Screen Name: Phoenix32203, but you can call me Julie :0)

Age: 39

Family Life: I have been divorced for three years. My gorgeous teenage daughter and I are on our own.

Occupation: I am a teacher and a student working on a 2nd Masters

Hobbies and Interests: I am an animal lover! I have two lab mixes (Chase and Muffin), a tiny terrier (Casey), a classroom bunny (Jasper), a tabby cat (Fat Louie), and a blue parakeet (Buddy the Wonder bird, who came tapping at my classroom window one cold spring day four years ago, lucky boy!) I read voraciously and love to write--it is my closet ambition to be an author one day. I also like working with colored pencil and watercolor. It helps me get out of my own head. When I can, I really enjoy hiking in beautiful places.

Favorite Music: If it's good I like it, across the spectrum. My very favorites include Patty Griffin, Tori Amos, A Fine Frenzy, Elvis Costello, The Killers, and The Beatles.

Favorite Color: All of them--I get attached to a new one every few months. Does that make me a waffler??

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Walking, strength training; I want to try others, however. Kickboxing and spinning sound like great fun!

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to develop a healthy relationship with my body and with food. I would also be deliriously happy if I lost about 120 pounds in the process, but I'm taking it slow this time.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I have never been heavier, slower, stiffer, or less healthy. I feel like I am trapped in the body of a 60 or 70 year old woman because of the extra weight and the way it exacerbates my arthritis. I am done with this!

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? I sabotage myself. I guess my biggest task is to figure out why and knock it off!

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Moving my butt--finding the motivation and time, staying organized by planning ahead and having my meals covered, and sticking to it!

Screen Name:mariamherrera

Age/Age Range:26

Family Life: Wife

Occupation:hair stylist/ preschool teacher

Hobbies and Interests: hair, make up, traveling, sight seeing, exploring, photography, music, dancing, art and crafts, animals, spending time with my hubby

Favorite Music: love all kinda, mostly R&B hip hop, reggaeton, salsa, cumbia, Rock, ALternitive, country, 80's.. lots! lol

Favorite Color(s):black, hunter green, and anythign that glitters or sparkles ;)

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: working out on my Wii Fit, dancing, swimming, walking

What are your fitness/health goals? too get under 200lbs for sure to be some where between a size 10-14

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I've been pondering it off and on for the past year knowing I needed to but the icing on the cake was when I went out for a night out on the town with some gal friends and saw the pictures from that night! It was horrible! I wanted to rip them all up- I couldn't believe how bad I'd gotten

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? ugh.. ngiht time cravings, and when its "that time of the month" I want to eat sweets and sugar so bad- abstaining is the hardest! But I have and I'm proud I've exercised such great self control!

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? excerise at least 30 mins a day, making sure I'm eating 4-6 small meals a day

(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? a two piece swim suit! and not be ashamed!

Screen Name: Brookypooh /real name Brook

Age/Age Range:25

Family Life: married with two sons

Occupation: sahm in school for nursing

Hobbies and Interests: being out doors, spending time with family, Photography

Favorite Music: all types , rock, hard rock, country, pop pretty much anything

Favorite Color(s): blue and pink

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: turbo jam

What are your fitness/health goals? change my diet to maintain a healthy life style and get a body back I am proud of

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? LOL well I was at kholes and litteraly broke down in tears because none of the clothes that are for my age fit or looked good on me and all the clothes for big girls were way to old looking for me. all I wanted to do was find a great pair of jeans and walked out of the store empty handed and in tears.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? CRAVING Chocolot like crazy!!!

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
Right now I am on track pretty well and I think things are going very well so at the moment the only thing I can think of is exersizing more.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : LOL I have this "friend" that likes to make mean comments about me behing my back and talk about me and even says stuff to my face that she doesnt think is "that mean" I would LOVE to look better then her!!!

