Some people go from rags to riches, while others skyrocket from obscurity to fame. In the case of Scott Thomson, the path wasn’t as linear. He evolved from teenage athlete to fat man and then health enthusiast. Today the successful weight loss “loser” shares the scoop on wellness in the real world at Your Inner Skinny.

With the help of a whole lot of beer and pizza, the 5’11” overachiever went from 155 lbs. at age 18 to topping the scales at 265 lbs. by 20 years old.  While that kind of weight gain sounds fine if you’re packing on muscle for the World’s Strongest Man Competition or a new action hero movie franchise, it doesn’t work so well for a future web site designer and developer. Finally a reality check from friends and family served as his wake up call.

Scott dropped 40 pounds initially by making some changes to his eating habits and starting to exercise.  Influenced by a few muscle-heads at the gym, he started lifting weights galore while ignoring cardio – a classic recipe for a weight loss plateau.  Motivated by the end of a long-term relationship, he adopted a balanced diet and workouts while redefining his views on health. The result was a 100 pound weight loss by 2007. Today the Canadian is lean and toned at a muscular 180 lbs.

But the journey didn’t stop at that point. Scott decided to share his experiences to help others achieve a healthier life too. “During my own weight loss, people told me that I had to eat perfect every single day of my life and hit the gym seven times a week to become and stay healthy.  I knew this wasn’t true,” he says.  “I started my blog 18 months ago because there wasn’t anything like this around for me at the time when I really could have used it.”

A self professed “social media whore,” Scott blogs, uses Facebook, posts videos on YouTube and tweets like it is going out of style. From its beginnings as a place to vent, Your Inner Skinny has grown into an entertaining health and fitness website and hub chock full of recipes, workout routines, candid advice and more.

In addition to his weight loss success, Scott is also the survivor of a serious motorcycle accident who deals with pain on a daily basis.  Inspiring people is what keeps him going. Last December, he received an email asking for help from a follower, the father of two young sons who now approached nearly 300 pounds after a lifelong struggle with extra weight. Providing support and encouragement via email and Twitter, Scott reports that his new friend has changed his diet, gotten back to the gym and feels great.

In addition to his day job, Scott is also studying for his Fitness Theory and Personal Training Specialist certifications. From posting the Video Diary of a Fast Food Fool to teaching you how to use snow as a workout, he makes losing and keeping the weight off fun.

What is the biggest challenge you face in maintaining lost pounds?  Have you ever experienced a large weight gain like Scott did in a relatively short period of time – and if so, how did you handle it?

Back in 1984, octogenarian Clara Peller gained her 15 minutes of fame by simply asking “Where’s the beef?”  Sales skyrocketed at the burger chain featuring that unforgettable television commercial.  The catch-phrase was repeated non-stop from corporate boardrooms to elementary school classes and I’m sure it influenced my own fast food drive-thru habits. Now almost 30 years later, beef is back in the media spotlight – this time with new scrutiny about what the cows are eating before becoming someone’s dinner.

This Cooking Light article gives a great perspective about the debate between grass-fed and grain-fed beef. I don’t even eat the stuff myself, being turned off red meat after getting caught in a cattle crossing in Colorado years ago. But my boyfriend does and so do many friends and family members I love. In waxing poetic about healthy living, I thought this meaty question deserved to be spotlighted.

It turns out that the issue is a lot more complicated than I thought. Grass-fed is overall the healthier option, saving calories and potentially adding some other nutrients like more omega-3 fats, vitamins A and E and beta-carotene. The fact the grain mixtures fed to cows often contain hormones and antibiotics sounds disturbing. But then it all comes down to taste. The experts who authored this story were able to make a cut of grass-fed beef savory and delicious by adding a lot of butter to the cut, which kind of defeats the whole eating healthier focus.

What’s your beef? Does eating grass-fed or grain-fed cuts make a difference to you?

Detox can be a dramatic term. It conjures up images of Charlie Sheen or Lindsey Lohan pouting sullenly in a drunk tank. Hip hop legend Dr. Dre has given that name to his upcoming studio album. If you are interesting in healthy living, detox typically means some sort of diet practice to clean out your body. You know, a multi-week withdrawal of all bad eating and living habits that initially makes a person surly and then euphoric, if one is able to hang on that long. Sounds about as fun as a root canal, right?

That’s what I thought until my friend Jennifer, a very attractive business professional and author, decided to embark on a detox following a health challenge. She sought guidance from the popular Clean Program praised by uber-fit celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow. When we got together last month following that three week process, Jen looked and apparently felt amazing.

Then I started thinking about another Jennifer, the delightful detox diva who plans our annual Canyon Ranch Girls’ trip. A year older than me, she rocks a bikini like a teenager. It kind of makes you want to hate her - except for the fact that she works hard to be in great shape and also has a wicked sense of humor.

