I live in the Pacific NW with my three children and my partner. I work full time as a psychologist. It seems like I have spent my whole life "working on" my weight loss and doing nothing but gaining more. I began using Livestrong.com in June 2009, and I lost almost 45 lbs. Then, I went through some life changes, a significant rise in stress levels, and I gained it all back. I am now up at 300 lbs again and really hating myself for what I have done to myself yet again. Recently, I decided that I had to begin living what I preached. I felt like a hypocrite telling my clients to work out, eat right, and manage their stress levels in healthy ways when I wasn't willing to follow my own advice. I came to this decision partially because I began watching "Heavy". I know it sounds silly that a television show brought me to some decisions, but its true. I was so inspired by what I believed to be real people struggling with real issues. They aren't winning money, they are out there sweating and growing and becoming healthy. They aren't celebrities, and there is nothing special about them; they are just people. I can do that too. So, in February 2011, I began hitting the gym again. I have a gym at work, and I joined the YMCA too. I have an overall goal of losing 100 lbs this year. I may not make it, but I will work my off to get as far as I can. I work out now 4 or 5 times per week between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. I go to work and use the gym facility there. I use the treadmill (20-30 min) and the weight machines (30 min). I am using the elliptical machine now too (15 min). When I use the gym at work I usually work out for an hour. Other mornings I go to the YMCA and use the treadmill for 20-30 minutes, and the elliptical 10-15 minutes for a total of 45 minutes. Other mornings I swim for half an hour and call it quits. On Mondays I usually combine the treadmill, elliptical, weights and add an hour long water aerobics class (which kicks my BTW) for a workout that lasts 2 hours. My weight loss is always very slow, but maybe if I could stick to a lower carb lifestyle I would lose a lot more. Eating too many carbs is always a downfall of mine. Recently, I have discovered a toxin removal regimen outlined in a book called "Clean" Remove. Restore. Rejuvenate by Alejandro Junger M.D. Dr. Junger is a cardiologist who found himself getting sick, and goes on a soul-journey to find himself and restore his health. What ends up happening is that he discovers an interesting blend of Eastern and Western medicine that he can apply to his patients as well as himself. The book has a plan and recipes and shows exactly how we can all make changes in our diets and our lifestyles that can make lasting differences on our health and over all functioning. I have begun the "elimination diet" part of the program which is the part where the person removes wheat, dairy, sugar, alcohol and caffeine from the diet in preparation for the more stringent portion of the cleanse. I feel a lot better although I must admit that I am not perfect about it...I had pizza tonight for example! :) I have also started taking creatine which has greatly improved my muscle development and toning processes. Highest weight 2006: 309 Current weight 2011: 300 1st mini goal: Losing 5 lbs during the month of April 2011 ~ DID IT ~!!! 2nd mini goal: 284 - May (Its now 6/12/11, but I have made this goal and sliding toward June's goal.) 3rd mini goal: 276 - June 4th mini goal: 268 - July 5th mini goal: 260 - August 6th mini goal: 252 - September 7th mini goal: 244 - October 8th mini goal: 236 - November 9th mini goal: 228 - December Longer range goal: under 200 in 2012 Healthy weight: 150 Goal weight: 135

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