Inspiration: The Walkers

At the risk of sounding like a Dr. Phil evangelist, I continue to reference his book, "The Ultimate Weight Solution."

In Key Seven, Dr. Phil cuts to the chase and says that if we expect to lose weight and keep it off, we must nurture relationships that affirm and lift us up in life-changing ways.

"Look at it this way," he says. "People will either contribute to or contaminate your personal weight control and management...To live in a healthy manner, you've got to recognize the influence of your relationships on your life and take care that they don't push or pull you in the wrong direction."

Dr. Phil's recommended support team includes a coach, a teammate, a cheerleader and an umpire.

Bill and Ellen Walker are my teammates - the folks with whom I work out, the ones who help to keep me on task. We help to monitor each other's behavior - comparing what works and what doesn't. Most of all, they're ideal teammates because they are natural motivators in every area of their lives. Their passion is contagious, and each time I am around them, I am energized and strengthened with purpose.

So...thanks to an incredible support team - which includes Bill and Ellen - I am pleased to report another three-pound loss this week, bringing the totals since January 15 to 35 pounds and 29.75 inches. Bling, bling!

Quotes from The Ultimate Weight Solution: The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom