First name: Martha

Geographical location: New Orleans

Age: 24

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: None.. yet :P

Occupation: Student/ Sign Language Interpreter

Pets: none

Hobbies/Interests: Writing, drawing, reading, family/friend time

Height: 5'4''

Eye/Hair Color: Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Recent one -- December 15th

Starting Weight: 208

Present Weight: 202

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: Having the ability to not "miss" my old eating habits. Food has always been a big part of my life. Where I am from, FOOD is LIFE. So it's really hard to tweak out the way I eat.

Following any specific plan: Low Carb. Did Weight Watchers and lost 35 pounds, but I don't have time anymore to micromanage my diet. So I switched over to LC.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I always have a specific "goal" whether it be my wedding or for a cruise. But this time it's to bring a new life into this world. And I want to make sure that I am healthy before our pregnancy for health risks that can occur due to my weight -- especially because diabetes runs in my family. My mother developed diabetes when she was pregnant with me.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I love to meet knew people. One's motivation is my own and vice a versa. I am here to help as well as to be helped.

This is me

First name: Michela

Geographical location: Italy - Rome

Age: 32

Marital Status: living with boyfriend

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: web writer

Pets: 4 cats

Hobbies/Interests: reading, writing, the Internet, cooking, interior design

Height: 184 cm/6'0

Eye/Hair Color: dark brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 27.12.2010

Starting Weight: 72 kilos/159 pounds

Present Weight: 72 kilos/159 pounds

Goal Weight: 66 kilos/146 pounds

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: binge eating

Following any specific plan: none but I'm following a Mediterranean diet (lots of water, veggies, fruit, pasta)

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I feel more motivated now. Christmas is over and I can eat more properly. I hope I get the support of new friends here.

Anything else you would like to share with us: not yet

OK I stole this list from others to efficiently summarize myself

First name: Julia

Geographical location: Southern California

Age: 53

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: daughter - 16 yrs old and son - 28 years old

Occupation: insurance claims- construction defect litigation specialty

Pets: 2 dogs

Hobbies/Interests: reading, film, spin class, gym working out, music, art museums, history,

Height: 5'0"

Eye/Hair Color: brown

Starting Date of Weight loss Journey: Dec 27th 2010

Starting Weight: not sure, scared to get on the scale, guessing its about 115 -120 lbs

Present Weight: see above

Goal Weight: 105 pounds

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: some light binge-ish eating, being stupid middle aged and quitting smoking has destroyed my ability to control my weight

Following any specific plan: no I am a vegetarian, eat lots of tofu and salad but carbs are my downfall I think

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: shopping for clothes, my self image is destroyed

Anything else you would like to share with us: fighting depression I guess isn't helping. I HATE sounding so oh woe is me, but I have been on the verge of self loathing tears for weeks now.....I guess I do need a shrink, another thing on my " to do" list. Also I guess I should mention that I almost died from anorexia in the 70's when I was in my teens, I guess that will give further perspective on who I am..usually I am actually pretty fun and funny...I want to get out of this slump

First name: Trisha

Geographical location:So Cal

Age:20

Marital Status: Living with a boyfriend who'll probably never marry me lol

Children/Ages:None

Occupation:Student

Pets:A cat that lives with my grandparents since I can't keep him in my apartment.

Hobbies/Interests: Books, and the reason for the necessity of this site, FOOD

Height: 5'5

Eye/Hair Color:Brown, Greenish/hazel

Starting Weight:190

Present Weight:187

Goal Weight:125

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Love of junk food and reliance on cheap unhealthy fattening foods

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting mostly

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: This time is really a struggle because I was practically anorexic in the past and i've become hypoglycemic. Also, theres a lot of things I can't do because I slipped a disc in my back and it makes exercise rather hard.

First name: Tiffany

Geographical location: Boston, MA

Age: 28

Marital Status: Divorced / Now in a 7 yr relationship

Children/Ages: 1 Wonderful 8 year old son

Occupation: Real Estate Paralegal

Pets: A Beagle; Boomer. He's the cutest little pain in the ***

Hobbies/Interests: My Internet addiction & Law & Order SVU LOL

Height: 5'2 1/2

Eye/Hair Color: Blue Eyes - Blonde Hair

Starting Weight: 182.2

Present Weight: 182 (Hey, I just started yesterday :P )

Goal Weight: 115 (It varies)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: "Love of junk food and reliance on cheap unhealthy fattening foods" --- Stolen directly from Trisha!!! Oh, and I'm lazy although I do "like" exercising... I just lack the motivation to GO exercise.

