I posted to the 100+ Club, but since I'm in my 20s, I figured I'll post here too. I hope that's allowed. :)

First name: Laura

Geographical location: Vancouver, Canada

Age: 25

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: None.

Occupation: Medical transcriptionist.

Pets: 1 Labrador retriever (chocolate) named "Nilla."

Hobbies/Interests: Photography, video games, camping, baking, cooking, crafting.

Height: 5'7

Eye/Hair Color: Green eyes, brown hair.

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:

Starting Weight: 255

Present Weight: 255

Goal Weight: Lifetime Goal weight: 150, Short Term Goal weight: 170

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss:Motivation and energy!

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting and exercise.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I can't think that anything's really different other than I realize I'm getting older and it's not going to get any easier. I've gained 100 pounds in 10 years, if I keep that rate up, I'll probably die very young and I'm terrified of death sooo.. yea.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm kind of shy, but once I open up I'm outgoing. I can talk a lot too - and I get excited easily. I'm friendly and I'm totally looking forward to supporting others here:carrot:

First name: Felicia

Geographical location: New Mexico

Age: 20

Marital Status: in 3 1/2 yr relationship

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: school

Pets: dog-naughty 6 months old girl, cat-mischief-3 yrs old boy, snake-flame 2 yrs old, fish-fighy-? boy

Hobbies/Interests: music, animals, rodeos, everything :)

Height:5

Eye/Hair Color: hazel eyes, dark brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 4/20/11

Starting Weight: 173 lbs

Present Weight: 173 lbs

Goal Weight: 125 lbs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: eating while bored :|

Following any specific plan: going to try to loose 2 lb a week

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: im unhappy with myself and before i wasnt..

Anything else you would like to share with us....alot of things

First name: Nickail

Geographical location: Texas

Age: 18

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: babysitter

Pets: 7 month old yorkie named Giselle

Hobbies/Interests: Dancing,singing,reading,writing.

Height: 5'7

Eye/Hair Color: brown/dark brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: first start date was 11/20 re-start date is 4/18

Starting Weight: 1st was 295. 2nd is 275

Present Weight: 275

Goal Weight: 145

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: staying on plan

Following any specific plan: 2000 cals, workout 2 hours a day.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I actually gave myself a deadline and Im making it a challenge.

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Ashley

Geographical location: Connecticut

Age: 25

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: Human Resources

Pets: I can't even keep a goldfish alive, lol

Hobbies/Interests: piano, tennis, reading

Height: 5'6

Eye/Hair Color: blue/blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 4/13/2011

Starting Weight: 250

Present Weight: 242

Goal Weight: 165 is my ultimate goal weight, but have some current mini-goals too! 229 will be the lowest weight I've seen in a good three years, and of course entering One-derland is a big goal!

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: not falling off the wagon completely...I tend to just binge eat the moment I make a mistake, rather than accepting that I made a mistake and moving forward with being healthy

Following any specific plan: I'm doing some weird cross between South Beach and Weight Watchers

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am focusing on small goals rather than the end-state, because that usually just overwhelms and scares me! And usually I hide that I'm dieting like it's an embarrassing secret, whereas this time I'm obviously seeking the help of this group, and also have a good friend who is willing to pick up a healthier lifestyle so we can keep each other motivated!

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm headed back to school for my Master's degree in the fall, and really want to be as confident as possible by that time! Looking forward to speaking with many of you!

First name: Wendee

Geographical location: Boise, Idaho

Age: 23

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages:Max-4

Occupation:St Luke's Hospice

Pets: Bella-Cocker Spaniel

Hobbies/Interests: Singing, scrapbooking, working out, cooking.

Height:5' 6"

Eye/Hair Color: Green/Blonde (currently:D)

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Januaryish 2011

Starting Weight: 186

Present Weight: 168.2

Goal Weight:155

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Losing the last 13ish pounds. It is really a STRUGGLE.

Following any specific plan: my own.. 1400ish cals a day, low carb (under 100g) No diet coke (5 days clean!..of the diet coke...)

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am serious!

Anything else you would like to share with us: Happy to share my journey with you all! <3

First name: Jen

Geographical location: Mississippi

Age: 25

Marital Status: in a relationship

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: scientist

Pets: 1 dog Pumpkin

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, shopping, laughing

Height: 4'11

Eye/Hair Color: blonde/blue

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: March 1, 2011

Starting Weight: 159

Present Weight: 145

Goal Weight: 120(110)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: proving to myself that I can do this

Following any specific plan: nope, just good ol calorie counting and exercise

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: this time I am actually losing and not just making excuses

Anything else you would like to share with us: I am really excited for everyone on here, I have been reading for a while but I have never posted!

First name: Jillian

Geographical location: Upstate New York

Age: 22

Marital Status: single (in a relationship)

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: sales/student

Pets: 2 pitbulls (lola and zeus) and a turtle (shelly)

Hobbies/Interests: music, art

Height: 5'1"

Eye/Hair Color: brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: officially starting to keep track monday 4/25/2011

Starting Weight: 215 or so

Present Weight: 215

Goal Weight: 125 (not sure what the best weight is for me)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: sticking with it

Following any specific plan: Zumba and turbo fire with my sister. training to become a runner with 2 friends of mine. Hopefully a 5k in september and a 10k in march!

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I was just in a situation where i thought i was pregnant and all i could think about was being scared that if i gained any more weight, i wouldnt know what to do to fix it! I want this for real this time so i can start a family next year and be comfortable with myself when i do.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I definatley need help. still in that not sure if i can do it but really want to phase...

First name: Rikki (Rikkaela is my full name)

Geographical location: Chicago

Age: 25

Marital Status: so so single. haha.

Children/Ages: nope!

Occupation: i'm in field marketing

Pets: the most adorable dog named lucky

Hobbies/Interests: love love love me some live music. I graduated with a radio major so music is in my blood. Also, my best friends are in a band that just got signed to a major label so doing anything I can to help them out.

Height: 5'7-5'8 depending on the day. :)

Eye/Hair Color: blonde with blue eyes

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: I guess we'll say 4/24

Starting Weight: as of 4/24 215

Present Weight: still at that 215

Goal Weight: I just put 150 out there because even that will be glorious. :)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: staying on track. sometimes i lose it about two-three weeks in and give up. I guess i just need a better support system. anyone wanna help a sister out?

Following any specific plan: i'm going to start counting calories, my job is pretty active so once I get into the routine of counting and keeping track of calories, I will start to add a more routine exercise plan in.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm so so ready this time, and I want to have that good self-esteem i've been missing for awhile.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm ready to do this!

First name: Mariel

Geographical location: Chicago

Age: 25

Marital Status: Terminally single

Children/Ages: N/A

Occupation: Biding my time with a software-consulting gig until my next long-term job begins (end of the year)

Pets: 1 cat, 2 chinchillas

Hobbies/Interests: Movies (big Martin Scorsese fan), music, travel (especially train travel!), the Pacific Northwest, dreary weather, boating, Louis C.K., good beer, eating!

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: Green/red like a Coke can

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: January 25, 2011 (this time around)

Starting Weight: 206

Present Weight: 198

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Boredom and depression, equally

Following any specific plan: Just calorie counting and moderate exercise

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Honestly? Probably not much, except that maybe I'm more fed-up now than usual? :dizzy: I can no longer brush it off with "Oh, I'm still a teenager, but soon I'll magically morph into an adult with responsible habits and this will all take care of itself."

Anything else you would like to share with us: I've never participated in an online weight-loss forum before, so I'm hoping this might be something of an X-factor for me :D

Sammie
 

First name: Nina

Geographical location: Paris, France

Age: 24

Marital Status: living with my awesome partner/boyfriend/fellow adventurer

Children/Ages: none yet, but hope to have some in about 10 years

Occupation: studying French, giving English lessons, nannying

Pets: 2 pet rats! Our apartment is too small for a cat or dog.

Hobbies/Interests: I love to be creative through painting, drawing, photography, learning new instruments and playing music, reading, learning new languages, being introduced to new cultures..

Height: 5'5''

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: I was heavy as a kid, and have just yoyo-ed up and down my whole life.

Starting Weight: I was heaviest at 188 when i was 15, but lost weight in high school. My current "starting weight" is 165, the heaviest I let myself become since then.

Present Weight: 147

Goal Weight: 120

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: Not eating delicious cakes, cheeses, pasta dishes, fresh bread... Paris is full of temptation.

Following any specific plan: Eating more FRESH fruits and vegetables (the only meat I eat is fish, sparingly), cooking for myself instead of eating canned soup, portion control, making exercise a daily habit.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I've been steadily, although slowly, losing weight since I hit 165 in grad school a year ago. Not having a car and walking/biking everywhere in Paris has been really good for me, and I'm learning how to control my portions. This is not a fad, but lifelong changes that can be lived everyday.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm very excited to join a forum like this, to be accountable and honest, and to help others achieve their goals too!

First name: Layla

Geographical location: London, England

Age: 25

Marital Status: living with my wonderful boy (5 years and counting)

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: international film distribution

Pets: none sadly:( i want a kitty

Hobbies/Interests: socialising! I really do love to drink and dance and run around like a fool. Also, walking, reading, movies, eating out.

Height: 5' 9"

Eye/Hair Color: brown/dark brown.

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:not sure really, mid feb this year i think.

Starting Weight: 168 at my heaviest, this time around starting fron 144

Present Weight: 135

Goal Weight: 126

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: socialising. Deinking makes me eat and eat and eat. It's the only time i crave junk food.

Following any specific plan: not really, I'm naturally a pretty wholesome eater, I LOVE veggies fruit wholefoods etc. It's what I was raised on so it's my comfort food. I AM giving intermittent fasting a go now though to kick start my efforts, it suits my natural eating pattern and seems to be helping already!

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: this time I seem to have beaten my bulimia, and my life is a lot more settled than my student days!

First name: April

Geographical location: Birmingham, UK

Age: 20

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: N/A

Occupation: Administrator apprentice

Pets: 4 cats, 4 hamsters

Hobbies/Interests: Eating! Drinking, shopping, cats, socialising etc

Height: 5 ft 2

Eye/Hair Color: Blue and blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: August 8th 2010

Starting Weight: 168

Present Weight: 127

Goal Weight: 110

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Greed!! hehe

Following any specific plan: Nope, just low calorie and lowish carbs

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Realised its not about starving myself to lose weight quickly but about changing bad habits and losing weight gradually

Anything else you would like to share with us: Noopppe :)

First name: Li

Geographical location: Cleveland, OH

Age: 24

Marital Status: In a Relationship

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Student, self-proclaimed gamer

Pets: 1 Yorkie-Poo named Bailey

Hobbies/Interests: Gaming, reading, ZUMBA

Height: 5'6

Eye/Hair Color: Brown eyes, Black hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: December 10, 2010

Starting Weight: 266.8

Present Weight: 242.0

Goal Weight: 145.0

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Staying focused, denying those potato chips, leaving the cookies and brownies alone, staying on track.

Following any specific plan: I'm doing Weight Watchers online right now because I can't afford the meeting but have noticed I haven't been doing as well without the support of the meeting. I also have been counting calories.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Calorie counting, actually looking at nutrition labels

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm all about learning, I want all kinds of criticism, I would love advice, I need that support from others who are going through what I am.

First name: Maggie

Geographical location: DC

Age: 21

Marital Status: In a relationship

Children/Ages: N/A

Occupation: Executive Aide and Student

Pets: None, sadly :(

Hobbies/Interests: Video Games, Chilling with Friends, Listening to Podcasts, Staring at my fat rolls in the mirror

Height: 5'3

Eye/Hair Color:

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Officially, today.

Starting Weight: 252lbs

Present Weight: 248.6lbs

Goal Weight: At least 180lbs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Being able to stay on track and not letting little trips knock me off course. Also, PORTIONS!

Following any specific plan: Weight Watchers Online. I did WW 2 years ago by going to meeting and I lost almost 50lbs, but it's been hard staying on the plan on my own without a support system.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Not having the support and having people around me who are on the same road as I am.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Just looking to give and get support. Also, some accountability and tough love is also good :-P

First name: Laura

Geographical location: Phoenix AZ

Age: 25

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: Nada

Occupation: Nurse

Pets: None

Hobbies/Interests: I've just recently been able to make time for hobbies (just finished school), so those would include- catching up with family/friends I've had to ignore for the last few years, reading, swimming, walking, laying out, watching the office :)

Height: Somewhere between 5'11'' & 6'

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: This time around, somewhere in September of 2010

Starting Weight: Highest weight: 253, this time around:240

Present Weight: 208

Goal Weight: 170

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I loose a couple lbs in the beginning of the month, then when Aunt Flo comes around, I want to eat everything & lots of it- so I stall or gain for a week, and by the end of the month I've only lost a total of 2-3 lbs!! Gotta really find a solution to that one...

