

Hobbies and Interests: books, music

Favorite Music: gillian welch, tori amos, springsteen, the stones, eva cassidy, john hurt, and so on

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: none...

What are your fitness/health goals? Lose 30 lbs

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Seeing a scale after several years

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? I have no self control... up until about a year ago, I didn't have to have any. Then I quit smoking and turned 30 simultaneously.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? More exercise, less eating.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? Me, now.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Anything in a size 2 or below.

[RaineyMae7133]

Screen Name: RaineyMae7133

Age/Age Range: 33 (DOB Nov 30, 1971)

Family Life: married 15 yrs this Sept, one child, she's 11

Occupation: Stay @ home mom

Hobbies and Interests: gardening, learning new things, computers

Favorite Music: Green Day, Matchbox 20, Five for Fighting, 3 Doors Down, etc.

Favorite Color(s): white, bright blue

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: walking, playing basketball, Tae Bo

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to lose weight to be healthy. I want to be here for my daughter and my husband for many years to come.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Something just clicked.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? I haven't really struggled with anything. Pretty much any food I used to like, I can make for myself now, only healthier.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? I work out 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours a day, 6 days a week. Sundays we play alot of sports. What I would like to improve is to increase my daily exercise to 2 hours.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : Honestly, I am not trying to look better than anyone. I love myself and I want to get healthier. If someone happens to look better than me, so be it. :)

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Tank tops and shorts.

[gray eyed girl]

Screen Name: gray eyed girl

Age/Age Range: mid 20s

Family Life: married with children

Occupation: student

Hobbies and Interests: hiking, movies, dancing with my daughter, playing outside at the park with my kids during their playgroups, reading

Favorite Music: alternative rock

Favorite Color(s): pink, purple, blue

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: elliptical machine and swimming

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to be able to run up a flight of stairs and chase my kids at the park without getting winded. I want to be in the right shape to be around long enough to see my grandchildren get married.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? There wasn't one specific one. It was just time. I'd been putting it off, making excuses, and I couldn't do it any more.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? my sweet tooth. I love chocolate, cake, ice cream, etc. It's hard to break the habit of always buying a candy bar at the store or having ben & jerrys once a week.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? I need to eat more fruit and less fat. I need to build up my endurance and make sure to include weight training in my workouts.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : my sister!

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? form-fitting (not tight) clothes that look good!

[Ahealthierme]

Screen Name: Ahealthierme

Age/Age Range: 20

Family Life: engaged

Occupation: full time student, and I just quit my job as a waitress

Hobbies and Interests: reading, music, learning foreign languages, animal rescue, environmentalism, politics

Favorite Music: I like a lot of different music, rock, metal, alternative, and classical. My favorites are Elliott Smith, Bjork, Rasputina and Beck

Favorite Color(s): yellow

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: elliptical or treadmill on incline

What are your fitness/health goals? I'd like to lose significant body fat, and increase my stamina, flexibility and balance

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? My fiance proposing kicked my butt in gear. I didnt want to be a fat bride and more than that I want us to build our life together around being healthy and happy.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Finding healthy food choices in social settings, we also love fine dining which we do much more infrequently these days.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? I need to excercise more

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : My fiance's best friend's wife...got that? lol. She's absolutely perfect weight wise. I dont want to look better, just AS good would do, lol.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? A wedding gown!! Actually I'd like to wear a slinky dress, or heck even shorts! I dont expose any skin these days because I'm too ashamed, but hopefully soon!

[sherpamelissa]

Screen Name: sherpamelissa

Age/Age Range: 33

Family Life: married, w/3 year old - we built a house with my in-laws (yes, I know!) so we all live together. It is kind of like a duplex except not. We have different entrances and separate kitchens.

Occupation: Administrative

Hobbies and Interests: Reading, scooter riding, bike riding, shopping!

Favorite Music: pop

Favorite Color(s): pink

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: stairclimber (I can't believe I said that!)

