[AJ'sAwesomeMom]

First name: Becky

Geographical location: New Hampshire

Age: 29

Marital Status: Divorced, living with my boyfriend

Children/Ages: 1 son, age 7

Occupation: Educator with local crisis center/studying for my Master's

Pets: 1 year old pit bull, Basilone

Hobbies/Interests: Running (I have a stress fracture at the moment, so I have to take a month off ), Reading, playing with my son, learning about diet and fitness

Height: 5'5"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/Red

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: This time, 9/10/13

Starting Weight: 180

Present Weight: 178

Goal Weight: 135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I have a really hard time with portion control. I know what I need to do to lose weight, I know how to work out and what to eat, but even when I eat the right things I eat way too much. I'm also inconsistent - I have a hard time making time for myself, so eating right and working out fall by the wayside a lot.

Following any specific plan: Just working out regularly and eating as cleanly as possible...

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I have an amazing boyfriend who supports me however he can - from taking over chores so I have time to workout to reminding me that I don't *really* want that second helping of dinner. He loves me just the way I am, but he knows that I want to get back in shape for me. I've never had a solid support system before!

Anything else you would like to share with us: I was really fit in high school and college (until I got pregnant), so I struggle with wanting instant gratification. But I just keep reminding myself that I didn't get fat overnight, so I have to be patient and stick with it this time. With a little luck and a lot of hard work, I won't be dodging the camera at my sister's wedding in February!

[Avezy44]

First name: Avery

Geographical location: Middle Tennessee

Age: 22

Marital Status: In a relationship (5 years strong!)

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: Warehouse Associate for an online store

Pets: Cat (NuMoe) and Rabbit (Herman)

Hobbies/Interests: Writing, singing, Video Games, Thriller Novels, Scrapbooking, Collecting Zombie movies.

Height: 5'6"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 8/13

Starting Weight: 295

Present Weight: 283

Goal Weight: 135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Getting past the fact that I was 30 pounds from my goal and gave up and now I am starting way over.

Following any specific plan: Not really, eating more raw/organic and working out 5-7 days a week.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: The difference is when I lost 80+ lbs before it was for a career that I never really wanted. Now I have been with my boyfriend for 5 years and I have a feeling the next step could be taken any day now, I want to wear the wedding dress of my dreams and look healthy, lean and beautiful. I've also been told that with my weight and medical history I could have a very high risk pregnancy if I don't start taking my health more seriously. So I am doing it for my health.. and my self esteem.

Anything else you would like to share with us: It's been a rough 2 almost 3 years but that is behind me now and I plan to fight for the success story I want and need!

[luzitania]

First name: Marie

Geographical location: Ontario

Age: 22

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Student

Pets: 2 beautiful cats

Hobbies/Interests: Running, travels, reading,...

Height: 5"3

Eye/Hair Color: Brown eyes/brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: foreverrrrr

Starting Weight: 178

Present Weight: 183

Goal Weight: 143

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: binge eating

Following any specific plan: Weight Watchers

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am following an eating plan (Weight watchers)

Anything else you would like to share with us: I really want to control my sugar addiction. Any advice is appreciated.

[reinoa]

First name: Tina

Geographical location: San Francisco, CA

Age: 26

Marital Status: Single and Ready to Mingle

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: Product Specialist for Investor Relations Webhosting

Pets: 0

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Cop shows

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown eyes and dark brown hair (though it is ombre-ish now)

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: On off relationship since 2011. Just starting to get serious now

Starting Weight: 162lbs

Present Weight: 165lbs

Goal Weight: 125lbs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I binge food a lot. I am fortunate enough that I don't have any allergic reaction to any type of food so I eat whatever I want to eat at the moment. I was a skinny kid when I was young but I started to gain weight after graduating college. I am also so lazy exercising and when i start to feel pain i stop.

Following any specific plan: Diet plans? Just removing carbs on my diet for now. Sugar too but i'm kinda losing that battle for a bit.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I signed up for a boxing class this time. Hopefully, i will overcome my shyness in crowds and be successful this time.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm excited and scared with that class hehe. I also hope i get to meet new friends here and in real life.

[LawGirl88]

First name: Courtney

Geographical location: Southern California

Age: 25 (26 in January)

Marital Status: In a relationship

Children/Ages: Not yet gotta get my life together and stuff first.

Occupation: Retail and Teaching Program

Pets: Roomies dog, parents dog, sisters dog

Hobbies/Interests: Healthy hobbies are reading and spending times with kiddos. Unhealthy would be eating (ugh) and shopping (Im always making myself broke.)

Height: 5'6

Eye/Hair Color: Brown, Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: This time Oct 7,2013

Starting Weight: Around 210

Present Weight: Around 210

Goal Weight: 135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Stop telling myself that I'm bound to fail. I make one mistake and figure while I'm just going to fail like I have in the past so why try.

Following any specific plan: Not this time just calorie counting and consistent exercise.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I feel like I can't keep putting myself thru the ups and downs.

[tiffybabyxoxo]

First name: Tiffany

Geographical location: New York.

Age: 24.

Marital Status: Engaged.

Children/Ages: None.

