Sherita Jackson
I have had some hills to climb this past month, with two deaths in my family. I have seen and smelled every kind of food I'm supposed to keep away from. Usually, I am an emotional eater, but while different feelings erupted, I didn't explode and turn to food. I exercised more. I read more, and I didn't let food control me.

Trainer Jeff Shablin says: Sherita is dealing with real life. She has stood strong through it by maintaining her diet. She prepared healthy food for [guests] who stayed in her home and did not falter from her workout regimen. I am very proud of her!

Mary Leonard
I can't believe how working out and eating the way I am feels like it's been part of my life longer than five weeks. Cardio is still the toughest part for me, but it is getting a little easier. Everyone else sees the changes in me, but I want to see a bigger change.

Trainer Gabriel Gaskin says: Mary is down 12 pounds and counting. I'm so pleased with her excellent progress. She is truly an example of what you can do when you make up your mind to do it.

Vaughn Morrison
As we approach the midpoint of our adventure, I find myself more than halfway to my goals, which means the easy pounds have been shed and the deeper challenges await me.
I am working my way out of the valley of unfitness one workout at a time... . I am growing stronger each day.

Trainer Melissa Kolczynski says: Vaughn's consistency and dedication have helped him lose 20 pounds. This kind of weight loss is only partially due to his workouts. The major strides have been due to his changes in eating habits.

Cynthia Santiago
I'm often asked how difficult it's been to give up junk food. I have discovered that because I am nutritionally balanced [now], I do not have an urge to snack. I am not craving salty or sweet things. What I have done is substitute my foods. If I feel like something sweet, I'll have berries. Something chewy or crunchy? I have dried pineapples, dates or almonds.

Trainer Kimberly Garrison says: To say I'm delighted at Cynthia's progress is an understatement. A busy career woman, a single mother of four, and she's doing it. Cynthia is proof positive that whatever the mind conceives and believes can be achieved.

B.J. Wilson
My routine for the week is pretty solid, but the weekends have proven to be very tough. I have found that when I do stray even a little, I feel very guilty. It's time to rededicate myself to my program and continue in the direction of good health.

Trainer Jim Hart says: B.J. has lost 17 pounds! I continue to be impressed with his dedication and consistency. This week, I taught him a circuit strength routine that he can do on his own. B.J. does what he is told without question (furthering my theory that practicing and former Catholics always make the best clients). This past weekend was quite a challenge, but he came through with minimal alcohol consumption ("just a wee nip," as we Irish say).