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?
My little black dress I bought when I was 18 it is extreamly sexy and I want to fit in it so badly. but I would also really love to finaly have that great pair of jeans!
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Screen Name: soybean

Age/Age Range: 20

Family Life: Right now I'm single and living away from my parents

Occupation: College student with a few part-time jobs

Hobbies and Interests: Eating!, spending time with my friends & family, reading, writing, and shopping of course.

Favorite Music: Classic rock, mellow alternative, and my guilty pleasure is top 40

Favorite Color(s): navy blue and purple

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: long walks outdoors and treadmill running... or rather the high I get from the run.

What are your fitness/health goals? To lose twenty pounds and be able to run a 5k

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? The students I tutor have asked a few times I'm pregnant. Oy. I convinced myself its because I wear baby-doll shirts constantly, but one outspoken boy told me its because my stomach is huge. On a less superficial note, my chronic illness if suffering from my lack of activity and constant binges on fatty food so its time to make a change and get rid of the pain :)

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Portion control! I lost 80 pounds in high school and I swear my stomach never shrank and I still have the appetite of a 240 pound 16 year old.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? First, I need to get active and view working out as a necessity rather that something only athletic people do. Second, I need to learn how to listen to my body's cues to tell me when and how much to eat. Third, I need to cut down the portions.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : Anyone who I was ever jealous of or ever made fun of me in my k12 days!

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

Screen Name: DirtyBird78

Age/Age Range: early 20's... I wish! I turned 30 not that long ago.

Family Life: Currently in a relationship and proud owner of 3 crazy cats.

Occupation: Nursing Assistant

Hobbies and Interests:I love to read, draw, listen to music, go to concerts, hang out with my friends and relax at home.

Favorite Music: Rock, baby... but I listen to pretty much everything.

Favorite Color(s): Blue, black and purple

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Tae Bo

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to be able to walk a few blocks without being winded. I really want to get down to my goal weight and learn how maintain it so I can keep a healthy lifestyle.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?
I won't go into too many details because, frankly, it's graphic. We admitted a morbidly obese patient to our unit who had over 65 pounds of fat removed from her, and seeing her in that state really made me aware that if I didn't do something, like soon!, I was going to end up on that bed one day.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? I work night shift and it's just really hard trying to figure out when I should eat and at what times. I never know if I should eat my dinner on my lunch break, which would be at 2 AM or should I start with breakfast instead. I can never find the right balance to this solution 'cause I always end up going home after work and pigging out instead of sticking to my plan.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Portion control, exercise, and eating healthy.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : It really isn't about me looking better than someone else. It's about me being comfortable with myself and liking what I see in the mirror every morning.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? A nice pair of jeans with a dressy top that doesn't show my muffin top to everyone.

Screen Name: kristen10

Age/Age Range: 25

Family Life: I'm single, but I'm still very close with my parents and brothers and sister.

Occupation: Web designer... anyone need a website? I love to do pro bono freelance!

Hobbies and Interests: lacrosse, knitting, reading, exploring my new city

Favorite Music: tons! kings of leon, bon iver, miles benjamin anthony robinson...

Favorite Color(s): haven't really thought about this since i was a kid. blue i guess? right now i really like purple.

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: elliptical, free weights. i played lacrosse in college, i miss that kind of disguised workout.

What are your fitness/health goals? I would like to get back to my low weight of 145. I was proud of myself for getting there, but after about a year, I let myself slip. I want to run 5 miles without stopping.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? I suddenly realized that I can't fit into any of my jeans, including some that not too long ago were far too big on me. It's really incredible how I managed to see something else in the mirror the whole time I was gaining weight, and the realization just hit me like a ton of bricks. "Hmm... ALL of my jeans couldn't have shrunk... I'm not bloated... OMG I GAINED 20 POUNDS!"

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Exercise. I know that I love the feeling I get after I've worked out, I know that I love how I feel after a week, a month, 3 months of working out... but somehow my lazy brain makes me think that exercise isn't worth it. "Tomorrow will be fine.. or maybe next week. "

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? 1. Drink more water, less diet coke. 2. GO TO THE GYM 3. Eat more fresh foods instead of frozen/canned.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than?: Ohh this is so bad! My roommate/best friend from college. We've both always struggled and competed against each other... it was partially a good motivator, partially evil (wishing for the other's downfall, rejoicing at seeing the other eat something bad). She looks great these days. I, on the other hand...