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting & Hitting the gym

First name: Sonya

Geographical location: Georgia

Age: 38

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: twin boys 15, daughter 14

Occupation: Traning Manager

Pets: Cats - Boo and Charlie, Dog - Baby Girl (13 years old) all rescued.

Hobbies/Interests: I love to read, crochet, play tourist to rediscover places I live(d), history, music,

Height: 5-8

Eye/Hair Color: brown and brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: let's say day 1 - I'm on the upside of a lifelong yo-yo

Starting Weight: 340

Present Weight: 340

Goal Weight: 170

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: staying motivated and not taking unhealthry shortcuts. I get busy, and then grab something at the drive through on the way home or to the next rehersal, practice, etc because I failed to plan.

Following any specific plan: Foods the whole family will eat in reasonable portions and use the new food pyramid and volumetrics.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm tired of being tired; I'm tired of my back, knees, and ankles hurting; I'm tired of being "so pretty if only"; and I realized I'm teaching my kids the same bad habits - not just diet and exercise, but about committment and working toward a goal.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm interested in any advice, family friendly recipes, and exercise tips for this yo-yo mamma to make this time be the last time I re-start my weight loss journey. If anyone is interested in a buddy I could really use one. Thanks!

First name: Breanne

Geographical location: Brooklyn, NY

Age: 30 (in 2 months)

Marital Status: Not married, but in a relationship

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: Director of Sales and Marketing

Pets: 2 Parakeets, Daisy and Buttercup

Hobbies/Interests: Writing, Watching films, Reading, Playing Soccer, Going to theater shows, museums, concerts

Height: 5'1"

Eye/Hair Color: Green/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: January 3rd 2011

Starting Weight: 200

Present Weight: 200

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: i can never seem to get into a habit of exercise, i always find an excuse to cheat on my diet and eventually tumble into a downward spiral until i am back at the weight i started at or even a few pounds heaver...i suppose i just need the willpower and staying power.

Following any specific plan: WW and trying to work out 3x per week

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: i think because i'm about to turn 30, my mental state of, oh well, i'm young, it's fine, i can change these behaviors when i'm older, is DEFINITELY wearing off.

First name: Fallon

Geographical location: Chester, England

Age: 25

Marital Status: single (as usual :P)

Children/Ages: none, nless you count my baby cat <3

Occupation: retail

Pets: Pumpkin, a little black cat with the wobbles

Hobbies/Interests: art and design, period fashions and styles, writing, make-up artistry, German language

Height: 5'2

Eye/Hair Color: Hair blonde, eyes pale green

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Last week of December 2010

Starting Weight: 196

Present Weight: Probably still 196, I don't weigh in a lot

Goal Weight: 120!

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: depression medication and possible underactive thyroid, lack of motivation!

Following any specific plan: been put on a healthy lifestyle/weight loss program by my doctor, so we'll see!

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: At the heaviest I've ever been, and this time I'm really serious. I'm on medcation, have roped my doctor into it, seeing a therapist... 2011 is the year it's going to happen!

Anything else you would like to share with us: I love food. *********, this is hard!

First name: Ann

Geographical location: South

Age: 35

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: Accounting

Pets: Dogs

Hobbies/Interests: Scrapbooking, Cooking

Height: 5'5

Eye/Hair Color: Green Eyes/Brown Hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Today

Starting Weight: 280

Present Weight: 280

Goal Weight: 150!

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: My love for cooking. I love to cook and come up with new recipes... I mean I am a true southern girl raised on homemade biscuits with gravy. Probably a lot of the reason I am now seeking inspiration and help from perfect strangers. LOL

Following any specific plan: I am starting with the Weight Watchers program. I have heard great reviews and experiences that mirror my own situation.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am totally dedicated on my own and not being pressured into it by anyone around me. My husband is a wonderful inspiration to me. We love the outdoors and hiking happens to be our favorite activity and he is always so patient and waiting on me and just once I would like for us to have to slow down or wait because he is tired and not because he has slowed up waiting on me.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I love food! My favorite television personality is Paula Deen the butter queen! I love to host dinner parties and have bar-b-ques at our home, so everyone will be really surprised! I am going to have to become really creative in my methods of cooking!!

First name: Beth

Geographical location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Age: 28

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: None...

Occupation: Retail Manager

Pets: My puppy, Jack

Hobbies/Interests: I LOVE sports...

Height: 5'10"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Today, 1/5/10

Starting Weight: 220... boooo

Present Weight: same.

Goal Weight: 180.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Being too busy, and grabbing anything I have time to eat.

Following any specific plan: Not really...

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: This time I really want to make a change. I finally graduate from my undergrad (Sports Administration) in June and I want my efforts to be reflected in those pictures. I also believe it will make me more confident when trying to find a job in the Sports Industry.

Anything else you would like to share with us:
I may also be trying to lose weight because I told my bf I want my graduation present to be a cruise

First name: Shana

Geographical location: DC area

Age: almost 30

Marital Status: Married! In August!

Children/Ages: none yet

Occupation: Writer

Pets: 2 orange tabby brother cats

Hobbies/Interests: Writing, watching TV, football! shopping, makeup, cooking, Pilates

Height: 5'5 (almost, lol)

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Ha, which one?

Starting Weight: 175

Present Weight: 175

Goal Weight: 145

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Lethargy and binge eating

Following any specific plan: Weight Watchers

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I want to get pregnant sooner rather than later and won't do it without a normal BMI.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I am losing my job at the end of the month (office is moving 3000 miles away).

Hey MorphingMama, I did a swan dive down the stairs in my apt building on 11/10/09 (just my luck to have that date!) -- nothing broken, but awful, terrible, multiple sprains. It sucks and I hope you feel better. The good was that it *did* heal most of the way -- I wore heels (kitten heels, but heels) to my August wedding.

Are you broken or sprained?

I agree with Kimberly. Great idea to do this!!!!

First name: Kim

Geographical location: Pittsburgh, PA

Age: 34 (for a few more weeks)

Marital Status: married 10 years

Children/Ages: 2 girls and a boy/ 6, 4, and 2

Occupation: Training/OD/HR professional

Pets: an 8 yr old beagle

Hobbies/Interests: Theater (acting and attending), music (concerts), teaching, and of course anything my kids are into. We are a very "artsy" family. I also have made a hobby of decorating cakes (fairly elaborate cakes using fondant, icing, and other edible decor).

Height: 5'7"

Eye/Hair Color: grey/red

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: restarted after each kid, but most recently January 4, 2011

Starting Weight: 178

Present Weight: 175

Goal Weight: 138 (really anything under 140 is fine by me!)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: very busy, not a good planner, suffer from anxiety

Following any specific plan: Must be on a low-salt diet due to some kidney issues and regularly recurring kidney stones (way too many for someone my age).
Have done SBD before with success but feel like I want to find my own way this time. I would like to basically keeping my calories and sodium intake low. I am using SBD recipes, WW recipes, and Hungry Girl recipes (though I have to adapt many of these for lower sodium). I started a spreadsheet to track my food and liquid intake each day, at least until I get myself into a good routine and see progress.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I was actually very successful after the birth of my second child, but then went and got pregnant again. So I think that what is different now is that I do not plan/expect to get pregnant again and I have dr's orders to get healthy.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I grew an affinity for running after the birth of my second child (even ran a 10 k in under 1 hour) but stopped entirely after my third child. I have been amazed at how easy it has been to get back into it (muscle memory is amazing!!), so I signed up to run a half-marathon in May of THIS YEAR!!! (PS - I almost always push myself too hard....). Last year I said that I was going to do it and I never signed up and didn't do it. This year, I am registered and paid. It is a done deal and I will need encouragement to keep up my training!!

First name: Amy

Geographical location: Woodstock, IL

Age:28

Marital Status: Married

Children/Agesne child, 8 months

Occupation:data entry/customer service

Pets:1 dog

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family, still getting use to the idea that i am someones mommy, LOL. I enjoy listening to music watching movies, reading when i have a chance.

Height: 5'3

Eye/Hair Color:Blue/Blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:Well i started a while back but had an interuption of hurting my ankle, so i am going to put my recent start 1/3

Starting Weight: 245

Present Weight:233

Goal Weight:145

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Sad to say I had gastric bypass but with my pregnancy and life i gained weight back. Not as much as i orginally was, but its pretty depressing when i have two pairs of jeans that fit. I have to say my biggest hurdle is the motivation to work out.

Following any specific plan:I am trying the fat loss for idiots diet. It was cheaper than weight watchers. So far im doing pretty good.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Like i stated i had gastic bypass in 2004 and i have gained some weight back, prior to that i tried weight watchers and doing it on my own

Anything else you would like to share with us: