B. J. Taylor battles the temptations of the fridge and the cupboards daily. She is an award-winning author whose work has appeared in Guideposts, many Chicken Soup books, and numerous magazines and newspapers. She has a wonderful husband, four children and two adorable grandsons. You can reach B. J. through her website at www.clik.to/bjtaylor.
Ed VanDeMark is a career public servant, freelance writer and cartoonist. He and wife, Linda, have three adult children and five grandchildren. His interests include church, reading, gardening, human temperament and baseball.
Aly Walansky is the managing editor of HOOTERS Magazine as well as a freelance editor and writer based in New York City. Her hobbies include shopping, martini lounges and rocking out to her favorite indie bands. Visit her website at www.mediabistro.com/alywalansky.
Debra Weaver is a writer and educator with experience across a wide range of audiences. She has taught students from preschool to high school and trained adults in workplace skills. Her books include 50 Ways to Eat Your Veggies and The Guerilla Guide to Free Online Classes.
PERMISSIONS
We would like to acknowledge the many publishers and individuals who granted us permission to reprint the cited material. (Note: The stories that were penned anonymously, that are in the public domain, or that were written by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen or Theresa Peluso are not included in this listing.)
My Weight-Loss Journey. Reprinted by permission of Julia Havey. ©2005 Julia Havey.
Phone Friend. Reprinted by permission of Peggy Frezon. ©2006 Peggy Frezon.
The Swimming Lesson. Reprinted by permission of Susan Farr-Fahncke. ©2000 Susan Farr-Fahncke.
Weighing Heavily on His Mind. Reprinted by permission of Kathe M. Campbell. ©2006 Kathe M. Campbell.
Diner’s Club. Reprinted by permission of Tricia Finch. ©2006 Tricia Finch.
Sit-Ups Till Your Eyes Pop Out. Reprinted by permission of Samantha Hoffman. ©2006 Samantha Hoffman.
Chocolate Is Not the Enemy. Reprinted by permission of Jan Henrikson. ©2005 Jan Henrikson.
A Can of Peas and a Jog Around the Block. Reprinted by permission of Lori Hein. ©2006 Lori Hein.
Take Two. Reprinted by permission of Karen A Bakhazi. ©2005 Karen A Bakhazi.
You Choose, You Lose. Reprinted by permission of B. J. Taylor. ©2006 B. J. Taylor.
Whatever I Want. Reprinted by permission of Perry P. Perkins. ©2006 Perry P. Perkins.
Finally Success—A New Me! Reprinted by permission of Sandra L. Tatara. ©2006 Sandra L. Tatara.
The Mirror Doesn’t Lie. Reprinted by permission of Candy Killion. ©2006 Candy Killion.
The Thighs Have It. Reprinted by permission of Deborah H. Shouse. ©2006 Deborah H. Shouse.
Where Money Meets Resolutions. Reprinted by permission of Harriet Cooper. ©2005 Harriet Cooper.
No Pizza? No Problem! Reprinted by permission of Aly Walansky. ©2006 Aly Walansky.
Morning Walk. Reprinted by permission of Deborah P. Kolodji. ©2004 Deborah P. Kolodji.
Gone to the Dogs. Reprinted by permission of Greg Faherty. ©2006 Greg Faherty.
SkinnyMunchies. Reprinted by permission of Sally Clark. ©2006 Sally Clark. Originally appeared on www.humorpress.com, Dec. 2005/Jan. 2006.
Trading Fat Cells for Barbells. Reprinted by permission of Suzan Davis. ©2001 Suzan Davis. Previously published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living, Weight Loss (Health Communications, Inc., 2004), Granite Bay View (2002) and Fitness and Speed Skating Times (2002).
The Exchange Rate. Reprinted by permission of Harriet Cooper. ©2005 Harriet Cooper.
Facing the Lady in the Mirror. Reprinted by permission of Barbara A. Croce. ©2004 Barbara A. Croce.
A Diet for Life—Literally. Reprinted by permission of Jessica Blaire. ©2006 Jessica Blaire.
A Skinny By-Product. Reprinted by permission of Ed VanDeMark. ©2006 Ed VanDeMark.
My Own Way. Reprinted by permission of Colleen Kappeler. ©2006 Colleen Kappeler.
