Traci Dean

From: julie camacho about 8 months ago

Thank you for your story! I LOVE your before and after photos! I am 39 yrs old and started my journey about 15 weeks ago. I've lost 43 lbs and have about 40 more to go. I think I've hit a tough spot as I am no longer dropping pounds like I was...but seeing your after photo motivates me to keep going!

From: starbuckmaggie about 8 months ago

Traci: So happy for you! I've been eating clean and exercising for three years. I was at a plateau for 7 months, but kept going. The gym manager told me to take a look at the amount of food I was consuming because I was probably NOT eating enough since I was working out. I did the journey and realized I was not eating enough and increased and FINALLY the last few pounds came off plus more! I was so excited. I passed my goal, which my doctor laughed at me when I told her my goal. She said it wasn't possible. I started at 154, and my goal was 134. I weigh in around 120 to 123. I am 46 years old and it is a life style change NOT a DIET!!! My family health history is bad so my doctor told me over three years ago I was going to be just like the rest of them and that is all it took. I want to live a healthy life, not on drugs to keep it all going. I would rather eat the good clean food and hit the gym. So, don't let that "hard spot" stop you, it is a life style change. Take a look and change something your body will talk to you. Enjoy your ride. You are doing so great and you fabulous. Sincerely, Lisa

From: browneyes about 8 months ago

Traci: You look amazing. I am 38 and looking for a recharge. thank you for what you gave me.

From: tdean about 8 months ago

Julie, thank you so much for your sweet comments, they really do mean so much to me AND I can totally relate, I have hit a plateau more then once, have you tried switching things around, what plan are you following, are you doing Cooler2? Have you tried Cooler1? That really helped me when I got stuck, you are about the same place I was when it happened to me, please PM if you need any help for I am always available, but KEEP GOING, you will get there, don’t ever loose sight of that, two years later and here I am! YOU CAN DO THIS! J Thank you again, I so feel truly blessed! Thank you Lisa, I totally agree and LOOK AT YOU GO, WHOOT! How amazing! What an inspiration you are, I couldn’t agree more, when I had my surgery I thought, there is NO way I am going to keep going but I did, despite the meds and not being able to walk and being on a walker, well-I just kept going-you have to make a choice, what is it going to be, THIS life or THAT one so thank you, I have 13 and some change and I am ready to be there, for I KNOW there are more people out there like me and I keep looking to find them to tell them, YES YOU CAN! J Thank you so much for your comments, really, I am honored! Browneyes, thank YOU, everyone here inspires ME so much, you have no idea, there were so many times that I struggled, we ALL do, we are human, but this is a lifestyle not a diet and that is just soooo amazing and YOU can do this my dear, you so can, and anyway I can help you, please, please just let me know! J Thank you for comments, they help ME keep going! Xoxox Traci

From: cfenut about 8 months ago

Traci - you are an inspiration to all of us, thank you for sharing your journey. You look amazing - just glowing with health! I love to read the success stories, it really keeps me motivated and saying - "yes I can!" Keep up the wonderful attitude of paying it forward!!

From: lynnronn about 8 months ago

congratulations on your accomplishments Traci. you look fantastic! i too love the EC Lifestyle and struggle with physical limitations. i am at a plateau as well and am really inspired by your persistence and passion... time to push through here and keep on moving myself towards my goals... again... fantastic!!! you're story is so motivating and encouraging

From: h2ofit about 8 months ago

Congratulations, so happy for you! There are so many reasons to celebrate. Your eating clean, your weight loss and your new knee. I just had TKR 4 weeks ago and know that that in itself is a tough recovery. But look at you who not only recovered from such a major deal with your knee AND pursued weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. You are a hero! Enjoy you success :)

From: my3boysleiter about 8 months ago

Way to Go!!! You look so great!!

From: Marjolaine70 about 8 months ago

Wow! You are an inspiration.

From: bynro about 8 months ago

Congrats to you Traci! Everything you said I can relate to!

From: pking about 8 months ago

Loved your story i am very happy for you what a inspiration to others all the best to you.

From: twinzmom903 about 8 months ago

Congratulations to you sweet one! Encouraging others will truly bless you! Thank you for your hard work and perseverance and your reward is you posing and looking HOT! Way to go! Keep up the great work!

From: judycoffee about 8 months ago

Congrats on your success. Thank you for all the helpful tips you have shared with me as well.

From: tdean about 8 months ago

Kathy, Thank you so much, I so appreciate what you have said here, as you know from YOUR journey, one pound at a time and we WILL get there! :) Lynn, I know you struggle as well so you have an idea what this can be like, it is hard huh, but we are getting there, yes WE ARE!!!! I have hit a few plateaus, if you need any help with that, send me a note, I can tell you what I did as I pray I don't hit one with these last pounds! :) H2ofit, WOW, so you TOTALLY know what I am going through, how are you doing? I have had so many complications with mine and ANOTHER up-coming surgery that it is JUST BEYOND frustrating, but this too shall pass and it WIL get better, so I tell you the same thing, YOU CAN DO THIS, even with that! If you need any help, I am a PM away! my3boys, thank you so much!!!! Marjolaine, Aww thank you, really, it means SO much to me to hear that and something that I feel with all of YOU as well!! bynro, Aww thank you, tis why we are ALL FAMILY here, we help each other and go through so many of the same things! Pking, Thank you so much, your words mean so much, I know I keep saying that but it is SO true! We walk this path together, all of us! twins, I just LOVED what you said, it so made me smile so THANK YOU! You just made my day! :) Judy, thank you, sorry I am behind, I will be emailing, I have been having horrible migraines and since I don't have my meds anymore I have been having to just deal with them! Thank you so much for what you have said and I am STILL here, you take care of YOU! And you can do this even with all that is going on, I believe in you! Thank you everyone, I am just truly blessed! xoxoxo Traci

