Extreme Weight Loss: Hannah

This week was so bittersweet! I can't believe that the Finale episode of Extreme Weight Loss is already here but there was no better way to end the season than with Hannah's story. The theme of her journey is living in a NO EXCUSE zone. My State of Slimmers use the mantra, "No Excuses. No Regrets."

Address your barrier, but instead of spending all of your energy thinking about you can't do, spend energy thinking about what you can do. I hear so many excuses all the time: "If I was chosen for Extreme Weight Loss... If Chris and Heidi were helping me... If I didn't have a  bad back... If my family supported me... Watch my video blog to really help you excuse-proof your journey:

Hannah had a fractured foot-- that was a legitimate roadblock. But she didn't let that stop her; she found ways to work around her injury. Spend your energy thinking about what you can do, not what you can't do. Refuse to let your excuses get in your way. This is the result of living with No Excuses!

This week, I'm challenging to look at the barriers you have in your life. Instead of telling me what you CAN'T do with them, tell me what you CAN do. Share it on the Dr. Holly page!

If you need help living in a no-excuse zone, check out State of Slim and Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp. Both of these CU Anschutz Health & Wellness Center weight loss programs teach you how to live with NO excuses and NO regrets!

Extreme Weight Loss: Kim

One thing I love about Extreme Weight Loss is that there are consistent themes that flow throughout the show-- and really, throughout all transformation journeys. Some of those themes that I see in successful weight loss stories are things like feeling your fears and getting out of your comfort zone. The body follows the mind and you have to get that mental side of things down to reach your goals.

With Kim, I love how she began with the end in mind: sewing a dress that she could fit into at her finale. The dress represented so many things, not just focussing on her new size, but visualizing how she would feel. This is the end result of that:

Here's my video blog on Kim's episode. Check it out to get all of my thoughts on how you can use her transformation to help you transform too!

All of my clients create vision boards to represent how they want to FEEL, not just how they want to LOOK. Once you visualize, then you need to take ACTION. See it in your mind, then be it. Here are some vision/action boards my State of Slimmers just created.

Now, I want you to create your vision/action board and share it on the Dr. Holly page! What's going to be your Little Red Dress?  Our State of Slim program can help you. All it is takes is that first step – Visualize yourself here with us now, working on YOUR transformations! Learn more about State of Slim here.

What's the thing you'll use to visualize where you want to be? Ready, go!

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.

Destination Boot Camp Success Story: Shelley

Shelley's sister, Georgeanna Johnson, lost 165 pounds on Season 4 of Extreme Weight Loss last year. At Georgeanna's finale reveal, she Paid it Forward, giving Shelley a one-week scholarship to see me at Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp last October. Most people who attend boot camp have made the personal decision to come and have gotten to a place in their life where they're ready for transformation. In Shelley's case, someone chose transformation for her. That can be a hurdle to overcome -taking responsibility for your own transformation and really owning it- but since that week in Colorado, Shelley dove in head-first and has lost over 40 pounds!

And as a bonus, her sister Georgeanna came to Colorado for June Destination Boot Camp as one of our transformation coaches and paid it forward in another way, by motivating and encouraging people just starting out. Check out Shelley's story below:

What was the moment like when you realized your sister nominated you to attend DBC?
I attended the finale taping in LA and was sitting on the front row with the rest of our family and Heidi Powell. After Georgeanna’s final weigh-in, Chris mentioned something about “paying it forward” and “boot camp”. He asked Georgeanna if she had anyone in mind. When she said, “I do”. He asked, “Are they here tonight?” The second Georgeanna said, “She is”, I knew. She began crying and I began crying. I know she said other things, but I don’t remember a lot of it. I was so overwhelmed that I really couldn’t control my emotions at that point. A powerful moment, for sure! 

How did you feel before DBC?
I was nervous, anxious, scared, apprehensive and excited all at the same time. I knew what Georgeanna had been through during her 90 days at Anschutz, so I had an inkling of what I was in for. While I was grateful for the gift, I was scared out of my wits!

When did you realize you were actually transforming?
While I was still at boot camp. The other boot campers had chosen to be there. The experience had been thrust upon me. I wasn’t miserable with my life before I got there…or, at least, I had convinced myself I wasn’t. For the first day or so, I just tried to get my head around the fact that I was there and it was really happening. As Dr. Holly and Dr. Denise started giving us exercises to work on the mindset piece, it clicked and I realized this could be and should be a huge change in my life.

  

How do you feel now?

I feel great! I’ve lost over 40 pounds since boot camp. I work out 6 days a week, follow State of Slim, keep up with my DBC family…I didn’t realize how badly I felt before DBC until the weight came off. I really can’t believe I lived so long with that extra baggage. (mentally and physically) Feeling normal and healthy feels amazing?