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? My old jeans! The day that I can pull a pair on will be heaven.

Intro
 

Screen Name: Hyacinth

Age/Age Range: 38

Family Life: Single female with an adult child

Occupation: A recently laid-off software engineer

Hobbies and Interests: Computers, cooking, socializing and meeting new people, art, outdoor stuff.

Favorite Music: I have diverse tastes but most of my favorites are obscure.

Favorite Color(s): cranberry, purple

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: anything outside, walking

What are your fitness/health goals? To lose weight in a non-obsessive manner (I obsessively lost 80 pounds once, but gained it all back), to be consistent about exercise (20 minutes of walking a day is a good start).

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? A series of major events have created a new world for me: moved to a new house, my child moved halfway across the nation, and I was recently laid off. Gotta start somewhere!

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? My tendency to obsess about weight loss, not liking exercise very much, lack of discipline due to bad habits, emotional eating.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Exercising consistently, regulating calorie intake to have roughly the same (healthy) amount every day, staying on track.

(Evil motivation) Who do you want to look better than? : I would only like to look better than I do right now. I often joke that I look like a Brooke Shields who let herself go, so I guess I should say I want to give Brooke a run for her money.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? An air of self-confidence that I haven't had in quite some time ... and the boxes of clothes I have that are too small and taking up space in my spare room!

Screen Name:[/B] accountable

Age/Age Range: 33

Family Life: married with 2 kids under 3

Occupation: occupational therapist

Hobbies and Interests: scrapbooking, reading, volunteering

Favorite Music: diverse but I mostly listen to contemporary christian

Favorite Color(s): burgandy

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: cardio kickboxing, step, power classes

What are your fitness/health goals? kick these last few pounds to get to 150 and continue to maintain

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? refused to start buying size 18 clothing 3 years ago and the addition of my first daughter (I want to be a good example to her in all areas of life)

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? get discourage frequently; overindulge in sweets that sets off binges

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? eating cleaner/less sweets in particular; changing up exercise routine periodically; avoid evening snacking

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? I want to be able to comfortably wear size 8

Screen Name: Vintage Glamour

Age/Age Range: 26

Family Life: I live with my boyfriend of 7 years, people are always asking why we don't get married. Simple answer: we will when we are ready. :)

Occupation: Marketing Coordinator

Hobbies and Interests: Shopping, Dance, Interior Design, Movies

Favorite Music: I love everything, but I must admit I am a sucker for the 80's

Favorite Color(s): I love using color every where in my life. Each room has its own theme, my favorite color category has to be green. Olive Green is one of my faves.

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Dancing, Boot Camp

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to be healthy with food and exercise.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? When I realized that I don't want to look at myself in the mirror without having a nervous breakdown.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Fried Foods after a night of drinking.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Cut down on my dependency of sweets, Eat more veggies, Exercise regularly

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : My highschool friends, I want my boyfriend to drool :carrot:

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? A bikini, Short Mini Dress to Las Vegas, and Sleeveless clothing.

Screen Name: sws19

Age/Age Range: 28

Family Life: on my way to crazy cat lady

Occupation: public health research analyst and communications specialist

Hobbies and Interests: sleeping, eating, cooking, going out with friends

Favorite Music: lots of stuff ranging from neutral milk hotel to britney spears

Favorite Color(s): uhhh. green?

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: i run. i hate it but it's the most accessible and efficient. i like skiing and ice skating but they aren't that easy to come by.

What are your fitness/health goals? I want to get to a point where i don't loathe my body.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? seeing myself in pictures from friends' weddings and not being able to fit into my fat clothes anymore.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? cheesy things (mexican, pizza), binge eating, booze.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? need to stop procrastinating about working out and actually have some self discipline for a change. also i need to quit binge eating.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : oh man. i can't even answer this.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? a bikini, anything, everything

Screen Name: Dilleight

Age/Age Range: 24

Family Life: I live with my partner and our gerbils. I went out with my mum last night though and just got off the phone to my sister!

