Bracelets for Every Pound Lost

Kelley sent me the following email;

Hi there,
I found your website and wanted to share my weight loss story with you.

The photo I'm sending you is a picture of me after I lost 72 lbs. along with the before photo. It’s hard to believe but I did it. I'm also sending photos of the PoundPuncher Bracelets that I created during my weight loss. It's explained in the story. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

My story begins in 2005 after the birth of my second child. Like all mothers I fell into the everyday routine of taking care of everyone except me. I kept putting on weight, felt depressed, and didn’t know what to do. In 2008, a friend asked me if I wanted to enter a local weight loss competition with her. Even though I didn’t want to I knew I needed to. I began eating wisely, exercising, and losing weight. After the competition was over I still had a lot of weight to lose. I wanted to change, feel alive again, be a happy person, and be there for my kids and husband. You can have all the support in the world but it's all up to you to make good choices in life.

I needed something to remind me all the time to NEVER give up and to be proud of the hard work that I had accomplished. I was determined to get to that dream. I knew I needed to stay focused and MOTIVATED to continue to lose weight, but how? I came up with an idea …..a bracelet. I had my husband create a bracelet that I had visualized. It tracked my weight loss and reminded me to make healthy choices when reaching for food. It was my daily "reminder" to keep going! I had lost 39 ½ lbs. in the competition and continued until I had lost 72 lbs. I felt the need to create more bracelets to help those on the same path, in order to give them hope and motivation. I had never created anything like this before and had no business experience, but I felt I needed to do this. Since then, I launched a website and have sold bracelets in a few stores and on-line. I’m thrilled to know that I was right about following my instincts.

Very few people know my story or how the bracelet helped me conquer the weight loss battle. I wear my bracelet everyday. It reminds me to be PROUD and to stay on the healthy road of happiness.

Thanks again and God Bless,

Kelley Davis


Check out her website and bracelets at poundpuncher.com.

A Motivational Weight Loss Story Video

Ryan lost 135 pounds in 13 months with diet and exercise. He went from 308 pounds to 173.

Someone had told him he could change a habit in 21 days. Within 21 days he had lost 18 pounds. This motivated him to keep going. Within five months he lost 100 pounds. He gets up at 4:45am each morning to exercise. See his very motivational video here.
Check out his story at his website Ryan in Boise.

Jogging to Lose Weight

Ben is six foot tall and used to weigh 360 pounds. Within 10 months of starting his goal to lose weight he was down to 220 pounds. Check out his inspiring story at his site. Here is an excerpt;

My name is Ben Davis. On December 25th, 2008, I decided to get my life together. I weighed 360 pounds and was a miserable person.

Then I started jogging.
Then did a 5K.
The pounds started falling off.
I ran a 10K.
And a sprint triathlon.
Then I did a half-marathon.
I kept losing weight.
And kept running.
Then I did a full marathon.
I decided to keep going.
Then I did an Ironman.

If you want to do something with your life, if you really want to do it, just do it. I promise that you can. You just have to do it. And when you do, you’ll be happier for it.

Inspirational Weight Loss Video

Here's a very inspirational story of a woman who recently lost over 100 pounds in less than ten months. She initially weighed 266 pounds. In the before photo here, she weighed 255 pounds last August. In the 'after' photo she weighs 145 pounds by May.

Check out her very beautiful and inspirational video where she shows her weight loss progress over one year.

Treadmill Success Story

Janet used to weigh 337 pounds. She bought a treadmill and initially just walked on it for five minutes a day. She increased the time gradually. By the time the treadmill gave out she had put 3,000 miles on it over two years and had lost 100 pounds. She was eager to buy another one.

But then she plateaued and wanted to try weight loss surgery. (She is only 5'1") Her doctor suggested she first try the Medifast diet for one month. She ended up doing this for 12 months and losing another 120 pounds.

Read her inspiring story and see her 'after' photo here.

Late Night Junk Food Snacking

Check out this fun video. Anita Renfroe parodies Carrie Underwood's video for those who want to reconsider the next trip to the fridge.

Alcohol and Weight Loss

Here is the very fit Scooby guy, age 49, who lectures us about how much alcohol can hinder your effort to lose weight, get fit, and build a ripped body. He's funny, check him out;

A Treadmill Weight Loss Story

Thanks much to Caroline Jhingory who submitted this post about her weight loss story. See her site at myspace; I Lost 122 Pounds. and her before and after pics at Facebook.


What's your weight/fitness story?

I was 5’2 in height and 273lb the year before starting high school at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

Over the last eight years, now at 29 years old and still around 5’2ish, I have lost and maintained a 123lb weight loss without gastric bypass surgery, any commercial diet programs or fad diets.

I attribute my weight loss success to strengthening my faith, determination, patience…and a treadmill.

Exercise has been the central tool in my transformation, but it’s still only one part of the puzzle towards health. I significantly changed how I eat; altering my relationship to food and eating. Again, I adhere to no specific diet. I practice mindful eating, remaining disciplined and limiting my intake of carbohydrates, sugar, dairy products and caffeine..

What was your turning point and/or "Ah-ha!" moment?

There was no major incident that caused me to have an “aha moment” really. One day I was home visiting from college. And I just said to myself “I had enough!” Enough of wearing body girdles to fit into certain outfits, enough of being the girl that guys never acknowledged. Overall being obese had caused me to miss out on enjoying simple things in life: I had not worn a bathing suit since I was 9 years old, was never able to ride a roller coaster because the safety bar did not fit over my stomach, and did not have my first boyfriend until graduate school.

How has losing weight/being healthy & fit changed your life?

Outside of all the superficial stuff of being able to wear cute clothes and a guy or two noticing me, my weight loss has made me more driven all around. Losing 123lbs has made me feel as if no obstacle is too big whether its school, work-related or family-related. Life has taught me that God is never gonna give me more than I am capable of handling.

How often do you exercise?

My key to success was learning to replace an unhealthy addiction: mindless eating while sitting in front of the television, with a healthy addiction: hitting the gym everyday. “I eat everyday, so I workout everyday,” is my number one fitness tip when giving advice to others.

What is your favorite workout?

For 60 minutes, I love to do a combined high speed and high incline walk on the treadmill while listening to music and/or watching a mindless reality show on the built in televisions. It really makes me feel like I’m challenging myself and using every muscle in my body to pull myself up on the incline. I also enjoy riding my bike through downtown DC and to the World War II Memorial at night.

What 5 food items are "must haves" in your kitchen?

Costco’s Kirkland Organic Salt-Free Seasoning – Sure it is healthy, but I have just never been a fan of salty food.
Economy size bag of frozen chicken breasts. – I think of chicken breasts as my “chameleon food.” I can make them adapt too almost any dish and they are a convenient source of lean protein.
Frozen veggies such as cauliflower, spinach and bell peppers – Being that I am a single lady and feeding only me, fresh veggies tend to spoil very quickly. Frozen veggies of course last longer, are usually already chopped and cheaper!
Leak-proof Tupperware – I am a creation of convenience. On Sunday, I typically cook my lunches and dinners for the week and put them in Tupperware. That way I always have healthy food ready that I can just pop in the microwave.

Bottled water, water, water and more water – Living in Washington, DC there has been way too much controversy on drinking the tap water here. Water keeps me well hydrated for my workouts and lubricates my joints for tough workouts as well.


What is your favorite motivational/inspirational quote?

Those who can truly be accounted brave are those who best know the meaning of what is sweet in life and what is terrible, and then go out, undeterred, to meet what is to come. -- Pericles .... (a gift from Tulane Professor Cinda Lanza, when I was having a really bad day)


How do you find balance in your life?