Occupation: Case Manager

Pets: 2 yr old kitty

Hobbies/Interests: beauty vlogger on YouTube.

Height: 5'0.

Eye/Hair Color: Brown.

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: September 2010.

Starting Weight: 256 (2010) - 225 (2012).

Present Weight: 186 lbs.

Goal Weight: 130 lbs.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Low energy | work stress | portion control.

Following any specific plan: 3 meals - 2 snacks - No white carbs - No red meats.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: MUCH slower progress. I'm struggling so much more this time.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I need all the help I can get

[FlutterbyButterfly]

First name: Natalie

Geographical location: UK

Age: 20

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: Student

Pets: None

Hobbies/Interests: Travelling

Height: 5'9

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/ Light Brown-Dark Blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Restart 23rd September 2013

Starting Weight: 230

Present Weight: 221

Goal Weight: 146

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Confidence to start exercising

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting and Alternate day fasting

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm more motivated now and serious about changing my life for the better.

[jennifer lynn xyz]

I'm Jennifer and here is so basic info about myself. I just signed up for this group today because I am realizing that I have more mental barriers to weight loss than physical ones. I need a place to work through these issues while also keeping me on track.

Geographical location:Wisconsin

Age: 23

Marital Status:Single

Hobbies/Interests: I'm not a big hobby person but I am learning how to knit and crochet and enjoy it a lot.
I do, however, have a lot of interests. I am a strong feminist and liberal and am very interested in politics and social justice. I love to read--both fiction and nonfiction.

Height: 5'9

Eye/Hair Color:Blue eyes with brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:10-16-2013

Starting Weight: I am currently debating whether I want to purchase a scale and measure my progress in pounds. I know seeing that number is going to be a punch in the gut but I also need a way to tell i'm progressing.

Present Weight:

Goal Weight: around 160 (I believe I need to lose around 40-50 pounds)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Physically: I really hate the gym.
Mentally: I've gained a lot of weight in the last year due to depression and possibly the medication and birth control I have taken to combat it. Confronting my weight gain also means comforting the fact I have been depressed which makes exercising and diet very emotionally straining.

Following any specific plan: My approach is more to cultivate a healthier lifestyle than a weight loss plan. I just really feel unhealthy and want to change that--my goal isn't a specific look or number.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Basically, I haven't felt worse about how I look/feel. I don't fit in my clothes and barely fit into standard sizes. I do not feel like myself. I just feel like I either start losing weight now or I'll just identify as over weight and stay like this.

[whatthefudge]

First Name: Millie

Age: 22

Marital Status: Single

Hobbies/Interests: I just learned how to knit and I'm getting into boxing as well. Travelling, cooking new things, and reading are some other hobbies. I'm very interested in feminism as well as social issues.

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: Dark brown hair/eyes

Starting Date of Weight loss Journey: 9/26/13 (that's the day that I've been consistently counting calories since)

Starting Weight: 212 (that was the highest weight I saw recently, might not be from the starting date of weight loss though)

Present Weight: 201

Goal Weight: 120

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I've gained this weight from years of struggling with my body image and depression. I coped with issues by eating unhealthy foods in large amounts. I'm no longer depressed but I'm going through an odd transition period. My biggest hurdle will be to stay motivated, to remind myself that I'm actually capable of doing this.


Following any specific plan: I'm counting calories and exercising a few days a week, with plans to incorporate more and more physical activity.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: For once, I feel like I can do it. I used to have really low self esteem and now I'm faking it til I make it, basically. My self esteem is better than before and I know with the weight loss it'll get better and better, because I'll actually be accomplishing my goals. Also, a couple friends and I signed up for exercise classes together so that's some support. I'm also using an iphone app that's a calorie and exercise counter and it's been a godsend. In the past I wouldn't track consistently, even when I was on plans like weight watchers. It feels much simpler this time around, and more effortless. I know that what I'm doing so far is working and seeing results for the first time in years after all my varied efforts is so encouraging.

[jenn marie 87]

First name: Jenn

Geographical location: Texas

Age: 26

Marital Status: Living with boyfriend

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Specialty Processing (sit at a computer all day)

Pets: black Lionhead rabbit named Kiara

Hobbies/Interests: I don't really have a lot of hobbies, but I do enjoy watching BBC Sherlock and the Walking Dead

Height: 5'5

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 2007

Starting Weight: 316 lbs

Present Weight: 230 lbs

Goal Weight: 160 lbs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Facing reality. The reality of what I am actually eating and the reality of how little effort I have been putting into exercise.

Following any specific plan: No fad diets. Just eating healthy and exercising harder

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: This time I am being realistic and honest with myself and I am doing it for myself. Not to look good for anyone or to look better than anyone. I want to be healthier for myself.

Anything else you would like to share with us: That I am lacking the motivation needed, but I am hoping being here with you lovely people with similar struggles will help

[Jamiemae]

First name: Jamie

Geographical location: Connecticut

Age: 27

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: banker

Pets: 2 dogs Lilly and Cody

Hobbies/Interests: Softball and Hockey

Height: 4'11''

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: as far back as i can remember, but this time Aug. 2nd 2013

Starting Weight: 212.6

Present Weight: 179.0

Goal Weight: 119

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: social activities

Following any specific plan: Ideal Protein

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: My health

Anything else you would like to share with us: I enjoy reading other's success stories. Looking forward to writing my own!