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting & working on making more time for exercise

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:I dont know what clicked, but even when I only loose 2lbs in a month, thats still enough to keep me going- seeing that it is possible to get where I have never been weight wise.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Not really :)

First name: Liz

Geographical location: South of Boston

Age: 26 (the big 27 in exactly one month!)

Marital Status: singleeeeeeee

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: auto insurance claims

Pets: Gizmo, my 7lb little gremlin. I have no idea what she is.

Hobbies/Interests: Baking, Cooking, Animal Activism, Veganism, Blogging, Anything to do with Gizmo, Going to shows/concerts and lots more

Height: 5'3

Eye/Hair Color: Hazel Eyes, Hair changes often, usually black or burgundy

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Today! 4/28/11

Starting Weight: 165ish(i signed up on a whim and havent been on a scale)

Present Weight: same

Goal Weight: 125-130

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: It will probably be staynig motivated and getting my butt to the gym at least 4x a week

Following any specific plan: Nothing specific. I am already vegan and have started(more like attempting) going High Raw for a little while

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am serious about it this time. I am going to be 30 in a few years and I don't want the last years of my 20s to be spent feeling larger than I know I can be.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm excited to have found an online community to get inspiration and motivation from!

Maggie, you and I are in the same boat girl. I'm doing WW online and I am having such a hard time without the support I got from the meetings. I never realized just how hard it is going alone until now. We can do this!!!

First name: Ashley

Geographical location: Ontario

Age:24

Marital Status:single

Children/Ages:none

Occupation:Labourer

Pets: Cats, Scrappy and Cal

Hobbies/Interests: Walking, reading, writing, hockey, computer games, drinking

Height: 5'4

Eye/Hair Color: both brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: I started a few years ago

Starting Weight: 175

Present Weight: 144

Goal Weight: 120

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Chocolate cravings

Following any specific plan: Exercise and low calorie diet meals

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Going to the gym more

Anything else you would like to share with us: I used to yo-yo diet, but I don;t want to do that anymore. I know it;s bad and those kind of diet plans are starvation ones anyway.

First name: Trish

Geographical location: Texas

Age: Going on 25

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: Ethan 2yrs

Occupation: Stay at home mom

Pets: 2 dogs: Missy & Ranger 2 cats: Crash & Twilight
& a whole tank full of fish!

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my family and friends! Reading, yoga, cycling, shopping, my pets, gardening, movies, traveling.

Height: 5'5

Eye/Hair Color: Bule/blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Jan. 2011

Starting Weight: 187

Present Weight: 180

Goal Weight: 125

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Self control

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting, low carb/low sugar.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I have you guys as a support system (:

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Jola

Geographical location: Oregon, but soon moving to Boston

Age: 29

Marital Status: Married, ceremony on July 23rd.

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: Ph.D. Student (almost done!!)

Pets: 0

Hobbies/Interests: History, Gaming, Reading.

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: Green/Dark Brown (but I just got some red highlights)

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 9/1/11

Starting Weight: 200

Present Weight: 187

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Adherence to the diet and exercise program.

Following any specific plan: South Beach

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Following South Beach with my husband. Before I'd just tried counting calories. I'm also trying to work out every day.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Happy to have found a supportive community. Oh, and I'm extremely political, which can lead me to have a drink, which makes me more likely to binge eat.

First name: Sian

Geographical location: Preston - United Kingdom

Age: 22

Marital Status: In a Relationship

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Team Member at Cinema

Pets: 2 dogs and 3 chickens (not really mine, that's Mum's little project!)

Hobbies/Interests: Filmmaking, Film in general, Music, Gaming Piano, Reading, Writing

Height: 5'5"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: It's been so on and off for years! But I'll say today - so 29th April 2011

Starting Weight: 186 pounds

Present Weight: 186 pounds

Goal Weight: 130 pounds

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Consistency with exercise - no free passes if I have a good week!

Following any specific plan: Strict exercise plan: 3x Cardio 3x Strength/Core/Ab work out a week.
Cardio includes: 2x Distance Run and 1x Speed run substituted occasionally for Thai Boxing, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred (when weather is bad!)
Strength/Core/Ab includes: Jillian Michaels "Making the Cut" (Loosely) for specific exercises, Pilates, general knowledge of Ab work outs!

