Community blogger Muriel Watson writes: Starting weight as of Jan. 1, 2011--  326/ Current weight --  236. Goal weight: 185.
What prompted you to start a weight-loss program? A photo taken of me during our Thanksgiving dinner in November 2009. When I saw it, I cried the whole way home! I lost my weight by working out at the gym 6 days a week and eating a low carb/lean protein diet.

Community blogger Teri Boggess writes: People joke about dealing with trying times by grabbing a pint of ice cream and some chips and curling up in front of the TV.

Now I understand. If I hadn't committed to the weight loss blog nearly a year ago, this would have been an ice cream-and-chips kind of year.

Community blogger Tahira Nyabinghi, 40, of Greensboro writes:

Community blogger Alan Foster, 50 of Fuquay-Varina reflects on his weight-loss efforts:
Starting weight on Jan. 1, 2011: 225
Current weight: 203
What was your goal weight? My real goal was to come off blood pressure medicine and to do that, I thought I needed to get to somewhere less than 200 pounds.
How did you shed the pounds? A combination of exercise and smarter eating habits.
What were your biggest weight-loss stumbling blocks during the year and how did you overcome them?  As with most families, special occasions such as holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, vacations, etc. are accompanied by big meals or sweet treats and hard to resist.  I chose not to overcome them but to enjoy them and maintain my activity level and return to smart eating the next day.  Additionally, life events (illnesses, trips, weather, etc) get in the way of exercise routines.  The best time to exercise is when you can.
What did you learn during this process?  That maintaining a healthy weight is essential to maintaining health.  Due to my weight loss, I was able to stop all hypertension medication.  
What's next for you? Will you continue losing -- if so, will you use the same strategy or something new? If you're looking to maintain, how will you go about that?  
A recent physical revealed I have a borderline high cholesterol level.  Because my physician has faith that I will continue to lose an additional few pounds and maintain a heart-healthy diet, he is foregoing any cholesterol-reducing medication for three months.  My immediate and long-term goals are to continue to exercise, eat smart and really watch my intake of sugar.  I believe this strategy will continue to help me lose a little more body fat and maintain a prescription-free life.
For you, what has been the biggest benefit of losing weight?  The most valuable benefit for me is the improved health.  However, I did come to appreciate the benefit of feeling better and looking a little better.
What advice do you have for others who are embarking on their own weight-loss journey in 2012?  Don’t consider the journey as a diet.  To me, “diet” implies a short-term deprivation to lose a finite amount of weight or inches or clothes sizes. I have found more success by just staying active and being smart about my eating.  Take it slow, stick with it, keep your good health as the goal, and enjoy life.

Final thoughts: One year ago, I began this blog with the famous maxim: “You can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.”  

At the beginning of 2011, I reflected on how life events had contributed to a noticeable weight gain and a general decline in my overall health, to include a new diagnosis of hypertension.  I set a public goal to lose 30 pounds and to come off blood pressure medicine.  

Now I look back on where I’ve been over the year and feel satisfied with the results but a little less than satisfied with the effort. I didn’t quite make the 30 pounds lost, but I’m officially off blood pressure medicine. I know I could have worked harder to lose those last few pounds, and in reviewing my year-long blog, I can better see my weaknesses and obstacles to maintaining a healthy weight.  As far as my health as it relates to my weight, I can say with a little more confidence where I’m going because I know where I’ve been.

Community blogger Alan Foster writes: Starting weight: 225/Current: 204

I just completed my annual physical and as promised, here’s the report from my physician – “You’re doing a great job, your blood pressure is excellent, and you’re fine to not continue the blood pressure medication. Except for a borderline high cholesterol level, you’re in excellent health. Furthermore, if you’ll lose an additional 10 pounds over the next three months, we’ll postpone any cholesterol medication. You’re a perfect example of how weight loss can greatly improve one’s health.”

Woo hoo!! Needless to say, I was quite pleased with those words. This year-long journey has been well worth it on many fronts, and the receipt of a clean bill of health tops them all. I’m going to stick with this effort to lose those few more pounds and get the cholesterol level back to an acceptable level and convince the doctor once again that I don’t need medication. Now if I could just convince him I don’t need that colonoscopy!

Community blogger Tahira Nyabinghi writes: Beginning Weight   230lbs/Ending Weight   170lbs

Community blogger Tahira Nyabinghi writes: The
year is drawing to a close and I thought that it would be good to end
with some holiday recipes.  I cannot claim to have created them but I do
guarantee that if prepared properly, you will only give your taste buds
a truly, welcoming treat.  

Community blogger Alan Foster writes: Starting weight in January 225/ Current weight 204
I’ve been saying all along that I was trying to lose weight more to improve my health than to improve my appearance. I’ve been successful in improving my health but after yesterday, I must admit this journey has also had some “appearance” benefit.
Last week, I had the pleasure of working with a stylist to pick out some new clothes that, let’s just say, “fit better.” I also received a new haircut that somehow successfully minimized my age-appropriate (and well-earned) grey and thinning. Lastly, I forced myself to stand in front of an N&O photographer to properly record the appearance changes. Those around were very complimentary of my new look and I must admit, the smiles came fairly easy, which felt really good.
I always joke I’m past the age of vanity. But I learned yesterday I don’t have to look as old as my age and that feeling good and being healthy is no joke. What a week!
 

Community blogger Muriel Watson writes: Starting Weight 326.0  Current Weight  238.0