My faith, exercise and travel have become my therapy.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

It would be expected that losing 123lbs is my greatest accomplishment. However, my greatest accomplishment is coming to peace with the car accident death of my two teenage cousins and absence of my father after my parents’ divorce. For many years, I was angry at the world and God about these two things. I dealt with my anger by vacuuming in Hot Pockets and Hostess cupcakes. Perhaps my real “aha moment” was reaching a place of forgiveness.


What do you love most about your body?

I love and admire my body’s stamina when I am at the gym. The amount of physical activity I am able to do always shocks me. Even still I ask myself where did this come from?!?!

Best compliment?

A cardiologist looking at a sonogram of my heart, told me that I have the heart and heart rate of a marathon runner!

What are the last 5 songs played on your iPod?


Chuck Baby - Chuck Brown
Again - Faith Evans
Keep Hope Alive - Crystal Method
On to the Next One - Jay-Z
Triumph - Wu-tang Clan


What weight loss/fitness tools do you use that you rely on in your weight loss/fit life journey?

Good, comfortable and affordable workout clothes from discount designer stores like Marshalls and Ross. You really can find the durable sweat resistant workout clothes there for half the price. For me, having cute fitness clothes, motivates me to workout.

My IPOD and Black Berry! A few weeks ago an intern at work showed me how to stream music through my Black Berry so it’s a stand in for my IPOD from time to time.


I am a member of many online wellness and fitness communities. Discussing health and wellness with individuals from all over the world keeps me motivated and most of all EDUCATED on adhering to a health lifestyle.

I Lose It - A New Weight Loss iPhone App

If you have an iPhone or iTouch, check out this new version of the virtual weight loss model. It's only 99 cents in the store - Virtual Weight Loss App

Bad Mood Foods

Brandon, age 22, was not overweight but he suffered from depression, low energy, exhaustion and panic attacks for two years. He was on anti-depressants plus going to therapy but these were not helping.

All the while, his diet was never examined. Breakfast was several cans of Mountain Dew, a high-caffeine soda. He ate pizza, chips, French fries and candy throughout the day, and dinners were often Hot Pockets and snack foods.

"I was never overweight, so diet was never something I thought about. I was not eating any fresh fruits or vegetables," he said.

Check out the intereresting article about how food affects mood.

The Joy of Losing 300 Pounds

Jerome, age 47, is a few pounds short of his goal of losing 300 pounds. When he reaches his goal weight he plans on getting certified as a personal trainer. Check out his blog and story at Watch Me Lose 300 Pounds.

Success with Determination

David has lost an astounding 230 pounds. He used to weigh over 420 and now weighs about 180. He started his determined weight loss journey in March 2008. It's been a lot of exercise and a big change in eating habits. See his story at This Little Piggy Went to the Gym.

Just Do It - Another Very Inspiring Story

Aren't these amazing before and after pics? Lindsay has lost 117 pounds. She peaked out at 289 pounds after giving birth to her third child. It took her 2 years to lose the weight. She plateaued for a few years after that but is now determined to lose another 15 pounds. Check out her very inspiring story here.

Diet Recipes: An iPhone App (Free)

There's a new app in Apple's iPhone store which features some of the best videos on easy weight loss recipes. It focuses on whole foods, including how to make tasty raw salads, how to make quick fish dishes, easy bean dish recipes and other yummy healthy foods like chicken salad, brown rice salad, hummus, fried tofu, etc. These meals are filling, very healthy and promote weight loss. It's free. Check it out: Diet Recipes [iTunes link].

Losing Sixty Pounds by Jogging

James has lost over 60 pounds in seven months by training for a half marathon. He says;

Over seven months ago, my wife made a suggestion: that we get in shape by training for a half marathon. I believe I laughed out loud at the suggestion. I've never been a runner, nor any type of athlete for that matter. The last time I ran over a mile at one time was during middle school..."

James used to weigh over 250 pounds. Now he's in great shape. Check out his blog and story here.