First name: Rose

Geographical location: London England

Age: 26

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: Nil

Occupation: Doctor

Pets:Nil

Hobbies/Interests: Singing, piano, songwriting, performing, cycling, reading,
Height: 5'7

Eye/Hair Color: Green/ Red

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: April 25th

Starting Weight: 168

Present Weight: ?? 1 week in people, I'm trying to be good and weigh once a week

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Depression, All or Nothing Approach, Obsessiveness

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting, Ocassional meal replacement shakes, lots of exercise.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Its going to work :D Also first time I'm counting calories, plus more exercise options- bike outside, wii games, dvds, I have everything I need, I just need to use it!

Anything else you would like to share with us:
Would like a buddy!!

First name: Hobbes

Geographical location: New York

Age: 23

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: Admin at a college

Pets: 3 dogs, the loves of my life.

Hobbies/Interests: Art, traveling, music, movies, friends, going out

Height: 5'4.5''

Eye/Hair Color: black/hazel

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: today, 5/1/11

Starting Weight: unknown, probably around 200

Present Weight: unknown, probably around 200

Goal Weight: between 140 and 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Committing to the weightloss

Following any specific plan: nope

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I really want it. I am motivated.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm nervous! But I really want this, and I think it's time.

Re: 20-something profiles
 

First name: Juana

Geographical location: DC

Age: 22

Marital Status: Not married, but an awesome boyfriend 1,000 miles away =/

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: I work in political media

Pets: I have joint custody of the boyfriend's golden retriever

Hobbies/Interests: Watching way too much Army Wives, reading, live music

Height: 5'7"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/dark brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: January 2011

Starting Weight: 200

Present Weight: 185

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Time! I work 12+ hours each day without more than a 20-25 hour break and commute an hour to work. So by the time I'm done, I rarely have the energy to do anything more than crash. I'd love tips from anyone who has ideas for carving out

Following any specific plan: I've been doing 30 Day Shred on and off, combined with a lower-calorie diet. My goal is to eat about 1200 per day with a good balanced mix of healthier foods. Due to a lot of work-related travel in the last few weeks, I've realistically taken in about 1500 a day. I'm also running my first 5K (!!!) Race for the Cure in June, so having something to train and prepare for is exciting.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm looking for a community. I've struggled with my weight in the past but it got way out of control (I gained 40 lbs) after I graduated college, accepted my first job and then lost said job all in a matter of six months. Since I'm living in a city where I don't know anyone, I hope to meet some cool people online who will back up my goal to get back to a healthier, happy weight.

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Caitlin

Geographical location: Los Angeles, CA

Age: 24

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: n/a

Occupation: farmers' market manager

Pets: 2 adorable guinea pigs

Hobbies/Interests: cooking, hiking, biking, crafting, reading

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: blonde hair, blue eyes

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 5/1/11

Starting Weight: 214

Present Weight: 214

Goal Weight: 135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: not cheating on my diet

Following any specific plan: medifast for the first month and then low carb

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I actually weighed my self in at the beginning so I can track my progress better and have better accountability.

First name: Melissa

Geographical location: Minnesota

Age: 22

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Asst. pastry chef

Pets: 1 female Husky (Skaði)

Hobbies/Interests: Art, outdoors, film, reading, fashion, music, adult beverage, my pet, etc.

Height: 5'7

Eye/Hair Color: brown/green eyes, black hair.

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: This time, Feb 2011.

Starting Weight: 149

Present Weight: 142

Goal Weight: 125

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Depression, making consistently good choices, getting more fruit & veg.

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting, but may try Eat to Live.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I did it successfully once, but illness made me gain it back. I've regained that initial sense of determination and I'll do it again.

Anything else you would like to share with us: hm, not a whole lot.

First name: Amber
Geographical location: Upstate NY
Age: 26
Marital Status: Married
Children/Ages: Adam 2 yrs, Phoebe almost 3 weeks
Occupation: Stay at home mom, church pianist, Pampered Chef consultant
Pets: none
Hobbies/Interests: [COLOR="purple"]Spending time with my family and friends, going shopping, vacationing, reading, playing piano COLOR]
Height:5'8
Eye/Hair Color: blue-green/dark blonde
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: April 2011 (this time)
Starting Weight: 229 (at very end of pregnancy)Present Weight: 207
Goal Weight: 160
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Self control
Following any specific plan: nothing really right now - I'm strictly breastfeeding, so I try and eat healthy and exercise
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: After having lost over 40lbs before having my daughter, I know that I am capable of doing it
Anything else you would like to share with us: I like to be challenged and I like being able to talk with people in situations similar to me... Look forward to getting to know most of you!

