1. What is the first step in losing weight?

The first step in losing weight is making the decision. For me, it took getting to the point emotionally where I was willing to do anything to change. Even as a first grader, at one hundred pounds, I longed to shed my dreadful nickname, "Fatso." Year after year, I sought and tried fad diets and funky exercise plans in hopes of finding the miracle that would change my life. You name it, I've tried it: the grapefruit diet, the Atkins diet, the cabbage soup diet, the liquid protein diet, the banana and boiled egg diet, the 600-calorie-a-day diet, etc.

But I could never stick with a "diet" long enough to make a significant difference. Time after time, the pleasure and comfort of food intercepted my plans and schemes to become thin. In the moment of temptation I always caved in. It was because some pressing emotional stress or special occasion would take precedence over my desire to wear normal sized clothes and to fit in with all the other girls in my class.

The first step for me was claiming a motivation that was stronger than the instant gratification of food.

2. What was your turning point?

My turning point came in my forties when two of my siblings, my older brother and a younger sister, had heart attacks in the same year. I had always been the fattest among the six children in my family, and I knew that if I didn't change, I was next in line for the heart attack. The fear of not being around to see my son grow up motivated me to choose day after day to eat healthful foods and to overcome my resistance to exercise. I wanted to be alive more than I wanted one more pizza or half gallon of ice cream or package of cookies.

3. How has your life changed?

When my friends see my "before" pictures, they comment that while they knew I was overweight before, they don't remember ever realizing I was as obese as I was. I, too, have a hard time remembering my old self because so many aspects have changed, not just my personal appearance. Exercise is a way of life; it is a joy, not a chore to move. I realize that food is not as much of a stress reliever as the endorphin rush of exercise; whether it's a brisk ten-minute walk or a 40-mile bike ride. I think of food as fuel, or an investment in my well being, not as a primary source of comfort or pleasure. My body feels better eating lean protein, fresh vegetables and fruits, and whole grains than gorging on sugary treats. I still enjoy food, especially eating out at a fine restaurant, but I often ask myself the question that kept me going day after day while I was trying to lose weight: "Is it worth it?" Sometimes the answer is a resounding yes, but more often than not, I can walk away from foods that used to be my downfall. The biggest change is that my weight no longer defines me. I no longer have to overcome the barrier of people's judgments about my obesity in every area of my life (buying clothes, meeting new people, ordering food in a restaurant, sitting in an airplane seat or amusement park ride, etc).

Any great recipes?

My great recipes are the roasted chicken and salad bars that are available everywhere these days! Thankfully, I am able to eat healthy and not to have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.