Well, my name isn’t Jennifer. But seeing these results made me wonder if I could benefit from a detox myself. My boyfriend laughed out loud at the idea, pointing out that I’m already alcohol and caffeine-free and there’s nothing left to give up. His reaction didn’t deter me as I started learning more. A lot of the Clean Program made sense, especially the parts about getting rid of processed foods and chemicals. However it did raise some concerns. For example, I like to eat my calories with solid foods but this plan called for two liquid meals each day. Would it create the kind of deprivation that would send me off to a local ice cream shop in a feeding frenzy?

Finally I talked about it with Holistic Health Coach Sandy Dalis, the hard-core healthiest person I know. She helped me realize that I only needed better control of my inner sugar-beast instead of a major overhaul to feel my best. So I’m not taking a detour into detox at this time - whew!

What do you think about the idea of a food detox – fantastic or fracking crazy? Have you ever attempted or completed a detox program?

Sometimes this blog is like the lady’s locker room at the gym – full of “chick” chatter about weight loss, pop culture scoop on healthy living and the occasional errant towel left on the floor. So I figured it was time to add a shot of testosterone by profiling some cool guys who are successful weight loss “losers” over the next few weeks - like Ryan Sullivan.

You can bring home the bacon and it is certainly an egg’s best friend. But that crispy pork product can also wreak a whole lot of havoc on your health. Just ask Ryan, whose No More Bacon blog chronicles his successful 140 pound weight loss. “Bacon is my love and my nemesis,” he explains.  “It sends my weight loss and healthy living goals spiraling into the gutter when I eat it. For some reason whenever I consume that salty, fatty, deliciousness, I have to eat everything in my path. But we had to part ways. It was necessary for my health and my future.”

After years of lip service, the technology buff started his quirky, entertaining blog to report frequently on weight loss milestones and become accountable.   The kind of guy who promises not to sell your email to a Nigerian Prince, his posts are hilarious. Twitter has also been an extremely valuable tool in creating relationships and spreading his message. Most important, social media has given Ryan tremendous support on the road to wellness.  As he says, “it's helped me realize that I'm not alone. Lots of people share the same struggle I do. It can almost be therapeutic sometimes.”

Despite dealing with some random health issues over the past year, Ryan continues to walk the healthy line without a strip of bacon in sight. He says there is just 40 more pounds to go before becoming the “sexiest version of himself” by the end of the summer.  With Mrs. No More Bacon, his two sons (a.k.a. the Bacon bits) and a whole lot of followers cheering Ryan on, there is no doubt victory is in sight. Meanwhile, he shares these tips about using social media to shed pounds:

1. Do it!  Even if you haven't been successful at losing weight yet, you still have a story to share with others. Put yourself out there and be helpful in your approach to attract followers, friends and readers. 
2. Check out great tools like DailyMile, DailyBurn, and SparkPeople to make connections and be accountable.
3. Don't be afraid to be yourself. There is always going to be people who are in the same situation you are. If you find solutions to problems, post them. Think a joke will help brighten someone's day? Tell one. Being the same person online as you are in your daily life will take you a long way.

What particular food item or group is your trigger for out-of-control eating? Do you have any advice or “atta-boys” to share with Ryan about his journey?

For the past few weeks, Charlie Sheen’s train wreck of a story has played out across the media like a Greek tragedy. While this Saturday Night Live parody cracked me up, the actor’s reality revealed through homemade videos and interviews seems much more bizarre. Perhaps Charlie is just coked up on life and an enormous ego instead of drugs at this very moment. Whatever the case, we can learn a lot about healthy living from the machete-wielding, faux tiger-blood drinking celebrity on the edge. You know, specifically what not to do.

Here are a few key lessons:

Denial is a bad thing. Professing to be a warlock who can consume enough drugs to choke an elephant might make Charlie feel like he’s “winning.” But the pale, gaunt, chain-smoking actor looks like lukewarm road kill that has already lost. Have you ever been in denial about a mysterious inability to lose weight - without ever trying to exercise, or stop consuming chocolate at every meal? Taking a hard, honest look at your habits is the first step to claiming a healthier life.

Words are worse than sticks and stones. Remember that old childhood adage “sticks and stones might break my bones but words will never hurt me?”  Charlie has torpedoed his career, fans and numerous relationships with his recent rants. But the person we can hurt the most with our words, spoken or silent, is often ourselves. Ever look at the mirror and criticize everything in the reflection before you?  That kind of negativity can keep you trapped in a cycle of poor eating habits and low self-esteem.  Change that inner critic’s voice to one of encouragement and you’ll make more progress on the road to wellness.