First name: RyAnn

Geographical location: Colorado

Age: 27

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: little 4 year old boy

Occupation: Federal Correctional Officer

Pets: beta fish

Height: 5'3"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Red

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Nov 2010

Starting Weight: 180something

Present Weight: 164

Goal Weight: 135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Motivation when the results are very slow to see

Following any specific plan: cardio, muscle strength, food monitoring

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I actually am hitting the gym, and making the lifestyle change, not just the quick diet that I do not follow through with.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I did do HCG, and started at like 192, got to 174, and then got back up to the 180s. This was last June, so I am not using this as my heaviest weight, since I did not do it right.

First name: Emma

Geographical location: Pittsburgh, PA

Age:23

Marital Status:single

Children/Ages:none

Occupation: Occupational Therapist

Pets: Conner, my little 7lb Yorkie-Shih-zhu!

Hobbies/Interests: Walking, watching movies, swimming (love it!!), reading, I like amusement parks though I do not get to go too often, cuddling up with a hot cup of tea and a book in the winter, watching very superficial tv shows with my friends

Height: 5'9

Eye/Hair Color: both brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Well, I have been dieting since the 10th grade however, I hit my highest in April 2011 and launched a diet program on May 1st.

Starting Weight: 220

Present Weight: 216

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: Sticking to the food plan!

Following any specific plan: Exercise and staying under 2000 calories

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am going to the gym more. I also have a more stable life as I am no longer a student.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I am quite friendly and my friends say I am bubbly. I am also looking forward to feeling good about myself and dating! :carrot:

First name:
Sarah
Geographical location:
Hamburg, Germany but im from Brisbane, Australia
Age:
23
Marital Status:
in a relationship
Children/Ages:
none
Occupation:
nanny/ preschool teacher
Pets:
none
Hobbies/Interests:
tv/movies, travel, swimming, crafts, cooking,
Height:
167cm 5ft6
Eye/Hair Color:
Green, Black
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:
Today....although its not the first time iv been on a "diet"
Starting Weight:
87kg
Present Weight:
lowest weight...75kg
Goal Weight:
not really sure, for me this is more about becoming fit and healthy then being a certain size...however 65kg would be nice =)
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss:
I am a live in nanny, so i eat with the family in the evening..mostly its healthy.
The other thing would be not binging...actually exercising..
Following any specific plan:
low carb/low cal, exercise 5-6 times each week
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:
this time its not about losing weight fast or looking skinny, its about being healthy, plus im using the forum for support =)
Anything else you would like to share with us:
id love some friends to chat too..if you would like to add me on facebook
it's facebook.com/sarahemilywieland.
as long as you dont comment on my wall about anything weight loss related, i'd like to keep it to myself for now =)
The main reason im doing this is because i want to join the Australian Navy when i go home

First name: Emily

Geographical location: Northeast

Age: 22

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Student

Pets: None with me =(

Hobbies/Interests: Going out, cooking, reading

Height: 5ft

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 4/11/11

Starting Weight: 140

Present Weight: 129

Goal Weight: 110

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Late-night food and the college lifestyle

Following any specific plan: Ideal Protein diet

First name: Elisa

Geographical location: SW Missouri

Age: 21

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: Baby girl 4mo

Occupation: Stay at home mom

Pets: N/A

Hobbies/Interests: Walking, Baking :o lol

Height: 5'6

Eye/Hair Color: Dark hair, Blue/green eyes

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 4/7/11 off & on

Starting Weight: 211

Present Weight: 206.4

Goal Weight: 140-150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Finding the motivation to stick with the diet & exercise, i'll have a bad day then just decide the whole diets been ruined & quit

Following any specific plan: Counting calories (starting at 2000 a day & working my way down to 12-1300 & Billy Blanks Tae bo! Also walking daily & upping my water intake

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: My daughter is now 4 months old & i'm ready to get back into shape I gained alot of weight when I became pregnant & now my self confidence is shot, I want to be healthy & happy because my little girl deserves a mother who's going to be the best she can be!!