Occupation: Trainee careers adviser

Hobbies and Interests: Travel, food, real ale, reading, telly! How boring do I sound!

Favorite Music: Blur, Dodgy, Girls Aloud, Mr Scruff, Nouvelle Vague, Franz Ferdinand, GLC, the Killers, Pulp, New order, stuff my bf and sister advise me to listen to!

Favorite Color(s): Green and blue

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Tae bo, walking.

What are your fitness/health goals? Keep up the Tae bo.

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

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Being a**ed to exercise and not eating too many pies!

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
1. Keeping exercise up!
2. Not eating too much chocolate
3. Drinking too much beer!

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : I'd like to weigh less than my bf if that counts!

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

Screen Name: Sabra

Age/Age Range: 40

Family Life: Married w/2 Sons

Occupation: SAHM

Hobbies and Interests: POGO, Reading (Books, Magazines, Message Boards, etc.), Watching TV (Movies, Law & Order, Biggest Loser, Survivor, etc.), and most important...Spending Time w/My Family

Favorite Music: Almost anything from the 80's and Country

Favorite Color(s): Green, Purple, and Black

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Walking/Treadmill...hopefully in time that will change to Running/Treadmill

What are your fitness/health goals?
To reach and stay within my weight goal range, to stop needing blood pressure medication, to become a runner

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit?
There have been many over the past few years. I'm just ready to get healthy.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health?
Exercise...I need to be consistent.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve?
More Exercise
More Cooking
Stay away from chocolate and fried foods.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than?
Someone I went to high school with that was, and still is, a snob.

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size?
Sleeveless Tops and Shorts

Screen Name: Beemer

Age/Age Range: 40

Family Life: Married with Son-12 and Daughter-11

Occupation: Stay at Home Mom

Hobbies and Interests: Reading, Computer, Showing Rabbits, Breeding Birds

Favorite Music: Christian Pop/Rock

Favorite Color(s): Pink and Purple

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Running on Treadmill(did I really say that? LOL)
Stationary Recumbent Bike and Wii Fit

What are your fitness/health goals? To eat healthy and be healthy 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? Turning 40 and wanting to eat like I was

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

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Eating veggies, running, and moving more in the day

(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? Bathing suit that doesn't cover my thighs

Screen Name:FaithBW

Age/Age Range: mid 20's

Family Life: Married with 2 year old cat

Occupation: recent college grad looking for job

Hobbies and Interests: Writing, reading, computer

Favorite Music: Classical, R&B

Favorite Color(s): blue (any shade)

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: elliptical

What are your fitness/health goals? To get to a healthy weight again the right way (eating right, exercising, not starving myself) and to keep my BP low.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? It's kinda personal but it had something to do with the hubby.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? I'm a perfectionist and sometimes that affects me if I happen to not exercise or eat more calories than I think I should.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? I can't think of three. I do need to do more strength training. I always found that hard to do consistently.

(Evil motivation ) Who do you want to look better than? : Nobody, honestly!

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? a nice bustier.

Screen Name: Cee8ee

Age/Age Range: 65

Family Life: Married with 4 cats, one pooch

Occupation: retired

Hobbies and Interests: gardening, bible study, cooking,

Favorite Music: Southern Gospel

Favorite Color(s): Whatever God created

Favorite Exercise/Workouts: Wlking

What are your fitness/health goals? To drop 50+ pounds, and eat healthier.

What was the "trigger" or incident that made you decide it was time to lose weight and become more fit? Lots of things, but basicly having only two pairs of slacks to wear, with a full wardrobe of nice smaller sizes.

What do you struggle with the most on this journey to health? Not eating at church. OMG we have sensational cooks.

What are three things in the area of diet/exercise you need to improve? Staying away from the computer more and keep moving. Eating smaller portions.

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

What can you not wait to wear when you are at goal weight or size? A size 12 anything.