From: lindaprosser about 8 months ago

Hi everyone, I'm new to this; I usually just read tne comments but here I am posting. I go through ups and downs and want to really get back on track and do Eat Clean, I have a question Traci, what is "Cooler 1 and 2"? I find it hard in my house to eat clean when my husband wants NOTHING to do with it. Help

From: ksam about 8 months ago

Traci, so happy for you! So happy to have you as a friend on here! Your new pic is great, you are totally rocking those jeans!

From: rdzemnickas about 8 months ago

Hi Traci! I am so happy for you!! I have the books and have read them each many times. I have even started the program several times only to fall off the wagon. I live in Novi and would love a mentor...or even just someone who can keep it real for me and tell me to knock it off when I am starting to slide. Let me know if you want an "eat-clean" buddy in Novi. Take care and GOD bless!

From: tdean about 8 months ago

Linda, do you have the books? Two of Tosca's plans are Cooler 1 and Cooler 2 which she talks of in her books? You can also get the info on line, or just pm and I will get you the info you need! AND I hear ya, I AM having a rough spell right now, I KNOW it is PMS and normally I am fine but this one shook me, so it happens, we all struggle, we are ALL human, I am back on track and just wishing I would start so it would be over, lol! I can help, I will send you a PM! My husband was not on board at first either, so it may mean just more prep work, doing your food and then his, it IS worth it! And you never know, he may change as well, if needed, my Hubby did, even though it was not really a problem, but now he totally supports me! Will send a pm, thank you so much for stopping by, sorry I am so late, I had three job interviews today and I am worn out! THIS can be done, YOU can do it, YOU will! We will figure this out! Awww ksam, bless you, I so needed that today, I am stressed to the max and not doing the best with it, but getting by, thank you SOOOOO much for what you said! Really, it means so much! rzde, off to friend you right now, YOU are only about half an hour from me, WOULD love buddy, YOU can do this, YOU can, REALLY, what I suggest is first try and figure out WHY you are where you are, cause getting your head right, really helps, just like me, I have PMDD, and this week, it hit harder then normal and I was not prepared, THAT is MY fault and no one else's! So been there, done that and wrote the story, we can do this, will figure it out, off to friend you right now, thank you sooo much for all you said, it means SO much more then you know for I NEED help too and you all are so great it giving it to me! God Bless! xoxooxo Traci

From: deetee about 8 months ago

You look amazing and are an inspiration for pushing through the tough spots and showing that persistance pays off. I have lost and kept off about 55 lbs since 2006. I would still like to lose about 20 more lbs but have been at a plateau (within the same 10 lbs) for over a year. I finally stepped up my gym workouts and was very frustrated because nothing was happening so I kept eating less. Finally someone clued me in to the fact that I needed to eat more not less because my increased activity meant my body needed more fuel. After yo-yo dieting all my life it's hard to get past that diet mentality of 'eat less, lose more' and understand how exercise needs fuel so eat more! I am now down about 5 lbs since mid July so it's obviously paying off. Have been away from the KT site all summer so today your's was the first story I read and it really energized me so thank you!

From: tdean about 8 months ago

deetee, WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, congrats to you and you success, that is amazing and look at you go! :) I totally understand the yo-you dieting, been there and oh my God done that! :) I am glad you have found success, you could try her Stripped and or Cooler 1, those have really helped me break a plateau and maybe it will help you! Sometimes, especially when you get towards then end you body needs a little extra something so just thought I would mention those! :) Thank you so much for your sweet words, they mean so much to me, yes it has been a battle and a battle still but I am continuing my fight! xoxoxoxo Traci

From: joyousyo about 8 months ago

I just love this post. It really gave me hope. I am over 200lbs.. been on eat clean for a week.. doing good but find the "weight loss" eat clean to be so strict. I wonder did you follow that to a t. I dont stuggle so much with not eatting junk, sure I have cravings. But mostly I just try to remain focused. I just wonder if any of you ladies could help me ..by telling me if you lost all your weight by keeping stricky to the Cooler one. Seriously Its so boring... and that is where I am strugglin. I see all these great recipies and think cool..but I cant have them... they are cooler two.. or three what ever it is. I have a few books of Toscas and others on the subject.. but again reading all the yummy recipies and feel like its a little misleading because those of us how have weight to lose .. cant eat the stuff. I am sure I am wrong..but thats what I am gathering at this time.. HELP