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Lindsey

Geographical location: Los Angeles

Age: 23

Marital Status: Boyfriend

Children/Ages: n/a

Occupation: Freelance Makeup Artist

Pets: 1 insane cat

Hobbies/Interests: writing, makeup, reading, traveling

Height: 5'7'

Eye/Hair Color: Grey-Green/light brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: May 1, 2011

Starting Weight: 186.2

Present Weight: 182

Goal Weight: 145

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Self control, consistency

Following any specific plan: calorie counting, lots of exercise.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: This site! I need support :)

First name: Reena

Geographical location: Saskatchewan, Canada

Age: 29

Marital Status: Common law

Children/Ages: 2 kids my daughter is 9 and my son is 4

Occupation: Accounts Payable Administrator

Pets: none (I'm alerginc to everything...achooo :( )

Hobbies/Interests: Speding time with family and good friends. I love to laugh!

Height: 6' 9"

Eye/Hair Color: blue/dark brown with blonde highlight (for now!)

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: May 2nd 2011

Starting Weight: 300 lbs

Present Weight: 289 lbs

Goal Weight: 220-240 lbs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: keeping it off! I just love to eat too much!

Following any specific plan: Ideal Protein

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: It's just clicking! I don't know how else to explain. I've tried so many other diets and hated every second on it. I have no cravings and I feel great!

Anything else you would like to share with us: I have spent my life pretending that I'm okay and comfortable with myself around all of my skinny beautiful friends, I'm going to be a skinny beautiful girl with confidence and I no longer give a S!*% what anyone thinks of me. I'm not listening to what the skeptics have to say. I'm doing this for me and only me!

First name: Rachel

Geographical location: Albuquerque

Age:20

Marital Status: Boyfriend

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Student

Pets: 2 dogs, Flipp and Dyson

Hobbies/Interests: Raving and Reading books

Height:5'6"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:

Starting Weight:193

Present Weight:187

Goal Weight:140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Bingeing

Following any specific plan: No

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I had promised myself when I was in middle school that I would never wear plus sizes. A few months ago I started having to shop at Torrid. I really want to be able to do things with my friends and not be hindered by my physical limitations.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Originally from Southern California. I only moved to New Mexico last year because school is so much cheaper here.

First name: Bee

Geographical location: Canada

Age: 27

Marital Status: Engaged

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: House"wife"

Pets:None

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, cooking, photography, outdoors, cinema

Height: 6'1.5"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Red for now

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 3/08/2011

Starting Weight: 265

Present Weight: 255

Goal Weight: 180

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Sometimes, I lose motivation if I don't lose weight fast enough. I've just got to be patient!

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting/low-carb

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: For the first month, I didn't lose even 1 tiny pound. I was very discouraged. But I didn't give up! I think that's the difference this time. I haven't given up, even when I don't see results on the scale. I just know that they'll come eventually if I keep working hard!

Anything else you would like to share with us: I love this community so far! I feel so motivated looking at all the stories people have shared!

First name: Lane

Geographical location: The cold, white north of Wisconsin!

Age: 26

Marital Status: Married for 2 1/2 years :)

Children/Ages: None yet

Occupation: Marketing

Pets: Two b*tchy cats

Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, reading, writing, web design

Height: 5' 8"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown & brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Hahaha - ten years ago? Feels like I've been dieting forever... Let's just say May 16th, 2011 :)

Starting Weight: 183.4

Present Weight: 181.2

Goal Weight: 163.4

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Keeping up the motivation for more than a week at a time

Following any specific plan: Counting calories with Livestrong (sticking to 1,400-1,800/day), dancing, jogging and strength training with the Nike Training Club app for exercise

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I feel like I'm ready to move past the "excitement" phase of setting up and trying a new weight loss plan and into the simple commitment of practicing healthy behaviors every day.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Can't wait to meet you all!

First name: Riley

Geographical location: Michigan and Southern US

Age: 28

Marital Status: Happily single

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Industrial professional

Pets: None

Hobbies/Interests: Classical musician, science

Height: 5'3" (possibly 5'4")

Eye/Hair Color: Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: May 2009

Starting Weight: 200+

Present Weight: 140

Goal Weight: 90-100

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Mostly family issues - everyone is expected to be overweight in my family and there is a lot of resistance to weight loss.

Following any specific plan: 1200 calories or less...

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:
I will not accept being average... I actually want to be thin, not average. My last attempt to lose weight didn't last long because I was content with being an average size. I quickly regained the weight...

Anything else you would like to share with us: :)