What are you most proud of with your transformation journey?
That I stuck with it. Like I mentioned before, going to DBC was not a decision I made myself. I never hit a rock bottom, never got to the point where I felt desperate and wanted to change, never had a health scare to motivate me to lose weight…But, once the pounds starting coming off and I realized how much better life like this was than the life I was leading when I was 40 pounds heavier, there was no way I was going to stop and go back to the old me.

  

What is the biggest lesson/takeaway you've had through DBC?

That it’s hard and that’s okay. My “aha moment” at DBC was a class that Dr. Holly led. She had us list what we thought was hard about being overweight and out of shape. We then had to make a similar list of reasons eating healthy and exercising were hard. The takeaway was that BOTH of these are hard. It’s hard to be overweight and out of shape. It’s hard to find time to exercise, eat clean and be healthy. If they are both hard, why in the heck have I been choosing overweight and out of shape?!?!  I chose the exercise, eating right and healthy hard. I wake up every morning (at 4:15 a.m. these days to make it to the gym at 5:00 a.m.!) and choose to go with the challenge of staying healthy. Beats the heck out of the other option!

How has your relationship with Georgeanna, someone who has done this too, effected your journey? 
It has been great to have someone so close to me know what I’m going through. While I have my DBC family to lean on, it’s different to have my sister there. She “gets” every challenge I’ve faced because she’s been there. She gets the emotional challenge of dealing with a new body and how crazy it seems to feel overwhelmed when trying on smaller sizes that you never thought you would wear. (I called her crying from a dressing room the first time I went shopping for new clothes) She also gets how amazing it feels to have a new lease on life. We had a close relationship before this journey and this has brought us even closer. I don’t think I can ever tell her how much I appreciate her giving me the gift of DBC. Best gift ever.

If you're interested in going to Boot Camp, we're Paying it Forward by offering four SPRI Better Every Day Scholarships to Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp^{TM .}at University of Colorado Anschutz Health & Wellness Center. The deadline to apply is July 31st. Apply here! 

"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.

Extreme Weight Loss: Pearls

We all have a story. And just like we saw in Pearls' Extreme Weight Loss episode last night, when it comes to weight gain, our story is made up of things that have stopped us from living the life that we want. That’s our OLD STORY. And we tend to play it over and over again. We use it as our reasons why we can’t succeed. In the end, that old story gives us an ending that looks something like this:

While we can’t control our circumstances, we can control how we respond to them. By rewriting your story, you produce a different ending. And that’s exactly what Pearls did. Watch my video below as I break down how Pearls' rewrote her story and how you can too!

My Challenge to you this week: think about your old story. Think about the excuses you’ve used over, and over, and over again. Then, decide to rewrite it. Decide you’re not going to use those same excuses. By doing that, you’ll give yourself the power and control to produce a NEW ending. A happy ending. The ending you’ve always wanted. An ending that looks something like this:

If you're ready for your own Extreme Weight Loss, come see me at Anschutz Health & Wellness Center to experience boot camp first-hand! We'll give you the tools you need to get healthy and re-write your story. We're Paying it Forward by offering four SPRI Better Every Day Scholarships to Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp^TM. The deadline to apply is July 31st. Apply here! 

"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.

Extreme Weight Loss: Jenn

Wow, if you haven't seen last night's Extreme Weight Loss episode, you're in for an amazing, honest, raw, and incredibly inspiring story.

I think the biggest thing we can all take from Jenn's story is that we're so much stronger than we think we are. YOU are so much stronger than you think you are.

Transformation doesn't happen when you live on defense. You have to live on offense, and you have to believe you can handle life.

And the first step to that is fixing your mindset. I always tell people, if you fix your mind, the body will follow. Don’t spend your time waiting, spend your time LIVING. 

My Challenge to you this week: Do something you think you can’t. Push back against that mindset. Expect success. Don’t let your mind limit you.

Watch my video below to hear my thoughts on Jenn's episode and take my Choose to Change Challenge by posting yourself doing something you didn't think you could do, here on the Dr. Holly Facebook page.

So proud of Jenn and all that she accomplished!

A lot of you have said that you wished you could come see me at Anschutz Health & Wellness Center to experience boot camp for yourself but financially it hasn't been an option. Well, now maybe it is! We're Paying it Forward by offering four SPRI Better Every Day Scholarships to Extreme Weight Loss Destination Boot Camp^TM. Apply here! 

"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.

Destination Boot Camp Success Story: Tierannye

At the end of every Extreme Weight Loss^TM episode, participants are given the opportunity to Pay it Forward and give someone in their life an opportunity to come see me at CU's Anschutz Health & Wellness Center at Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp to have a powerful transformation experience of their own. It's my favorite part of the show, hands down. 

Last October, all of the Pay it Forward folks came out to Colorado for a week-long weight loss intensive. They took those tools home and have continued to change their lives. I wanted to highlight some of their stories. So today, meet Tierannye. Her friend, Brandi Mallory from EWL Season 4 nominated her for DBC and I'm so glad she did! She's a fighter, inside and out. She completely committed to this process, has put in the work, and I couldn't be more proud of her! If you want to come to Destination Boot Camp, sign up here. Spots are still open!

What was the moment like when you realized your friend nominated you to go to DBC?

Scary!!!! I had no idea. I thought Brandi & I shared everything but clearly she had something up her sleeves! I was nervous, but excited. I knew that this was the moment I would be able to take charge of my life. But was I ready? 

How did you you feel before DBC?

Before Destination Boot Camp, I was miserable. I was unhappy with almost every aspect of my life. I'm a true food addict! I eat when I'm happy, sad, depressed, the list goes on. I just wanted to catch a break, I want to be the old happy Tierannye. I prayed that something would happen to change me, transform my life and everything around me. 

When did you realize you were actually transforming?

I realized I was ready to transform while I was at DBC. It was the day we went on our hike. I gained my life back that day, and I'll never forget it. The day of the hike is the day I realized I was ready to transform but the day I realized I was actually transforming was when I actually saw and felt the transformation! I began to get my happy back, compliments started flowing, my clothes started to get entirely too big, the desire to have unhealthy foods wasn't has strong as it used to be (please know, the desires don't disappear), ultimately I was just living life! All of this happening showed me that DBC is not just all talk, it really helped transform my life. It helped transform me! 

Tierannye on the hike at DBC

How do you feel now?

Right now? I feel good! Don't get me wrong, there are definitely times where I'm completely over it. But the good days outweigh the bad days and I just get to it! I know that God placed this opportunity in front of me for my good and that's exactly what has happened. I love the connection I've made with my Alpha Gladiators, Dr. Holly, & Bob Brenner! Dr. Holly will never let me go. There was a time when I thought I was getting away...I thought wrong! I love her dedication towards the program, but most of all her dedication towards each of us as individuals! She's like my best friend in my head! :) 

What are you most proud of with your transformation journey?

That I'm not where I use to be! The things I've done within this year of DBC, is a totally a different Tierannye. I would have never done half of the things I've done. My proudest moment was completing my 6 month milestone. Brandi Mallory (EWL Season 4) and I completed a 5K Muddy Duck Run. Everyone who knows me knows how I feel about my hair, and being dirty! Dr. Holly has always told us that "Success happens outside of your comfort zone!", so what better way to be successful than to get down & dirty!  I had the time of my life throughout the race, at one point I was purposely rolling around in mud to get dirtier! That moment is something that will forever make me proud, and no one can take that away from me. 

What is the biggest lesson/takeaway you've had through DBC?

My biggest lesson/ takeaway is to trust the process but to trust yourself as well. I had to get my mind in the game and believe in myself and know that I am stronger than I once was. Know and believe that it's not going to be an easy journey, but it would be worth it in the end. When you trust the process....it really happens! DBC isn't just a week in Denver, a year on program, the weekly/biweekly conference calls, but a lifelong journey! I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity and for Dr. Holly who believes in me and pushes me to be the best me! Mission Sexy Beast isn't complete until my goal is met....so stayed 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.

Extreme Weight Loss: Amber and Bryce

Bryce and Amber are true transformers. They're the kind of people you meet and want to be friends with. Their love for life and laughter is contagious and there are so many amazing things we can take from their episode. But first, let's look at how far they've come! Before...

AFTER!

Yep, that's a picture of the gym that they just opened! Talk about transformation!
If you're in California, check Symmetry out.

If you're new to my page, I'm breaking down the biggest key to success from each Extreme Weight Loss^TM   episode in my Choose to Change Summer Challenge so you can apply weight loss tools that work to your own journey. Here's my video with takeaways from Bryce and Amber's story:

This week, the clearest lesson from their story is the power of the Super Friend. A Super Friend is someone who tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. They always say it from a place of love, challenging you to be your best self. Heidi Powell was the perfect example of a Super Friend: someone who keeps you accountable because they want to see you succeed. When Amber wasn't keeping her promises and sneaking in extra food or time with Bryce, Heidi stepped in and helped Amber grow.