[heidiruth]

First name: Heidi

Geographical location: Northern CA

Age: 26

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: no kids! just fur babies!!

Occupation: Medical Assistant for neurologist

Pets: 3 cats

Hobbies/Interests: music, shopping, reading, camping, air shows, car shows, cooking

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: brown hair brown eyes

Starting Date of Weight loss Journey: Nov 14, 2014 (I started losing weight Oct 2010 lost 50 lbs plateaued and felt discouraged so I gave up. Now its time for round 2)

Starting Weight: 264lbs

Present Weight: 264 lbs

Goal Weight: 185 (for now per my Doctor who says I am 135lbs of muscle)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss:

Following any specific plan: Doctors guidelines I (calorie counting)

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: followed by a doctor and nutritionist

Anything else you would like to share with us: really need to be motivated this time! I dont want to give up again!!

[CrystalClear25]

First name: Vicki

Geographical location: Manitoba

Age: 25

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Government Worker

Pets: None - though I want a dog

Hobbies/Interests: Music, Reading, Photography

Height: 5'8

Eye/Hair Color: Blue eyes, brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: November 17. I had lost weight a few years back, but due to various reasons I'm restarting.

Starting Weight: 222

Present Weight: 222

Goal Weight: 180 (I'd love to be 165.. but I want to be more realistic)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Actually putting in the effort to exercise and watch what I eat. Also my medication I'm on, though that is something that I cannot change, and need to realize.

Following any specific plan: Nope

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: My husband is losing weight with me.

Anything else you would like to share with us:

[Savemykissesx]

First name: Danielle

Geographical location: Massachusetts, USA

Age: 25

Marital Status: I've been taken for over 4 years now. My boyfriend and I own our own house together.

Children/Ages: ... My children are my pets <3

Occupation: Medical Assistant

Pets: 6 cats, (Eechy, Boogeyman, Sophie, Luigi, Ramona, and Sampson) and 2 dogs (Tinka and Stubbie) and one hamster (Delilah) Foster dog named Peewee, and 3 foster cats named Pookie, Thomas O'malley and Elvis.

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, writing, penpals, watching TV, listening to music, movies, hanging with friends, trying new recipes, saving animal lives, networking and rescue.

Height: 5'2

Eye/Hair Color: Brown eyes and brunette hair.

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: I restarted back in September, but am now starting again tomorrow. Dec. 9th 2013 with a new diet from Dolvett Quince.

Starting Weight: 184 back in September, I am fluctuating between 180 and 177 right now.

Present Weight: ^ Fluctuating 180 and 177

Goal Weight: 135ish.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: FOOD. I am so bad with food.. I just want to eat the yummy yummy stuff that isn't almost EVER good for you or healthy.

Following any specific plan: I am starting Dolvett Quince's 3-1-2-1 diet.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I now have a meal plan in place so it will give me a little more structure to follow.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I really would love to meet some friends and make a real connection through this journey together - don't hesitate to message me if youd like and maybe we can work together.

[amallison]

First name: Ashley

Geographical location: Southern Mississippi

Age: 26

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: Avery/4 (turns 5 this week) and Peyton/3

Occupation: Engineering Technician

Pets: 1 dog, Bella

Hobbies/Interests: reading, blogging (about my weight loss journey of course), spending time with my family, watching tv, and cooking.

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: December 2, 2013

Starting Weight: 163.8

Present Weight: 161.6

Goal Weight: 130-135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Myself. I have no self-esteem and have a really hard time holding myself accountable, so I guess you could say I also have a really hard time with self-control.

Following any specific plan: Not at this time, focusing on counting calories, controlling my portions, and upping my exercise.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: There are several things, I've never been determined to do it before. I've always thought it'd be nice to lose the weight but I never put forth any real effort to make it happen. The main difference is that a few weeks ago I bought a dress that was an XL and when I tried it on it didn't fit, at that point I looked in the mirror and wondered how in the heck I ever got this way. I had a complete meltdown at that point and that was when I decided I absolutely had to take responsibility for my body and make the necessary changes to lose these 30 pounds.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I do have a gym membership, but it's to a small gym on the base that I work at and there aren't very many classes that they do so I'm basically stuck with free weights, elipticals, stationery bikes, treadmills, and a few other things. Mostly though, I will be doing this outside of the gym so I'm going to need a lot of support. My husband isn't always the most supportive person in the world even though he tries. He says he doesn't know what I need him to do. My family is very negative, most of them are overweight or obese but don't feel the need to make any changes to their lifestyle to get healthy. However, they're extremely critical of me and have no problems dishing out "weight loss" advice and telling me I'm fat or that I need to lose weight but they never look in the mirror. So, I have absolutely no support for them at all. Other than my husband watching the kids so that I can go for a walk or do an exercise video I'm in this alone and that is by far the hardest part of this whole journey.