Walking to Health and Happiness

Kerry has lost 150 pounds in 14 months. He's done this by walking. His only cost was a good pair of walking shoes. Kerry, age 54, used to weigh 335 at six feet tall. He now weighs an ideal 185 pounds. He says the walking has given him wonderful energy and has been such a great stress reliever.

He says "That 150-pound barbell I was carrying around all day is gone."
See his story here.

The Joy of Sports

Here's an inspirational video on the joy of outdoor sports.



If you have an iPhone or iTouch, check out 17 more free videos about the joy of sports (running, soccer, basketball, martial arts, tennis, football, etc) [The Joy of Sports iTunes link]

Fast, Easy Recipes for Weight Loss

Here's a funny video showing five fast and easy recipes you can make for dinner from Monday to Friday.

The famous Gordon Ramsay shows a guy who's never made a meal for his wife in 18 months, how to cook them. See more of his cooking tutorial videos here.

Cold Turkey on Processed Foods

Angela has lost 110 pounds since she changed her lifestyle in January of 2009.

She used to weigh 250 pounds at 5'5''.

She lost the weight by joining a gym and exercising regularly. But she says “You can’t out-exercise a bad diet”. And so she also went cold turkey on Day 1 in terms of throwing out all sweets and processed foods and switching to lean protein and fresh fruits and vegetables. Her kids (age 4 and 7) have learned to love sushi.

Check out her weight loss success story and before and after photos here.

The photo here shows a Sushi-Sashimi Combo. 7 pieces of nigiri, 13 pieces of sashimi and a spicy tuna roll.

Lose Weight Marlena's Way

Marlena has lost seventy pounds in about 10 months. In the video below she explains how she went about it by changing her lifestyle rather than going on a diet.

Marlena has a very popular YouTube channel called "MakeupGeek TV". She has over 200,000 subscribers and her makeup tutorial videos have been viewed over 34 million times.

Losing Weight by Running

David has lost over 160 pounds in under one year. He used to weight 360 and now weighs just under 200.

He did this by changing his eating habits and by starting a running program. He's training for his first marathon. A year ago he couldn't run 18 yards, last week he ran 18 miles.

See an inspiring video of him before and after his weight loss here.

The F-Factor Fiber Diet

Ditch those fad diets, lose weight and keep it off permananently. This book was just discussed on the View today and it is a sane and best way to eat. The emphasis is on eating high-fiber, filling foods and not worrying about carbs, fats or calories.

See the Amazon reviews for The F-Factor Diet.

See a list of ten high fiber foods here.

Lady Gaga's Diet

Lady Gaga has just explained her diet to The Daily Telegraph. She says;


"I'm on a very strict healthy pop star diet. I don't eat bread, just vegetables and salad and fish. Eating like that is much better for me anyway but on Sundays I sometimes eat pasta."

Jennifer Aniston Lost 30 Pounds in Her 20's

Jennifer Aniston just celebrated her 41st birthday, in a bikini in Mexico looking very lean and toned. But it's not a well-known story that when she was in her early 20's and trying to land good acting roles in Hollywood, her agent suggested she lose some weight. She went ahead and lost a reported 30 pounds. See the story about this here.

Let's Move Videos

First Lady Michelle Obama has started a nationwide campaign against childhood obesity. One out of every three American kids is either overweight or obese.

Here is one of the several motivational videos you will find at the offical Let's Move website.

Food Rules for Weight Loss

The number one bestseller on Amazon right now is Food Rules
by Michael Pollan. It's a slim paperback and costs just $5.00

Here's one review from Amazon;

This book cuts through all the garbage health information out there and gets back to real food and real nutrition. The format is simple and so is the message: Eat food, not too much, mostly plants. Our growing habit of eating packaged, processed foods has an impact on our bodies, our minds, and our planet, and Pollan outlines these while offering straightforward suggestions for getting real food back on the table. Great book.

The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone

Celebrity Alicia Silverstone, age 33, is a vegan and has written a book about her way of eating; The Kind Diet.