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to be healthy. I want a kickass body. I want to be happier with myself.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? My father passed away this year after complications from a heart transplant. His heart problems were due to chemo and radiation that ravaged his organs. I was on the way to the same problems with high blood pressure and more to come. It was ridiculous that I was doing that to myself.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Binge eating, when I am alone my first thought is always "What can I eat?". I am dealing with that voice better these days.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
Taking bites of things while preparing them, being honest with myself and dessert.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : hmmm, I really don't have anyone. I would really like to finally weigh less than my 6'2" husband. (I'm 5'2")

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? I don't know. I can't remember the last time I was at that weight. I don't even know what will fit.

[flower]

Screen Name: flower

Age/Age Range: 36

Family Life: married, 3 sons

Occupation: crafter

Hobbies and Interests: crafts, magazines, nature, jewelry making

Favorite Music: rock (classic, 80's, alternative)

Favorite Color(s): blue, copper, red

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: walking outside

What are your fitness/health goals? to funtion as a normal healthy female, get to at least 150, wear regular size clothes

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? DDD bras too small

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? I am always waiting on something, I guess I figured I never needed to wait for food. I kept putting off my diet til after baby #4, but ttc is taking over 2 years so, I say dieting must be easier.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? consistantcy

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : my husbands friends girlfriends/wives

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? mid drift tops, low cut jeans

[beckatz]

Screen Name: Beckatz (or Rebecca)

Age/Age Range:51

Family Life: Married with one daughter (19) and one dog (Cocker Spaniel)

Occupation: Administrative Assistant for Construction Company

Hobbies and Interests: Fishing, boating (living on Lake Erie makes this a must), gardening, reading.

Favorite Music: I love all types of music, classical, rock, jazz, swing, old musicals, country. Pretty much any thing but Rap.

Favorite Color(s): No favorite - love them all.

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Core Secrets, Treadmill

What are your fitness/health goals? I have lost 54 pounds, I am aiming for 20 more.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Empty Nest.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Sweet Tooth.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Committment to exercise. Toning of problem areas. ?????

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : My wicked older sister (and I already do.)

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Tank tops. I want to have really buff arms.

[paula-faye]

Screen Name: Paula-Faye

Age/Age Range: 35

Family Life: Married 11 years, 2 girls, Hannah just turned 6 and Lauren who's nearly 4

Occupation: At home until my youngest starts school

Hobbies and Interests:I like doing stuff with the family (of course ) but I'm in the process of trying to remember what I like doing (plague of the "stay at home mum" lifestyle).

Favorite Music: I like lots of sorts of music, but when I'm working out the faster the beat the better

Favorite Color(s):If the colour makes me look 10 pounds thinner, I like it!!

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: I try to vary it a lot because I get bored. But I do some classes now and again and we have a treadmill at home, I do some weights - I don't want to go from a big blob to a smaller blob. sometimes I love it , sometimes I hate it.

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to lose the last 7 kilos (around 15 pounds) and be fit enough that days aren't exhausting

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I have already lost 18kilos (around 40 pounds) which has taken me from being obese to chubby - dressed well, I looked good, and I have lived with that weight for about 6 months. I guess it was over a period of time, a feeling of unhappiness about my weight came over me. Seeing what had to be done rather than what had been achieved. I decided ( yesterday infact) what's the piont of all that work when it leaves you still overweight. Finish the job you started. So thet's what I'm going to do!

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? motivation, binge eating

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
1. consistency
2.meal planning
3.water intake

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : I would love to be thinner than my mother ( awful! skinny mum/fat daughter )

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Bikini!!
__________________

[Candy76]

Screen Name:
Candy

Age/Age Range:
29

Family Life:
I am married w/ 2 daughters (7 & 5).

Occupation:
Full-time college student--Sociology major and soon to be graduate student...

Hobbies and Interests:
I like singing, dancing, amusement parks, and anything new!

Favorite Music:
PRINCE, PRINCE, and more PRINCE... Don't think I am strange... I have loved him since childhood and I even have his symbol tatooed on my back! My husband hooked me by taking me to a Prince concert. When I saw that he appreciated the musical talent, I knew he was THE ONE! lol

Favorite Color(s):
Purple is my signature color ;).

Favorite Exercise/Workouts:
I love my lyrical dance class (I am horrible, but I lOVE it!), kettlebells/strength training, walking.

