Ali~I am truly enjoying reading your blog.  I have watwched you for years and find you to be a true inspiration.  I think that you are the perfect host for the Biggest Loser!  Before you hosted it, I didn't watch it!  I am anxious for your book to come out!  Thank you for sharing your personal thoughts with all of us!  ~Hope

I am thrilled to see that you take the time to read the posts on comments you have made!!  One day I will be proud to post that my son has eaten a healthy meal (we celebrate the small things too! lol) Tonight's meal is chicken stir fry!  He ate the chicken and tossed the rest :( .  I agree about the unhealthy stuff and yes I would never allow my son to have such a huge helping, certainly I would not deny him a small or kiddie size either! I worry about his health...physically he is active and in karate 3 times a week but his eating well I will not stop trying!  As for me...maybe one day you see me on Biggest Loser!!!! Lord knows I need the help!!! :) Peace!!

Alison Joly

I'm 19 (almost 20) and just moved into my college dorm for my sophomore year. I am very over weight, only finding motivation is one of the hardest parts for me. My mom has always lectured me about eating right and exercising. I'd start doing it to make my mom happy, but it never lasted long. I'm uncomfortable in my body and around others, but for most of my life I couldn't bring myself to care enough to do something, so I just went on feeling embarrassed. I work at camp each summer, and I always loose weight there, I just can't bring it home.

My freshman year was the hardest. I lived in a small room with a friend, no kitchen, and I live in Green Bay, so once it's cold out, you don't want to walk very far. We have a super nice work out place, but it's always sports people using it, so I just felt embarrassed being there, so I never went.

This year is different, and I'm trying to make a change in my life. It's little baby steps, that will hopefully help and change my opinion on food. I moved into an on campus apartment which means I have a full kitchen and no dining plan. Which means I buy all my own food. I'm not allowing myself to buy any junk food what so ever. There is an elevator in my building, but I use the stairs. I haven't used the elevator since I used it to move in all my stuff.

Does anyone have any advice for things I can do?? College is such a hard place to be healthy I feel. Especially since I'm on a budget and can't always afford what is best for me.

Hope, I totally agree I never watch "The Biggest Loser" before Ali started hosting it. Now, I am addicted. I have learned so much from the show itself I can't seem to help myself.

I was (still am) obese. I started watching the "The Biggest Loser" and got off the couch/recliner and lost 65 lbs. Funny thing then I got pregnant lmao (wasn't supposed to be able to have kids.) I believe that losing the weight made it possible.

I too believe that giving our children all the sweets that are available is not a good thing and is our responsibility because they can't make the right decisions. I have always been big and my parents gave me whatever I wanted to eat whether it be snacks, a meal or drinks it was the worse thing that could have happened to me as far as my weight and self-esteem.

Ali, it's AWESOME that you didn't stare I remember what it felt like growing up and it does make you seriously self concious not to mention that it eventually makes you feel as if you are not worthy of anything good.

As far as the way kids treat one another it's horrible. Luckily, I do not have to deal with that one as my lil' man is only 2 months old. It will just be that much worse when he gets older.

Here is a question for everyone. I know how I was raised with food in our house that is how love was shown. I know my lil' man is only 2 months old but I am afraid he is going to follow in my footsteps. He is 11.5 pounds now. I am being told not to worry about it now because he will grow out of this baby fat i just hope he does. No worries, I WILL NOT stop feeding him. I am just worried about later.

Tonya

(Tonoogle on Twitter)

Wow Ali, kudos to you for reading all the responses and commenting.  You truly are an inspiration.  I absolutely enjoying watching you on Days doing what you do best, watching you on Biggest Loser inspiring those amazing people, and reading your blog each day.  Keep it up!  You are an amazing Women, Mother and Role Model!

Leaann

Ali - I don't even have kids yet so I don't know what kind of parent I will be, but this is one of the things that worries me the most. I grew up as a "fat kid" and do NOT want my children to go through what I went through. I admire your passion on this subject and I'm glad other people notice things like the kid at the coffee shop.

To Kim - I lost almost 60lbs in college by joining weight watchers. I know that program is not for everyone, but it really worked for me in the beginning. I would encourage you to check it out, even if you just do it online. The biggest thing is to be honest with yourself about what you are eating and not cheat. 

I read your post yesterday Ali, and I understand how you feel.   Truth is that I am the mother that makes sure my daughter eats a well balanced diet and avoids too much junk food, yet I cant seem to always do that for myself.  I didnt have a weight problem until my 20's so I dont know how it was to be an overweight child.  But I remember the overweight girl in school and the kids teased her mercilessly.  It was awful.  Other than the obvious health reasons, keeping my daughter healthy and active will prevent her from being that kid.  I know someone who has an extremely overweight child and will complain about it and let the kid eat anything and everything he wants.   I have to bite my tongue every time.  In my house my daughter knows she can have one 'treat' per day.  a little ice cream, cookie whatever.  that seems to work for us.  I need to work on sticking to that rule more myself.  im sure all moms reading this can empathize.  but ive recently joined a gym and am getting back on track and trying to re-train my brain from rewarding with food to rewarding myself with other things.  what can I say, im italian!  we love food!  too much.....

Kim...

You are starting out great!! Find one thing every week that you can change about your activity and eating habits. Like, no cokes just water, or no fast food, and adding another exercise routine. I know how hard it is TRUST ME. Im 32 with three kids and I try to work out three times a day. So while you can  take advantage of it change everything thing know. I wish you the best of luck and also if you catch yourself "missing" something to eat. Talk about it with someone who understands it helps to let the craving past (thats my best tip).

Hey Ali, Fabulous site.  I can see why you were so excited to launch it.  Love all your blogs.  I know how interested and concerned you are about BULLYING, we all faced some sort of bullying in our lives.  Wanted to let you know that Family Circle's October issue has an interesting article on it.  Thought you might want to check it out.

Have a wonderful weekend!

XO

Nancy

Congrats Ali, the site just hit over 1,000 registered users.

I appreciate that you took the time to read all the comments and responses!  I hope you continue to share your thoughts and opinions...it was a great discussion when it wasn't getting nasty, which unfortunately some of it did.  Thanks again!

who here is a fan of Days of Our Lives? This is a fun forum thread to read and respond:

http://www.alisonsweeney.com/forum/thread/when-did-you-start-watching

Let me guess,  it was all my fault for making it nasty, right? 

smh 

Hi Ali,

You are such an amazing person.  You're very intelligent & caring.  I hope you have a great weekend!

Tracie