The Husband/Significant Other Factor

I refuse to use him as an excuse, but I will partially. My husband is my partner in crime and in life. I married him five years ago and he's my high school sweetheart. As of late, he has become my foodie nemesis.

If you don't know my husband, which you probably don't, he's one of those guys who can eat whatever, whenever he wants. He works out 5 days a week, eats cereal throughout the day, and then eats and eats and eats in the evenings and on the weekends. He can resist the sweet table at most parties, but can also down a bag of M&Ms like the best of us. The difference between him and I (apart from a significant amount of poundage) is that he doesn't seem to gain weight. When he does, within a few days, it's gone, disappeared.

For a while, he insisted on being junk free in our household - something I had a very difficult time doing. We have also talked about being healthier for our now solid-food-eating son. But he didn't resist much when I made brownies last night. He even went so far as to suggest (and follow through with) Papa John's pizza for tonight. I love me some cheesesticks - with the terrible-for-you garlic sauce. He innocently asks if this will "ruin my diet." Hmm...I wonder...YES! Why? Because once I eat these, I can't have just one, I eat many, in rapid succession. Then, because I'm so bummed that I had virtually no self-control, I then spend the next few days in a downward spiral consuming whatever I feel like because I figure...hey, I blew it once, what's the big deal with a few more days? What's the big deal? Bloating and added weight. I love my husband...a lot. In honor of him, I'll indulge his craving tonight, but vow to get back on the wagon tomorrow - BECAUSE I love him and want to be the best I can for him. (Commence crying with a box of Kleenex)

Repeat mantra:
I will not let one night of luxury food control me or cause me to stumble so much in my journey that I never find my path again. I will walk the straight (although not too narrow) road, even despite this slip-up.

Meet Stacey*

I am an almost 24-year old PR professional, soon-to-be-bride, and constant dreamer. I've struggled with weight my entire life-- since sixth grade (that's about 11 years old for most) I've been on a diet, planning a diet, reading about a new diet, and (more often than not) cheating on a diet.

Before my first date with and getting comfy with my boytoy, I had lost around 30 pounds and was in the best physical shape of my life (balanced meals, working out six days a week). Since then I've gained all that bag and more. I've graduated from college, started my first "real world" job, and changed my living situation more than a handful of times. Under stress and aided by laziness, I have truly let myself go. But my desire to lose weight and get healthy goes far beyond just wanting to look fabulous in my wedding pictures. After a (much too early) nearly mid-twenties bout of "Where am I going with my life?" I set out to make the best of what I've got-- this includes attaining and maintaining the healthiest life I can, embarking on a new career path, and doing more of the things I love (see: writing, photography, volunteering). I'm trying to be happier and more positive, while maintaining the healthiest lifestyle I can.

I'm keeping this blog to track my triumphs and tragedies, share (hopefully) helpful tips and suggestions, and to motivate me to move my tuchus and drop this chub once and for all.

My Stats
Heaviest Weight: 224.0 lbs
Current Weight: 213.0

Goals
Midterm (by my October birthday): Lose 25 pounds (from when I started @ 216.8 lbs)Longterm (by January 2010): Lose 45 pounds (from 216.8 lbs)
Longer Longterm (by my wedding in October 2010): Lose 70 pounds (from 216.8 lbs)


*Stacey is an alias to protect myself and my cellulite.

Meet Mallory*

I am an almost 27-year-old wife, mother, and almost working attorney. I have battled weight ever since I can remember - including hoarding sticks of butter under my bed when I was little.

Before getting married to my high school sweetheart in August 2004, I lost around 45 pounds through healthy eating and regular exercise at Curves. Once I got married and started law school, I gained it all back and then some. After two unexplained miscarriages, I made my health a priority (sort of). I lost some weight, became pregnant with my son in April 2008, and gave birth in January 2009. I lost ALL of my baby weight (the small amount that I had gained) and then some.

Since then, I have been in a battle to lose what I had before I ever even got pregnant in the first place - the extra luggage that just won't go away. I am hoping to use this blog as an outlet for my fears, successes and failures on this final (hopefully) journey to successful, life-long weight loss.

My Stats
Heaviest Weight: 243.0 lbs
Current Weight: 217.0 lbs

My Goals
Midterm (by my October birthday): Lose 25 pounds (from when I started @ 229.8 lbs)
Longterm (by my son's first birthday in January 2010): Lose 50 pounds (from 229.8 lbs)

*Mallory is merely an alias to protect myself and others from all the ranting and raving that is sure to occur.