What are your fitness/health goals?
I want to be fit, meaning muscular/toned, strong, and flexible-- and healthy, meaning good blood work, having cardiovascular endurance, a healthy heart, and happy mind.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?
It was a combo of a few things that happened all at once: My aunt was told her lung cancer was no longer treatable, and it hit me... My choices can and will hurt me or even kill me. I saw a young and fit couple biking, kayaking, and running together, and realized I was cheating my husband, my kids, and myself out of that desired lifestyle. I turned 29 (June 10th), and realized I was not going to enter my 30's unhealthy and obese. I also decided that I want to graduate (December 2005) and move to Germany (December 2005) at a healthy weight.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health?
Sticking with it... However, I feel the difference this time and I really feel the desire that I never felt before. I no longer care that I have to give up junk... I want my health more. I never felt that before. I always felt it was a sacrifice to eat healthy, but now I want to treat my body with respect. It feels pretty cool.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
1) water consumption 2) getting in daily exercise 3) eating breakfast

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than?
J-Lo... hA!

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?
bikini, hip huggers, strappy shirts, short-ish skirts (not too slutty), sexy underwear, non-sports bras, and too much more to list...

[Tonkasmom]

Screen Name: Tonkasmom

Age/Age Range: 29, 30 in Aug 05

Family Life:Married 1 1/2 years, just had boy/girl twins in Feb.- almost 5 mos old!

Occupation:Operations manager/ SAHM

Hobbies and Interests:SLEEP :lol: reading, doing math, running, dogs, x-box.

Favorite Music: depends- I like everything at one point or another

Favorite Color(s):blue, green, purple

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: jogging

What are your fitness/health goals?To look good naked :D

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Having TWINS!!!

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Not overeating :ink:

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? More strenght training, more vegetables, not being so hard on myself

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : my current self

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? short shorts and sundresses
__________________

[LunaValkyrie]

Screen Name: LunaValkyrie /(aim)xithilx

Age/Age Range: 22

Family Life: Engaged, pet roommate

Occupation: currently seeking/ graphic designer

Hobbies and Interests: Video Games, Art, Nature, Fuzzy creatures

Favorite Music: uhhh. I like everything from punkrock to classical

Favorite Color(s): It changes from month to month, right now im in a pink phaze,last month it was electric green

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: DDR, any ab training (FEEL THE BURN BABY!!) and hikes, swimming

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to be able to run a mile :) (I never have without stopping)

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? My fiancee's sister wanted to go to her highschool prom, but didnt have a dress. I offered her my prom dress, even though the age. She loved the dress (It was brandname too which made it more exciting for her). I've always felt she was so thin and that I was never that thin...till she tried on the dress. It fit her perfectly. Actually I checked my prom photos and saw that the dress was actually big on me compaired to her. I dont think i could even fit that dres around my thigh!! So that's what got me into gear...

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Selfesteem and funding. Its hard living without a job for so long. >_< And it hard to eat right when the unhealthy foods are cheaper.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
Motivation, Endurance, 'When to say no'
(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : bChick from ResidentEvil -movie

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? The lingerie my finacee promised to buy me when I meet my goal :D

[.LUCKYDAY.]

Screen Name:
.LUCKYDAY.

Age/Age Range:
24

Family Life:
married ( 09/14/02 ) and a son named brayden ( 04/30/03 )

Occupation:
SAHM

Hobbies and Interests:
music. reading. live shows. self improvement.

Favorite Music:
i mostly listen to metal & hard rock. but im not opposed to other things, except gangster rap. my 4 favorite bands right now are slavemachine, killswitch engage, type o negative & slipknot.

Favorite Color(s):
black, tan & white.

Favorite Exercise/Workouts:
long walks, anything ab wise, and anything to do with billy blanks.

What are your fitness/health goals?
i would like to be able to fit into a size 7 again. i would like to eventually weigh no more than 130. i would like to quit smoking and drinking, i would love to be able to fully run a mile w/o wheezing or getting a cramp.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?
nothing really.. i just gained a ton of weight with my pregnancy and have been struggling to get it off since.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health?
food. even when i am full, i eat. i always feel hungry.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
not eating junk food, drinking more water and exercising atleast 30 minutes a day.

( Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than?
my sister christina. she has had 2 children and still looks (body wise) like she did when she was 14. she has the perfect abs. im jealous. haha

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?
a skirt!

[mboeh3281]

Screen Name:
mboeh3281

Age/Age Range:
24

Family Life:
Married 4 years to Bryon, 4 year old daughter, Kaylea

Occupation:
Cosmetologist

Hobbies and Interests:
I never have any free time. When I do I like to just sit around and relax and
catch up with reading & watching movies with the family.

Favorite Music:
Mellow R&B, some hip hop, punk

Favorite Color(s):
Pink, Light Pink & Hot Pink :D

Favorite Exercise/Workouts:
Walk away the pounds and the little stretchy band deal, yoga also

What are your fitness/health goals?
To get into a size 16/18

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?
I woke up one day and just knew it was time to do something about my
weight. My husband and I have been trying to have another kid for the last
3 years and I feel that my weight has a lot to do with it. I also want to be
healthing for the lil girl I already have.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health?
Being able to afford the right foods. Food that are hi cal/hi fat/hi carb
(mac & cheese, ramen noodles, etc. etc.) always seem to be less expensive
and come in bulk. So you got to decide are you going to eat for 3 days and
buy what's healthy or our you going to buy for all week.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
1. need to start logging everything
2. add strength training
3. reduce sugar intake

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? :
Lazy days - I leave my tennis shoes right by the door in the living room so
when I get up I put them on first thing & make myself workout

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?
Bootflare black pants with a bright sparkly pink halter top & black strappy
heels!

[yvette120]

Screen Name
Yvette120

Age
43
Family Life
single have two beautiful girls

Occupation
teacher

Hobbies and Interest
love listening to music and reading

Favorite Music
R&B Jazz and Gospel

Favorite Color
Blackl and Royal Blue

Favorite Exercise
Margaret Richards and Tae Bo

What are your fitness/ Exercise goals?
to lose 80 pounds and fit into a size 7

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide that it was time to lose weight and become more fit?
Well it started yesterday when I talked to my sister on the phone. I realize that I have a serious problem with food and that I need to lose weight. I am also tired of looking llike I'm pregnant. When I look in the mirror I do not recognize myself at all. i wonder where have I gone, and how could I allow myself to get this big? plus I want to live a long and healthy life and be around for my children in good health.

What do you struggle with the most on your journey to health?

What I struggle with the most is
1) Eating right
2) Exercise
3) Staying motivated

Who do you wnat to look better than?
I want to look better than all of those beautiful women in th magazines and this lady on my job who has the best body ever.

What can you not wait to wear?
I can't wait to wear a size 7 in my jeans and a fitted top tucked in.

Current Mini Goals lose 5 pounds a month
I have 77 pounds to go

[Jenn81]

Screen Name: Jenn81

Age/Age Range: 23, very soon to be 24

Family Life: I live with my boyfriend of almost 6 years

Occupation: Police Records Clerk, will be starting school soon to become a massage therapist

Hobbies and Interests: Shopping, Movies, Learning new crafts

Favorite Music: Story of the year, My Chemical Romance, Anna Nalick, Evanescense

Favorite Color(s): Black, Purple, Pink

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: walking

What are your fitness/health goals? To lose fat, and tone up, and eat better

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Just seeing old pictures, compared to how I look now.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Binge eating

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? 1.Be consistant with workouts 2. stop eating when I'm bored 3. Eat better

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : hmmm...those girls that are always at my boyfriends hockey games

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Short little skirts
__________________

[RoseWaddles]

Hi everyone!!! :)


Screen Name:RoseWaddles

Age: 44

Family Life: Married forever with 3 children and 2 grandchildren with another on the way! :D

Occupation: SAHM

Hobbies and Interest: Gardening, listening to music (all kinds).

Favorite Music: Classic R&B, Classic Rock, Country

Favorite Color: Red, Black & Purple

Favorite Exercise: Windsor Pilates, Walking

What are your fitness/ Exercise goals?: My fitness goal is to walk 5 miles each day.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide that it was time to lose weight and become more fit?: I was 256 lbs, having feet pain, high blood pressure, no energy, etc. I wanted to live instead of just existing.

What do you struggle with the most on your journey to health?: Staying motivated and on plan. Emotional eating.
Who do you wnat to look better than?

What can you not wait to wear?: A nice fitting pair of Levi's with a shirt tucked IN.

Current Mini Goals: My current mini goal is to get to onederland.

[crazy4sagedarage]

Crazy4sagedarage (A.K.A. Michelle)

25

Engaged--4 kids--two are mine from another marriage--two are his from a previous marriage. One big happy family and loving it.

Teacher--first full year will be 2005-2006 school year. Wish me luck!

Any and everything I have time for.

Rock/pop

blue, green, and purple

jogging on the treadmill

I would like to get in the habit of walking, at least some, everyday. Ultimately, I think three miles a day would be nice.

What prompted me to finally buckle down? I gave my "skinny" clothes to my sister today, and she looked so cute. I thought, " I used to look that cute. What happened?"

I love food!!!!!!!! All food! Especially dining out! I have little will power. My fiance' can eat anything, and unfortunately I wind up doing the same, gaining weight in the process.

I would like to look better than..maybe my sister or my mom. Its really not important, but that would be somewhat fun.

I would like to be able to where this sleeveless little dress that I bought when my fiance' came back from Iraq. I wore it the one time and haven't put it on since. Also, shopping for wedding dresses, so one that resembled a dress more than a tent would be nice.


Mini goals: I would like to lose at least two pounds this first week(by 7/5).



http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/bar066/sliderbug/lb/199/150/199/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

[Cardiomonster]

Screen Name: Lisa

Age/Age Range:23/24

Family Life: Engaged 4 years this August

Occupation: Americorps*VISTA, non-profit human services community work

Hobbies and Interests: getting my nails done & pedicures (which I never did until several months into this weightloss journey), ANIME (Japanese animation) & manga, reading, shopping (much more now that losing weight, I found it's more fun), being outdoors (in selected areas), looking at new fitness equipment, videos, toys, etc


Favorite Music: Almost anything 80's, country, J-pop, select russian/ukranian music, commerical jingles

Favorite Color(s): Indigo, lavender, dark green

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: TAE-BO!! (has to be Advanced), Pilates, Crunch Bootcamp. I reallllly want to return to weight lifting and cardio machines when I recover from my shin splint / knee injury (hopefully a month or so).

What are your fitness/health goals?
Appearance-wise: I want to return to my newly engaged weight (170lbs 4 years ago), but doing it in a healthy way this time. The interesting thing is that I am almost in my old clothes (I kept them ALL, haha!) - but I'm still a good 35+ pounds heavier now than I was then. I figure by the time I reach my old weight, I will really be a hardbody.

Ability-wise: I want to take up jogging/running when I am able, mountain biking, continue advanced kickboxing and eventually take up an extreme sport or two - probably rock climbing. I would like to be able to do some of these extreme things with the fiance, and have healthy fun (also not have to worry about having a heart attack while trying to do so!)

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Trying to picture my 265 pound flabby body in a wedding dress :o , plus being generally unhappy, uncomfortable and overly self-conscious

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? I have to be sure of my will power, and especially my desire and ability to move and do for myself. My sweetie is an excellent cook and loves to cook for me. He also likes to wait on me hand and foot and give massages ( I know, it's a hardship). I have a ridiculous sweet tooth, especially for home-made baked goods (my moms way of showing love).

If I make a strong commitment, I an stick to it. I've already lost 40 lbs, almost half of my goal. I would really like to be down to goal (165 lbs) by next June - so I can have this weight thing in hand before starting graduate school.


What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?

1* Portion control - Admitting when I need to bust out the measuring cups (don't you hate getting things dirty just to measure?) when my portions creep back up.

2* Keep on JOURNALING - I just starting using FitDay free tracking software. My notebook at home includes daily foods (not amounts), exercise, vitamins and miscellaneous notes. I needed something just for weight related stuff. It helps keep my legal.

3* Finding moderation - that balance from working out too long/hard or not eating enough VS. not working out enough or eating too much. Sticking to my guns when someone tries to sway my actions - enough if it means be a pain in the keister.

(Evil motivation :devil: ) Who do you want to look better than? ;) :
My exercise-freak cousin (who I owe a big thanks, she's the MAJOR support along the way, with lots of tips and advice). She has a good 15+ year headstart on the fitnes thing though (but she's 12 years older - so maybe).

I want to look BETTER than I did 4 years ago, just as skinny (low body fat) with increased muscle tone and flexibility. I want to be able to bench press my honey (125 lbs).

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?

That little red sparkly dress that was my first "thin" outfit. Or maybe my least forgiving pair of pants - the REAL test of size.

[xostephie]

Age/Age Range:17

Family Life:Umm...still living at home with the Dad and sister:P

Occupation:Student! Starting College this year!

Hobbies and Interests:shopping, movies, music.

Favorite Music:Ohh....this could be long:P I love 80's music; pop, alternative, a bit of hiphop, and new age (tori, fiona;catie curtis you name it i like it)but my favorite music is stuff that's just laid back-like Jack Johnson, Iron & Wine, John Mayer and the likes.

Favorite Color(s):Pink!

Favorite Exercise/Workouts:Walking, Denise Austin

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to just be overall a healthier person - i'd like to get down to a size 10 or so.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Seeing a picture of myself

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Motivation

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?1. Stop drinking coke. 2. Workout more. 3. stay away from fast food

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : oooh....I want to look better than my American lit. teach who used to piss me off!

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Hmmm....I want to wear a pair of those tight jeans from american eagle - but have it actually look really good on me!

[pixiechic]

Screen Name: pixiechic

Age/Age Range: 29

Family Life: Husband and 3 kids ages 11, 9, and 7

Occupation: Accountant

Hobbies and Interests: Watching NASCAR, drawing, painting and my kids!

Favorite Music: Alt. rock, rap , and local bands

Favorite Color(s): orange and green

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: The Firm series and bike riding

What are your fitness/health goals? I just want to get fit and firm

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Not having enough energy to play with my kids

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Self image, I have lost 50 pounds and yet am not happy, I still see the old me

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
~Exercise more often
~Log my food intake
~Go cheatfree

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : The sasquatch of a girl in my office whom I can't stand, she is dieting and well she sucks at it....I am so going to look hot and she is not!!! :devil:

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Tank tops out in public
__________________

[teresa1222]

Screen Name:teresamoton

Age/Age Range:31

Family Life: Married 5 years, no kids

Occupation: teacher

Hobbies and Interests: fishing, hunting, gardening, writing, surfing the net

Favorite Music: R&B and Gospel

Favorite Color(s): Black

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Tae-bo, Gilad, Lateral ThighTrainer

What are your fitness/health goals? To get in shape, lose weight, and feel better

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Just looking at myself in the mirror everyday- I have gotten out of control. I'm tired of people thinking my mom is my sister!

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? controlling portions when eating

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? I need to drink more water (I am doing better in that area.), exercise more, and getting over-hungry.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : Me on my absolute best day!!!

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? I cannot wait to wear a short, slinky, sleeveless dress for a night on the town with my hubby. (and a thong :dizzy: )

[getncontrol]

Screen Name: getncontrol

Age/Age Range: 29 and holding ;)

Family Life: married 8 years, 1 dd (6yrs), 1 ds (1 yr)

Occupation: WAHM

Hobbies and Interests: sewing(when I have time), reading and camping

Favorite Music: country unless I'm feeling nostalgic then I'll listen to metal

Favorite Color(s): black, blue, red

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: walking with the kids, shopping

What are your fitness/health goals? To regulate my hormones. I have PCOS

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Realizing my baby was almost 1 and I still looked like I just had him.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Staying away from junky foods.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? I need to start exercising on a regular basis. I need to try to eat more veggies.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? I would love to look better than any of my sisters.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Shorts that don't come down to my knees. :rolleyes:
__________________

[Meldiggety]

Screen Name: Meldiggety

Age/Age Range: 25

Family Life: Married for 4 years & have one baby boy who is a year and a half. Love my family!