My Choose to Change Challenge to you this week: who is your super friend? It can be a group of people or an individual but make sure it's someone who shares the same goals as you, and who will give you tough love. Don't partner with someone who doesn't see the best in you. Also don't partner with someone who will let everything slide.

Share a picture of your SUPER FRIEND on my Facebook page this week!

Don't have a super friend? Then check out Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp. It's Super Friend central! You'll spend a week with me at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Health and Wellness Center and learn how you can lose weight and keep if off for good. Once you go home, you'll be surrounded by your teammates and coaches who will cheer you along the way. There are still spots open for July and August Boot Camp so sign up now! You can also check out my Facebook page for online group of super friends that are just a click away! 

Destination Boot Camp Super Friends!!

"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.

Extreme Weight Loss: Marissa and Shane

SPOILER ALERT: If you still haven't seen last night's Extreme Weight Loss^TM  episode, you might want to watch it before you read this post.

This episode was tough. And based on your reactions on Twitter last night, I think I can say that everyone, including myself, Chris, and Heidi, were all shocked. And while it wasn't easy to watch Marissa's decision to end their relationship, I wanted to share my thoughts in this video because there are some valuable things that we can all take from it.

I actually see this more often than you'd realize. People come in expecting their transformation to be 100% weight loss related but as they transform as in an individual, everything around them transforms too: relationships, mindsets, habits, hobbies, goals, jobs, lifestyle. Nothing is off limits to change in your life when real transformation takes place.

If I can encourage you with one thing, it's this: Don't be afraid of change. Letting go of the things that worked for you in one season of your life might not serve you as you continue to evolve. Know that as you become your fullest self, the things that are meant to be in your life will endure.

Here's my Challenge for you: Is there something holding you back that you're afraid to deal with? Is there pain that's being brought to the surface during this journey that you don't want to walk through? Push through that pain this week. But don't do it alone. Get a friend, co-worker, or family member so you're not alone in this. It's courageous to go through the pain and it's necessary if you want to live your life fully. Take off your armor this week. Feel and heal from the pain, so that ultimately, you live the life you want to live.

For all of the Destination Boot Campers and Choose to Change Challengers, post your update-- what you've been holding back from that you're going to face head-on-- on my Facebook wall.

For those of you who are ready for change, and don't know where to start, check out Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp at University of Colorado Denver's Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. Marissa and Shane lost over 200 pounds together in 3 months at boot camp.

Spend a week at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Health and Wellness Center and learn how you can lose weight and keep if off for good in this science-based program. Permanent weight loss isn’t achieved in a few days. It takes a change of habits, rituals and routines. Learn the secret of losing weight and keeping it off by getting the right mindset.

*"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.

Choose to Change Summer Challenge

It's a New Summer New You Choose To Change Challenge!

Post a 10 week goal for this summer on the Dr. Holly Facebook page and follow along here at the Dr.Holly Blog for Extreme Weight Loss. Use the lessons from the show to Choose to Change! Each week after the show airs I will post a homework assignment based on the show and how you can apply it to your own transformation. Together we can make this summer your Best Summer! 

Get Vulnerable! And declare your 10-week goal and your "New Normal" for this summer! Remember its a new summer to match the new YOU! Watch my video below and take the CHALLENGE!

Extreme Weight Loss: Tiffany and Cain

This week Extreme Weight Loss^TM started their Love Can't Weight series and it did not disappoint! Cain and Tiffany are some of the most hilarious, happy, fun-loving people I know. Their joy for life immediately translated into their weight loss journey together.

Before

During their time on Extreme Weight Loss, they went through major life changes, from losing over 200 lbs of weight collectively, to being engaged, planning a wedding, and getting married. Instead of change being a force that drove them apart and off track, they used it as a force to push them together and forward with their weight loss.

During

Whether you're kids are going off to school, you're entering retirement, starting a new job, or preparing to move, like Cain and Tiffany, you can use change as the force that moves you closer to your goal.

How do you do that? By creating a new normal. You're changing anyway, so you might as well make it positive change. Use it to spur you forward. They created new normals from the way they ate out, to what they did for fun, and made all of their norms reinforce their new lifestyle instead of wrecking it.

Find out their keys to success on my video blog below!

If you're ready to lose the weight and don't know where to start, check out Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp at University of Colorado Denver's Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. Cain and Tiffany lost 190 pounds together in 3 months at boot camp.

During our week-long boot camp, you'll train on the same equipment, get the same state-of-the-art medical tests, and even learn how to cook the same food as everyone on Extreme Weight Loss. I created this program so that anyone could get the tools they need to lose weight and continue their journey at home with an amazing support system. Not to mention, EWL alums like Bruce Pitcher and Georgeanna Johnson are there to coach you along the way!

*"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.