What kind of person would go to these extremes. There is nothing healthy about subjecting your body to this nonsense.

I joined Steele Fitness in January, they were the closest to home, for 3 months. I found too that a combo of cardio and weights works well. I was surprised that getting in shape did not require long, intense sessions. I was challenged and my body moves so much better, stronger, more flexible with better reach. I will join a regular group class at another studio - and now know what intensity level to look for.

I think this article is rediculous being a fitness professional. There are enough anicdotes as well as stigmas about fitness/diets that we have to steer around constantly. This person basically has been put in the spotlight for showing how extreme her lifestyle is. As a community, she should not be embraced at all and not cast as a "ironically funny" hero for running a marathon then going to a fitness class. Most people have a common idea that fitness has to be taken to the extreme. Completely false, wellness needs to be emphasized in this country and this isnt happening. Good thing its spring, go walk around the lakes.

Eat in moderation. Interval based exercise 3 times per week for about an hour. Get rid of every mirror in your house. It's a bullet proof plan for getting in shape.

as a 42 year old woman, I lost 45 lbs last year and now I am at a healthy BMI. I tried everything, increased exercise, limited to what I ate, even fad diets and I could not lose the weight. I broke down and began working with a personal trainer (bagercize.com) in South Minneapolis and began slimgenics as well. Between the two of them, I've lost the weight, toned up, and managed to keep the weight off. It's been my experience that some people want the weight to instantly come off, but it requires dedication and hard work. Now, I eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and I eat a variety of proteins (all in moderation).

Really eat reasonably healthy food and move your body everyday by excercising dancing walking or whatever you like to do. You will lose weight and be healthy if you don't think it is working fast enough increase the amount you move and replace the food you eat with healthier alternatives until you achieve your goal.

I am glad to hear that she doesn't give "blanket" recommendations-she is in no position to do so other than don't do what she did!!

I wonder how her 5 children are faring through all this. As a mother of 4, I never could have devoted so much time to myself.

People, go read her blog. You will see that most of your comments are completely off base. She is not extreme, and the examples used in this article are just that--examples. I think the reason she shared her experiences are because like all of us, she has made mistakes and learned from them. Like I said, go read her blog. Start from the beginning. You'll see the ups and downs for yourself, and it's quite a journey.

Look at me! Look at me! Why is this self-promoting a news story? I could care less how someone figures out that eating less and exercising is a way to lose weight.