Here's the description on Amazon;

In The Kind Diet, actress, activist, and committed conservationist Alicia Silverstone shares the insights that encouraged her to swear off meat and dairy forever, and outlines the spectacular benefits of adopting a plant-based diet, from effortless weight loss to clear skin, off-the-chart energy, and smooth digestion. She explains how meat, fish, milk, and cheese—the very foods we’ve been taught to regard as the cornerstone of good nutrition—are actually the culprits behind escalating rates of disease and the cause of dire, potentially permanent damage to our ecology.

Yet going meat- and dairy-free doesn’t mean suffering deprivation; to the contrary, The Kind Diet introduces irresistibly delicious food that satisfies on every level—it even includes amazing desserts to keep the most stubborn sweet tooth happy. Alicia also addresses the nutritional concerns faced by many who are new to a plant-based diet, and shows how to cover every nutritional base, from protein to calcium and beyond.

Alicia knows that changing life-long dietary habits is a process, and that each person progresses at a different pace. For that reason, The Kind Diet encompasses 3 separate levels, from Flirting to Superhero. Flirts learn to dip a toe into the vegan pool, reducing their meat-eating and swapping out a few key foods for plant-based substitutes to see quickly how even small changes can reap big results. Vegans get to experience the life-altering effects of forgoing animal-products entirely, while still enjoying many convenience foods and meat substitutes in addition to the wonderful grains, vegetables and fruits that form the core of that diet. True enlightenment comes with the Superhero program, based on the principles of macrobiotics and built on a foundation of whole grains, vegetables, and other yummy foods that Alicia describes in detail.

Whether your goal is to drop a few pounds, boost your energy and metabolism, or simply save the world, Alicia provides the encouragement, the information, and the tools you need to make the transition to a plant-based diet deliciously empowering.

See the video below for an intro by Alicia;



This second video gives more detailed information about her book;

Losing 2 Pounds a Week

Here's a before photo of Max. He is 17 years old and has been overweight for many years. Last year he changed his lifestyle and lost the excess weight gradually. He lost an average of two pounds a week and went from 212 pounds to his current 160 pounds. See his photo at a fit 160 pounds and his story here.

Losing the Belly

Max made the decision to lose some weight a few weeks ago. He has two toddlers and found it really hard to find time for exercise. But he's managed to do it and his belt size has already gone from 38 to 34.

See his story here.

The Best Diet for 2010?

Mirror mirror on the wall, what is the best diet of them all?

The Daily Beast has done a statistical analysis of the top 10 diets where clinical results are available and have ranked these diets in order of effectiveness. See their slideshow of the 10 best diets.

You may be surprised to hear that the #1 most effective diet is not Jenny Craig, not Weight Watchers or Atkins. It may be one you've never heard of. It's called Volumetrics.

This diet focuses on eating lots of foods which have a high water content. This means lots and lots of vegetables and soups.

With Volumetrics you can literally eat many pounds of food each day. What I had for dinner last night would be a good example. I was eating alone, so I steamed a big bunch of kale, then added a a can of broccoli soup (250 calories) to give it more taste. This was really nice as was, and I had two huge bowls of it (with a calorie total of probably less than 350?).

(Since some of you may consider this a bit too granola head overboard, i'll just add as a sidenote that in my case i also mixed in a couple of tablespoons of nutritional yeast (which is one of the most nutritious foods, and is quite a bit more tasty than Brewer's yeast. It has tons of protein and B Vitamins).

Check out the The Volumetrics book on Amazon. It sells for $6.99

The WiFi Scale

Here's a neat idea for a weight scale. It's the first WiFi scale that connects to the internet to automatically register your weight, fat and BMI calculations.

We first heard about it via a Leo Laporte podcast. He was very impressed with it and has attached it to his tweets on Twitter so that each morning when he steps on the scale, an automatic tweet goes out about his current weight.

The scale is rated five star on Amazon, but it's not cheap at $159. See it here Withings WiFi Body Scale at Amazon.