Occupation: Stay at home Mom

Hobbies and Interests: Singing, writing poetry, acting, reading, nature

Favorite Music: Everything but hard core rap and death medal!

Favorite Color(s): Purple & blue

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Tae Bo

What are your fitness/health goals? To lose 50 lbs, lose body fat & get my good cholesterol up in the process!

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I guess I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired about my weight....I realized how badly I needed to do this for myself because I haven't been living to the fullest with this extra weight on me!

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Probably just plain old will power - I am a foodaholic....love food, the way it tastes, the way it makes me feel, but I hate how I feel after overeating! Also, trying to find time to exercise is a challenge with the baby

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? I need to eat to live, not live to eat. I need to be better about forgiving myself for making a bad choice every once in awhile, so that I can move forward. I need to weigh myself less often!

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? Hmmm.....myself, in high school - LOL!

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? Anything as long as it's in a size 6 or 8! :lol:
__________________

[cadwell125]

Screen Name: cadwell125

Age/Age Range: 25

Family Life: married, no kids yet

Occupation: would-be planner -- still unemployed :(

Hobbies and Interests: camping, fitness, reading, sitting for hours at starbucks.

Favorite Music: musicals

Favorite Color(s): blue and yellow

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: elliptical 30-45 min., crunches, weight-lifting

What are your fitness/health goals? exercise at least 5 times a week, eat healthy/fresh foods, lose 50-65 more pounds

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? ugly incident with my husband involving some star wars dark chocolate m&ms.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? wanting too much too soon, anxiety about stresses in life.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? going to the gym more, getting discouraged over not losing weight quickly enough, sleeping normal hours.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : those skinny chicks at the gym :)

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? my old "i'll fit into this in two weeks so i'll buy it" clothes i bought towards the end of my last diet, borrow my best friend's clothes, and triangle bikini tops.

[lucky]

Screen Name: Jawsmom

Age/Age Range: 36

Family Life:
Married to my high school sweetheart (who, by the way, WASN'T my college sweetheart!), three children - Jake and Addie are 4 year old twins, Will is 6 (hence, "JAW's mom)

Occupation:
I've been a SAHM for the last 2/12 or so years. Prior to that I spent 11 years with a cellular company in accounting/finance/management

Hobbies and Interests:
I love to cook and entertain, I've recently gotten pretty handy around the house (Yea! for Home and Garden TV.) and enjoy piddling on little projects, obviously, whatever my kids are into at any given time. Right now it is swimming, soccer, and tae kwon do.

Favorite Music:
It depends on my mood and what I'm doing. Country music is probably the only genere that I DON'T listen to on a regular basis. But there is still some country songs that I enjoy.

Favorite Color(s):
Blue or Green. Oh, and purple and orange and....hmmm, guess I can't pick out a favorite color either.

Favorite Exercise/Workouts:
I love taking classes at the gym. It doesn't really matter which one - I just like to try something new and keep at it until I'm good at it. Step is probably my all time favorite and the one I attend most regularly.

Although I am not a morning person I have recently gotten into the habit of being at the gym at 5:00 am - I am hooked. It feels so good to get home and know that nothing is going to get in the way of my workout but I still have the option of going on a nature or getting in some other leisurley activity.

What are your fitness/health goals?
I've met all of the health goals that I set back at 214 pounds. Right now I'm concentrating on shedding these last few pounds. Once I hit 135 I'll evaluate where I am and decide if what physical changes I want to make. Overall, I just want to be fit, healthy and able to live a long productive life.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?
My skinny sister who has eaten healthily and been active all her life had a heart attack last year. She battles all of the ailments prominent in my family - high blood pressure, high cholesterol in particular, neither of which she can control through diet or exercise. I just couldn't justfy purposely putting myself at risk for those things when I had missed the genetic bullet so to speak. That thought is what KEEPS me on plan. What GOT me on plan was the fact that grandmothers could buy hipper clothes than I could!

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health?
Probably exercise. I love to do it but I still have to talk myself into sometimes. Once I get going I'm so glad I forced myself to get moving and when I'm done I can never remember why it was that I tried to talk myself out of it.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
My weight routine
Incorporating more "clean" foods
Learning to be aware of my diet and exercise without obsessing over it.



(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? :
I just want to look better than I ever have before. I'm only 5'2" , I've had three kids, and I'm no spring chicken - at this point I've stopped comparing myself to other people and focus on being the best I can be. I regret not having had this attitude in my teens and 20's! Live and learn, I guess. Oh, but if I can manage to get a better body than my sister that would be a plus! LOL.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? I don't care what it is as long as it is a size 4. It has been a long time since I've had a pair of great fitting jeans. Once I reach my goal I fully intend to kiss off the Gap and shop the higher end brands until I find the perfect pair and splurge on them.

[RavenHairedFury]

Screen Name: RavenHairedFury

Age/Age Range: 21 next month

Family Life: Married 2 years together since we were 12. 2 kids 5 years and 14 months Military

Occupation: Stay at Home Mom

Hobbies and Interests: Photography, collecting butterflies(I'm obsessed) walking, reading

Favorite Music: anything if its not rap or pop

Favorite Color(s): blue and black

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Pilates

What are your fitness/health goals? to get to 150.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I saw a full length picture of myself. I didn't actually think it was me at first...I didn't know how I got that fat.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Eating, Sometimes I just eat too much

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? walking more, lowering calories, and junk food

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : An old friend of mine, Jennifer. She thinks she is fat but she couldn't be more than 120 lbs. I want to look better than her

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? a dress my hubby got me for Christmas when we were dating.

[fdevine]

Screen Name: fdevine (Frances)

Age/Age Range: 65

Family Life: widowed, 7 adult chirldren, 14 grandchildren.

Occupation: Writer

Hobbies and Interests: Reading, watching figure skating, writing

Favorite Music: Classical, Christian worship music

Favorite Color(s): purple

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Walking

What are your fitness/health goals? To eat healthy, walk more, lose weight, be able to get off b.p. medications.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Getting out to exercise

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Self control, motivation, being aware of what I'm eating.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : My present self.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? A size twelve.
__________________

[allhailtheprincess]

Screen Name:allhailtheprincess :queen:

Age/Age Range: 26

Family Life: mommy to a beautiful 4 year old boy
will be married on october 14, 2006

Occupation:server, fulltime student, fulltime mommy :bb:

Hobbies and Interests: softball

Favorite Music:all different types but my number one are the indigo girls

Favorite Color(s):depends on my mood

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: tredmill

What are your fitness/health goals? be healthy mind...body...sould

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? its been a neverending battle for as long as i can remember

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? i am my own worst enemy

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?

(Evil motivation :devil: ) Who do you want to look better than? ;) : britney

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? my wedding dress

[nhwahm]

Screen Name: nhwahm

Age/Age Range: 32

Family Life: Married with 2 children - Tabitha 5 and Connor 2

Occupation: Just left full time teaching career to stay home and watch my friends 2 children along with my own. I am also a Jewelry Consultant.

Hobbies and Interests: Crafts - Love to do them - sewing, crocheting, and more!

Favorite Music: Love lots of different types, depends on the mood

Favorite Color(s): Purple and Green

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Walking (I loved curves, but need to save my money)

What are your fitness/health goals? Need to Walk MORE often need to find something I enjoy doing

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I hate the way I look in the mirror and would love to keep up with the kids without being so tired all the time

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? motivation

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? I need to track my eating - counting calories, protein and fat - I need to get more exercise and eat healthier foods.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : My SIL

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? a sexy dress


I can't wait to have the support I need!
Thanks!

[deboraheischen]

:) Screen Name:deboraheischen

Age/Age Range:I'm 23 :)

Family Life:Married with one son 2 and a step daughter 10 :dizzy:

Occupation:stylist/manager ;)

Hobbies and Interests:hmmmmmmm :^:

Favorite Music:country or 80's glamour bands :devil:

Favorite Color(s):blue :s:

Favorite Exercise/Workouts:walking...I used to run when i was alot smaller :(

What are your fitness/health goals?I want to be able to jog again :D

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I was dropping my son off at daycare, when I got back into the truck my brand new pair of pants ripped...