Extreme Weight Loss: Jackie

Who else was blown away by Jackie's episode? I think the reason so many of you were touched by her story was because it's so relatable. We can all relate to struggling with difficult emotions, even if they are caused by legitimatly difficult life circumstances, and using food to numb the pain.

The key to Jackie's success was twofold. First, she decided to stop using food to cover her pain and cope with unforgiveness. Second, she replaced food with positive actions.

Are you an emotional eater? Do you find yourself standing in front of the fridge snacking even when you're not hungry? Then I'm challenging you to step into those emotions this week and let yourself begin the healing process. Watch my video for more on Jackie's episode and how you can use it in your own journey:

Go to the Dr. Holly page and share what you're doing with your emotions instead eating them: maybe it's going for walk, calling a friend to grab coffee, or journaling what you're feeling.

Extreme Weight Loss: Mitzi

I know I say this almost every week, but it's true: I think this might be the most powerful episode we've seen. Mitzi's story is one that we'll be talking about for the days, weeks, and months to come. Why? Because it shows the power of vulnerability.

So many times, we think that by keeping secrets, we're protecting ourselves. We build walls to keep pain and shame from hurting us. But those same walls also block out the ability to cultivate friendships, love, joy, peace, and happiness. One of the most powerful statements of the show was when Dr. Tolin asking Mitzi, "Is keeping your secret more important than letting your friends in?" Wow, what concept. Watch my video blog below to hear all of my thoughts on the episode and how you can apply Mitzi's breakthroughs to your own story:

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we let down our walls to receive the help and love we  need to accomplish our goals and experience life the way it was meant to experienced: surrounded by people who cheer us on to be our best self.

This week, I'm challenging all of you to get vulnerable. This is one of the foundational principles I talk about on the Dr. Holly Facebook page. I call my wall the "Go Public" wall. It's a place where all of my followers go to post vulnerable updates so everyone can see it, rally behind them, and encourage them to keep going. Post there this week so we can do the same for you!

If you want an amazing support group that's ready to get vulnerable and walk alongside you during a year of weight loss, check out Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp^{TM  .}at University of Colorado Anschutz Health & Wellness Center.  At boot camp, we focus on healthy eating and great workouts, but we put the most time into teaching you how to get vulnerable and retrain your mind so your body can succeed! Click here for more info.

Extreme Weight Loss: John and Panda

Do you have a past of yo-yo dieting? Chances are, it's not because of food or exercise... Most likely, you didn't have a "WHY." What's a "why"? Your "why" is your internal motivation to lose weight. Without it, you'll never keep your weight off long-term.

Having goals like fitting into a size 6 dress, losing weight for your high school reunion, getting healthy because someone else wants you to, etcetera, aren't long-term "why's". They're not bad reasons to lose weight, but ultimately, once you fit into your size 6 dress, or your high school reunion passes, or your family member is happy with your new transformation, your motivation will be gone. You need lasting motivation that's internal. I call that your PERSONAL WHY. It's deeper. Watch my video to find your "WHY":

If you saw this week's episode, it's pretty clear that Panda found his "why" early on and John didn't have a "why". Despite all of the best weight loss resources in the US, from Chris Powell to the University of Colorado's Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, John still couldn't get motivated. 

It wasn't until all of those things left that John looked within himself, found his why, and ultimately lost the weight. This week, I'm challenging you find your WHY. Peel back the onion. You might have a few external "whys" (like a weight loss goal for your high school reunion) but I really want you to dig deep and find your personal "WHY." And if you're up for it, Go Public and share it on my Facebook page so we can all support you in it!

If you've been searching for your deeper "why" and want the resources and support to help you dig deep both emotionally and physically, then check out Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp. It's designed from the principles used on the show Extreme Weight Loss TM to help you experience your own extreme transformation. 

If you applied for a DBC scholarship, we'll be announcing the winners on Anschutz's website and social media this week, so stay tuned!

"Extreme Weight Loss," "Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp" and "Destination Boot Camp" are each a trademark of 3 Ball Entertainment LLC and are used under license. All rights reserved.

State of Slim Success Story: Robert

I'm so proud of Robert! He's a true hero, serving in Vietnam, who decided to take his life back and fight his own battle with weight loss. And he has had such amazing victory along the way. He's an amazing example that even if you're not on a TV show, or in a year-long support group, you can still lose the weight and keep it off for good.

Why did you to join the State of Slim group?

I became interested in SOS after joining University of Colorado's Anschutz Health & Wellness Center as a result of a friend, John Schmidt, bringing me over for a tour. I happened to pick up Dr.'s Hill and Wyatt's book and informally began the SOS program on my own, losing weight. I met with Dr. Holly as a patient and followed her suggestion to join a SOS class and consider retaining a trainer on a regular basis.

How did you you feel before State of Slim?

I came in weighing about 310 and graduated Oct 17, 2014, weighing 238. Words can't describe the difference in my new lifestyle. I can do so much more with my body than I ever thought possible. 

What was your biggest transformation moment?

The moment I realized I was transforming was when I started to call myself an athlete! I have become a rowing athlete winning the silver medal in the 500 meter erg row (a rowing machine I learned at Anschutz) at Duke University in June and the same week a gold medal in team volleyball at the University of North Carolina, Military Valor Games.

I was also featured in the July edition of "Rowing", a professional and Olympic rowing magazine due to the feat.

What does your new lifestyle look like now?

I continue working out with a Mr. Phil Davis weekly and continue to compete around the country in many different events such as Shotput, Discus, Javelin, golf and even bowling and archery.

Recently I've been recruited to be in the Longmont Sculling Club where I row in a quad rower weekly.  

What do you look forward to doing in the future that used to not be possible before you lost the weight?

I hope to soon join in competitions when I'm experienced enough; joining competitive regattas in San Diego and England.

I've got another goal and that is to be able to surf at Waikiki, Hawaii.  That's harder due to my wounds received serving my country during the Viet Nam War; it's difficult to get to my feet to a surf board.

I'm so grateful for State of Slim and I will to continue to be an evangelist for Anschutz and Dr.'s Hill/Wyatt programs!