Watch the birds of a feather. Who do you surround yourself with – friends who only socialize over hot wings and pitchers of beer, or those who motivate you to exercise more? Charlie’s housemate choice of porn stars (a.k.a. Goddesses) could cost him custody of his children. From the background laughter in his recent videos, it appears the actor’s posse is just egging him on to ensure their spot on the payroll.

It’s not just all about you. In gabbing non-stop about his awesomeness, Charlie seems to have forgotten that his world is actually much bigger than the confines of Sober Valley Ranch. He has five children, four of which are still young enough to be captivated by the Disney Channel. Continuing on his current path may mean he’s not around to see those offspring grow up. Similarly, taking care of yourself is necessary in order to set a great example for the loved ones in your life.   

What do you think about Charlie Sheen’s recent antics? Have you ever engaged in self-destructive behavior when it comes to healthy living and if so, what made you stop?

Sure, we are what we eat. But in a world where people dress for success, understand there’s only one chance to make a first impression and recognize that clothes make the man (and woman), it is easy to define ourselves by our attire too – even at the gym. And donning an over-sized 1997 Bon Jovi concert t-shirt and baggy sweatpants instead of items that fit can actually hinder your workout.

It is tempting, especially at the beginning of a weight loss journey, to try to hide your size with extra large clothes. That’s what I did, appropriating a discarded pair of guy-sized shorts from my ex and a huge college sweatshirt for my first foray into an exercise class. It turned out those extra layers just restricted my movement and confidence. The benefits of dressing to sweat are mental and physical. Just ask Kimberly Linton, MBA, CPT, who is known as DC's Toughest Trainer.

“Proper gym attire is a must for comfort and performance,” she explains. “I’ve seen many ladies with the wrong type of exercise bra shying away from certain equipment and exercises to avoid bouncing. Feeling confident in your clothes creates a positive mental attitude which is necessary for working out. It is part of an individual’s transformation into a healthier person.”

Want some tips on dressing for exercise success? Kimberly shares this advice:

1. Treat yourself to a new gym outfit each time you hit a significant milestone. It is a great, positive way to stay motivated.
2. Emphasize your best attributes and tone down the ones you're still working on. Feel like you’ve got too much junk in your trunk? Instead of buying tight fitting spandex crop pants, go with something looser and highlight your toned arms.
3. Look for clothing that is flattering and makes you feel good. Invest in great support bras or fitted tanks that will help create a more sleek appearance.
4. Consider shopping around brands. Each has different sizing and fit. Keep it simple--you want clothing that will hold you in and up!
5. Don't go cheap when it comes to any gym wear. You are going to be using it often and want to make sure it holds its form up to numerous washes.  

 Does the way you dress for exercise impact your workouts? Have you changed your gym attire in the past few years, or plan to do so in the future?

Breakups suck.  The fallout has inspired both rock ballads like “Love Stinks,” and elevator music fodder such as “All by Myself.”  They prompt telegenic reality show contestants to rant dramatically after the demise of their 34-minute relationships. And depending on the emotional investment, breakups can inspire the most stalwart of fitness addicts to down a pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream in 10 minutes flat.

But there is truth in the adage that looking good is the best revenge. I have spoken with many women who lost 20, 30 and even more than 50 pounds following a divorce or serious heart break. Focusing energy on their health and well-being proved to be a terrific coping mechanism, as well as gaining definition in their abs.

Divorce lifestyle expert Ginger Emas, the author of Back on Top: Fearless Dating After Divorce, has often seen women get into better shape following their breakup.  “Kickboxing or doing yoga is a great way to release anger or stress. It’s certainly better than walking around thinking ‘all men are jerks.’ Exercise helps you become strong and more confident – and confidence is sexy at any stage of life. It’s also a boost mentally and physically. I believe holding on to resentment or negative feelings can actually make you sick.”

The desire to date again, sometimes after many years of being off the market, can kick start the process of getting into shape.  “If you think there is the possibility that someone might see you naked again, that’s a big motivator for wanting to look your best.”  However, feeling good on the inside is just as important.  Ginger suggests these great tips to thrive after a breakup:

1. Lean into your friendships. Let your girlfriends love and support you the way you would be there for them.
2. Don’t judge taking care of yourself as “selfish.” If you are going to grow a plant, you water it and give it nourishment. The same applies to yourself.
3. Why not focus on some personal growth? Do something you’ve always wanted to do., whether it’s dancing, cooking classes, a book club or pottery (all the things that should be listed in a catalog as “Classes for the Newly Divorced.”)  You’ll have fun, meet new people, and just think – you’ll have something new to talk about on a first date.

Do you believe that looking good is the best revenge?  Have past breakups sent you running to the gym or to the refrigerator?

You can freeze the top of a wedding cake, water into ice cubes or with one withering look, the attention of an unwanted suitor. Just recently, I learned there is something else that people are starting to freeze – their fat. 