Weight-Loss Wisdom from a Toddler. Reprinted by permission of Tricia Finch. ©2006 Tricia Finch.
10 Tricks to Help You Stay on Your Diet. Reprinted by permission of Felice Prager. ©2003 Felice Prager.
Slow and Steady. Reprinted by permission of Ken Shane. ©2006 Ken Shane.
Thin! Nine Years . . . and Counting! Reprinted by permission of Linda Sago. ©2006 Linda Sago.
Peel-a-Pound Soup. Reprinted by permission of Gary Luerding. ©2004 Gary Luerding.
Running from a Diabetic Coma to the Marine Corps Marathon. Reprinted by permission of Guy Burdick. ©2006 Guy Burdick.
What’s the Point? Reprinted by permission of Ken Swarner. ©2003 Ken Swarner. Previously published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living, Weight Loss (Health Communications, Inc., 2004).
The Road to Self-Worth. Reprinted by permission of Jacquelyn B. Fletcher. ©2004 Jacquelyn B. Fletcher. Previously published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living, Weight Loss (Health Communications, Inc., 2004).
Stop Dieting, Start Living. Reprinted by permission of Michelle May, M.D. ©2005 Michelle May, M.D. Portions excerpted from Am I Hungry?What to Do When Diets Don’t Work (self-published).
One Newspaper at a Time. Reprinted by permission of Michelle McLean. ©2006 Michelle McLean.
Joint Effort. Reprinted by permission of Debra Weaver. ©2006 Debra Weaver.
Dieter’s Block. Reprinted by permission of Terry A. Lilley. ©2004 Terry A. Lilley.
Jiggles. Reprinted by permission of Edwina L. Kaikai. ©2001 Edwina L. Kaikai. Portions excerpted from Stomach in My Lap (Pneuma Publishing International, Inc., 2004, www.pneumapublishing.com.)
The Exercise Bike. Reprinted by permission of Ann Morrow. ©2004 Ann Morrow.
Weight in the Balance. Reprinted by permission of Laura Schroll. ©2006 Laura Schroll.
Just Listen toMom. Reprinted by permission of James Hammill. ©2004 James Hammill. Previously published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living, Weight Loss (Health Communications, Inc., 2004).
Spaghetti Head. Reprinted by permission of Jean Stewart. ©2006 Jean Stewart.
Half My Size. Reprinted by permission of Suzanne Baginskie. ©2006 Suzanne Baginskie.
The Secret. Reprinted by permission of Marilyn Eudaly. ©2004 Marilyn Eudaly. Previously published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living,Weight Loss (Health Communcations, Inc., 2004).
Seeing Double. Reprinted by permission of Selena Hayes. ©2006 Selena Hayes.
Drinking Herself Fat. Reprinted by permission of Jennie Ivey. ©2006 Jennie Ivey.
The Un-Diet. Reprinted by permission of Susan A. Karas. ©2006 Susan A. Karas.
It Takes Community. Reprinted by permission of Pamela Wertz Peterson. ©2006 Pamela Wertz Peterson.
In for a Penny, In for a Pound. Reprinted by permission of Ava Pennington. ©2006 Ava Pennington.
The First Day of the Best of My Life. Reprinted by permission of Charmi Schroeder. ©2003 Charmi Schroeder.
Fabulously Fighting Fit at Fifty (and Beyond). Reprinted by permission of Janet Marianne Jackson. ©2005 Janet Marianne Jackson. Originally appeared in Healthy Options Magazine.
A Second Chance at Life. Reprinted by permission of Nancy Julien Kopp. ©2002Nancy Julien Kopp. Previously appeared on www.medhunters.com.
A Soul-Searching, Pound-Shedding Vacation. Reprinted by permission of Jessica Blaire. ©2006 Jessica Blaire.
7 Hints for Navigating Your Supermarket. Reprinted by permission of Tricia Finch. ©2006 Tricia Finch.
Monday Morning Blues. Reprinted by permission of Georgia A. Hubley. ©2004 Georgia A. Hubley. Previously published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living, Weight Loss (Health Communications, Inc., 2004).
My Last Twenty Pounds. Reprinted by permission of Kate Baggott. ©2005 Kate Baggott.