As this ABC News story reported, a cooling device employed during some dermatological treatments could be used to reduce the size of fat deposits under the skin. The doctor behind the technique is quick to point out that this isn’t a weight loss treatment and results aren’t comparable to liposuction. It doesn’t matter, though. I’m sure that oodles of chronic dieters frantically called their physicians about the procedure or tried to duplicate the results at home by holding an ice pack over their love handles.

Now I’m a big proponent of the healing power of cold. A big section of our freezer is taken up by the bags of frozen peas used to reduce post-exercise swelling in my knees and feet. (Don’t worry If you’ve ever attended one of my dinner parties – these aren’t the veggies used in any dish.) There is the frozen 24- ounce plastic water bottle that I use in daily plantar fasciitis prevention exercises.  My boyfriend keeps a special ice pack in case his back hurts after rowing.  Kind of sad, isn’t it, that an area which held popsicles and other frozen childhood treats is now used so often for medical purposes.

 If you could freeze your fat off, would you go for it? What is the most extreme thing you’ve ever done in the pursuit of weight loss?

P.S. Like this blog? If you’ve got a minute, please nominate it for Women’s Health’s Blogs We Love Contest!

Back in college, I started a six-pack a day habit – diet soda, not beer or cigarettes in case you’re looking for the beginnings of a rehab reality show episode.  Wasn’t much of a coffee girl, but when I didn’t start my day with a cola in hand, the world wasn’t a happy place. I had no idea how much soda was being consumed daily – often between eight to ten cans - until starting a food journal back in 1991 on the road to weight loss. After a few hard weeks of going cold turkey, it became apparent that while losing pounds I was also gaining more focus and a greater sense of calm. Turns out that caffeine wasn’t just a “frenemy”  from Sex and The City speak – it was a backstabbing skank that was doing me harm.

Except for chocolate, I’ve been caffeine-free for nearly 20 years now. Some people still consider me to be hyper, or more nicely put, high-energy, but the difference is my demeanor remains significant. It makes me wonder what impact today’s jacked-up, super caffeinated energy drinks have on our youth. As this USA Today story accounts, the scientific journal Pediatrics reported yesterday that the outlook isn’t great. While 30 to 50 percent of teens and young adults are gulping down the stuff, purported benefits like more energy or greater concentration are not materializing. Furthermore, energy drinks are putting children and teens with health conditions like heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes and mood or behavior disorders at an increased risk of complications.

The beverage industry has responded that energy drinks have no more caffeine than a cup of coffee. But coffee usually isn’t marketed as a cutting edge lifestyle drink. Put yourself in the mindset of a typical 14-year-old. Wouldn’t you rather slurp on something called Red Bull or Rockstar than the java brands consumed by your parents?

Do you think energy drinks are harmful for kids…or is this simply more hype?  

The power of smell can be irresistible in triggering hunger. Like a trifecta of temptation, the scent of crispy bacon, chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven or freshly-made popcorn can crack the resistance of even the most stalwart of healthy souls. Typically, it’s not that hard to avoid their allure – don’t keep these goodies in your home or pass by a movie theater lobby or mall bakery kiosk with the appropriate amount of caution. But what happens when smells that make you hungry assault you at work?

A reader requested insight on this topic. Committed to making healthier choices, she has learned to withstand the wafts of popcorn emanating from the employee break room every afternoon. But now a co-worker has started preparing bacon in the communal microwave each morning. The smell permeates the hallways and it is driving her crazy. Before she takes a chainsaw to the offender’s desk or throws a tantrum in the Human Resources department, I sought guidance on her behalf from nationally recognized etiquette expert Mindy Lockard aka “the Gracious Girl.” 

“If you are sitting at your desk getting angry about the person eating bacon, chances are that you’re not going to be able to make eye contact with them later during a meeting,” notes Mindy.  She recommends starting from a place of mutual respect. Graciously communicate the impact the bacon is making on you in a face-to-face discussion. Chances are good that the bacon lover has no idea about the repercussions of their breakfast choice.

If possible, she advises that you prepare for the olfactory assault in advance. If this happens at a set time each day, take a break and walk outside of the area. Bring a healthy snack to counteract the bacon smell. Heck, you could even diffuse its impact with air freshener spray, but that might annoy others nearby.

Worried about the endless boxes of Girl Scout Cookies currently invading work spaces or other treats people bring to the office?  Gracefully declining goodies is all about phrasing things well. “If you tell people you are on a diet, they see that as short-term,” Mindy adds. “Saying ‘Thank you, but I’m really trying to make healthier decisions for my life,’ is something that people will understand better.”

How do you deal with food temptations in an office or communal environment?  Have any additional advice to share with the reader who requested this post?