Setting Goals and Reaping Rewards. Reprinted by permission of Felice Prager. ©2003 Felice Prager.
No More Pancakes on This Woman’s Shopping List! Reprinted by permissio
n of Roberta Beach Jacobson. ©2004 Roberta Beach Jacobson. Originally appeared in Dog & Kennel (Pet Publishing).
Beating the Genes. Reprinted by permission of Lisa Pemberton. ©2004 Lisa Pemberton.
The Bargain. Reprinted by permission of Delores Christian Liesner. ©2006 Delores Christian Liesner.
Stroke of Inspiration. Reprinted by permission of Charmi Schroeder. ©2006 Charmi Schroeder.
Couch Meets Table. Reprinted by permission of Harriet Cooper. ©2005 Harriet Cooper.
Worship Walk. Reprinted by permission of Jaye Lewis. ©2005 Jaye Lewis.
Resources
We offer the following resources as a service to readers but are not endorsing any of the organizations, programs or books listed.
HEALTH & NUTRITION
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
Website: aace.com E-mail:
[email protected] Provides information to the public about diabetes, thyroid disorders, growth hormone deficiency, osteoporosis, cholesterol disorders, hypertension and obesity. 1000 Riverside Avenue, Suite 205 • Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 353-7878 • Fax: (904) 353-8185
American Diabetes Association
Website: diabetes.org E-mail:
[email protected] Information on all diabetes-related issues. National Call Center • 1701 N Beauregard Street • Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: (800) 342-2383
American Dietetic Association
Website: eatright.org E-mail:
[email protected] One of the nation’s largest organizations of food and nutrition professionals. Provides a list of dieticians in your area. 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000 • Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (800) 877-1600 • Fax: (312) 899-1979
American Heart Association
Website: americanheart.org
The source of information for today’s health-savvy consumer about low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol alternatives to common high-saturated fat, high-cholesterol food; provides important information on reading food labels and offers tips for raising heart-healthy, active children. 7272 Greenville Avenue • Dallas, TX 75231
Phone: Heart (800) 242-8721 •
Phone: Stroke (800) 478-7653
American Obesity Association
Website: obesity.org E-mail:
[email protected] One of the most trusted sources for information on obesity. Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, depression, orthopaedic issues and increased risk for serious cardiovascular and liver trouble as well as several types of cancer. 1250 24th Stree NW, Suite 300, • Washington, DC 20037
Phone: (202) 776-7711 • Fax: (202) 776-7712
American Society of Bariatric Physicians
Website: asbp.org E-mail:
[email protected] Offers information on obesity, tips on weight loss and a referral program to reach member physicians for professional consultation. 2821 South Parker Road, Suite 625 • Aurora, CO 80014
Phone: (303) 770-2526 • Fax: (303) 779-4834
Center for Science in the Public Interest
Website: cspinet.org E-mail:
[email protected] Advances legislation and promotes healthier food options in restaurants, standards for food labeling and truth in advertising. 1875 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300 • Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 332-9110 • Fax: (202) 265-4954
Chemocare.com, Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center
Website: chemocare.com
Diets that you can follow during chemotherapy treatments.
Fitness and Freebies
Website: fitnessandfreebies.com
Handy charts for recommended height and weight for adult men and women.
Medilexicon International
Website: medicalnewstoday.com
A good source for all news related to health and wellness compiled and updated daily from multiple sources.
Overeater’s Anonymous
Website: oa.org E-mail:
[email protected] A program of recovery from compulsive overeating using the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of OA. Worldwide meetings and other tools provide a fellowship of experience, strength and hope where members respect one another’s anonymity. OA charges no dues or fees; it is self-supporting through member contributions. It addresses physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is not a religious organization and does not promote any particular diet. World Service Office • P.O. Box 44020 • Rio Rancho, NM 87174
Phone: (505) 891-2664 • Fax: (505) 891-4320
Pregnancy Today
Website: pregnancytoday.com
Information on average and recommendedweight gain/loss frompregnancy.
United States Department of Agriculture
Website: mypyramid.gov E-mail:
[email protected] A detailed assessment of your food intake and physical activity level that can help you choose the foods and amounts that are right for you. Click on “MyPyramid Tracker.” Use the advice to make smart choices from every food group. Find your balance between food and physical activity and get the most nutrition out of your calories. USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 1034 • Alexandria, VA 22302
University of Sydney
Website: glycemicindex.com
Complete information on the glycemic index, which is a measurement of how fast a food is likely to raise your blood sugar.
WebMD
Website: webmd.com
One of the most reliable sources of information on health and wellness on the internet.
Weight Management Resources
Website: weight-manage.info
A portal for many weight management sites.
Wellness.com
Website: wellness.com
A comprehensive website featuring information on fitness, nutrition and weight management.
Weight-Control Information Network (WIN)
Website: niddk.nih.gov E-mail:
[email protected] A service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) that provides the general public, health professionals, the media and Congress with up-to-date, science-based information on weight control, obesity, physical activity and related nutritional issues 1 WIN Way • Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
MENTAL HEALTH & ADVOCACY
Council on Size and Weight Discrimination
Website: cswd.org E-mail:
[email protected] Provides public education and advocacy on issues of weight discrimination, size acceptance, health at every size and body image issues. P.O. Box 305 • Mount Marion, NY 12456
Phone: (845) 679-1209 • Fax: (845) 679-1206
National Eating Disorders Association
Website: edap.org E-mail:
[email protected] The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest not-for-profit organization in the United States working to prevent eating disorders and provide treatment referrals to those suffering from anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, and body image and weight issues. 603 Stewart Street, Suite 803 • Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: (800) 931-2237
FITNESS
American Council on Exercise
Website: acefitness.org E-mail:
[email protected] The largest nonprofit fitness certification and education provider in the world. Sets standards and protects the public against unqualified fitness professionals and unsafe or ineffective fitness products, programs and trends. 4851 Paramount Drive • San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (800) 825-3636 • Fax: (858) 279-8064
American Running Association
Website: americanrunning.org E-mail:
[email protected] Information and support for runners fromrunners andmedical professionals. 4405 East West Hwy, Suite 405 • Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (800) 776-2732 • Fax: (301) 913 9520
Aquatic Exercise Association
Website: aeawave.
com E-mail:
[email protected] Information on health and fitness through aquatic exercise. 201 Tamiami Trail South, Suite 3 • Nokomis, FL 34275
Phone: (941) 486-8600 • Fax: (941) 486-8820
Boston University Nutrition & Fitness Center
Website: bu.edu/nfc E-mail:
[email protected] Individual and group nutrition and fitness programs, as well as health screenings, fitness evaluations and workshops. 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 401 • Boston, MA 02215
Phone: (617) 353-2721
Global Health & Fitness
Website: global-fitness.com E-mail:
[email protected] Online membership-based program that teaches you how to implement all five components of fitness: strength training, weight management, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition and flexibility training in combinations that recognize your goals and are realistic for your level of experience and for the time you can commit.
P.O. Box 2696 • Clackamas, OR 97015
Phone: (503) 772-4299
PLANS & PROGRAMS
Atkins
Website: atkins.com
The Atkins diet allows for up to two-thirds of calories to come from fat, more than twice usual recommendations. Atkins emphasizes meat, eggs and cheese. It discourages bread, rice and fruit. Weight loss is often sustained and followers see a marked improvement in their triglyceride levels and a loss in body fat.
eDiets
Website: ediet.com E-mail:
[email protected] A web-based membership program that offers twenty-four personalized online programs featuring all the popular diet plans and ten proprietary programs for those with special needs. Members choose a plan and complete a personal profile to determine how to best custom-tailor the program for their unique needs. Members have 24/7/365 access to eDiets.com’s community for motivation and support from eDiets.com’s on-staff experts and member peers.
1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 600 • Ft Lauderdale, FL 33334
Phone: (800) 265-6170 • Fax: (954) 360-9095
Jenny Craig
Website: jennycraig.com
A three-level, food/mind/body plan. At the first level, the program teaches clients how to eat the foods they want in small, frequent portions. At the second level, the program teaches clients how to increase their energy levels via simple activity. At the third level, the program addresses building more balance into clients’ lives in order to maintain weight loss and healthy diet. The program offers several levels of support, including a 24/7 telephone line.