From: peppersprout about 8 months ago

I love reading how you all overcame your obstacles! How inspiring, and motivating to know that you all are out there! Congratulations to you, Traci. You give me hope that I might be able to inspire my husband to eat better, as he has 2 bad knees and a bad back also, so the key for him will probably be diet. I am new to this post, as well, and I can totally relate to Linda. My husband is totally against this diet. It does make it hard to get on the wagon, especially with all the NON EC food he brings home, including the cake that I helped him eat this weekend! I read Tosca's book months ago, and I know EC is what I need to do to get healthy and lose the weight I'd like to. I think my husband thinks it will make more work for him, as he does all the grocery shopping currently, and most of the meal preparation (which is probably why I've gained the last 10 pounds). I know if I take over the meal prep and planning and some/all of the grocery shopping he won't be so against it. BTW, what is a PM (like an instant message?)? And I would love to find someone near me-- is there a way to figure out where people are from? I am in Tomah, WI....

From: tdean about 7 months ago

Joy, sorry I am so late, I have been having horrible headaches, sigh! No, I didn't do Cooler 1 all the time but I have done it often, why, because with me not being able to work out, I had to go a tad stricter then maybe others would have...you CAN do this on Cooler 2, are you working out? That also helps so much, but like me, you can do it with just food! Stripped also helped me with my plateau's as well! Per her cookbooks, I have eaten quite a few things out of them and still lost weight, with this , for me, it is all about moderation since I am not working out! Cooler 1 really helped jump start me and when things were going slower, I did it as well, please PM if you want to talk about this! I can walk you through it! pepper, I am not sure how to find out where people are from, for they may or may not have that in their profiles, but you could maybe put a note in the forum? Yes, a PM is a personal message! I do understand, and eventually when he sees it working for you, that may change things, that is what it took for Michael, now he is totally on board with me! You can do this, you can, yes it is hard when it is just you, but it can be done, I did! :) Thank you for kind words, they mean so much to me! And yes, feel free to PM me! :) xoxoxo Traci

From: joyousyo about 7 months ago

THank you so much. I will PM you. I will pray your headaches go away.

From: tdean about 6 months ago

Thank you so much, sorry I am late on this, I am back on my meds and they are doing SO much better! :) please pm me! :) xoxoxo Traci

From: SamS about 6 months ago

Hi Traci - I am researching the eat clean way - can you explain the cooler 1 & cooler 2 ? Thanks.Sam

From: beetlequeen63 about 5 months ago

Do you always follow a cooler plan or do you get recipes out of CE magazines and cookbooks.

From: tdean about 5 months ago

Hi there Sam, I am sorry I am so late, do you have her ' recharged' book? It really goes into her Cooler 1 and 2 plans in detail, I will send you a pm...but that will be the best way to see it, let me know, if not, I think I have the plans saved on my computer at home, I will send you a pm! :) bettlequeen, nope, I don't always follow the coolers, especially now, I get the magazine at home which I love-I am not the best cook sadly, so I do try and make things, sometimes it is trial and error! :) I am a huge fan of her pizza and I have, hmmm, 3 cookbooks I think, I am addicted, all but the very latest I think which is on my Christmas list! :) I do like to experiment... The Coolers really helped me when I had a lot to loose or when I got stuck, which I currently am ( see The Kitchen table, sigh!), my body just may like this weight I guess! Cooler 2 for me really has helped me maintain, can you loose on it, yes, when you are strict on it. Cooler 1-that helped me loose quicker for it is VERY strict, more strict then 'Stripped' and I liked it better just because I work better in ' shorter' spurts. I have some tried and true favorite foods which I have eaten through out my journey which have been good to me, but I do like to experiment and I recommend that, the LAST thing you want to do is be bored with your food! :) xoxoxo Traci

From: daddorisio about 4 months ago

Traci first of all I want to say you are beautiful with your before and after shots....I wanted to write to you to ask you how your knee is? Are you able to get to the gym? Has it been hard for you to workout? Please let me know...I am suffering with a herniated disk in my lower back and have not been able to hit the gym since May 2011.

From: Nbossard about 4 months ago

One of the biggest questions that I had was could I even loose the weight at 41, and did you SQUASH those fears with a Mack truck! Please keep doing' what you're doing'. You look fabulous. Thanks for sharing.

From: mrsmoyer about 4 months ago

Traci thank you for sharing your story. I am 40 and fed up with the extra weight; your story gives me some insight on what I have to fear by eating a clean diet--nothing. You look great.

From: bethspin7 about 4 months ago

awesome, you look great, keep it up!!

From: tdean about 4 months ago

daddorisio, YIKES, so sorry about your back, is it any better? How are you doing now? I have had that in my back and know how are you are feeling, there is not much you can do is there? First off let me tell you, you can STILL do this program...when I first had my surgery I thought there was NO way I would be able to continue and even now, I go from knee to now shoulder to now both ( most likely from compensating) but YOU can, after I have stopped feeling sorry for myself which DOES happen, at least to ME, I am now getting back with it. I have 15 freaking pounds....you CAN do this, I CAN do this, WE can do this together! I have promised, MYSELF, I will be hitting my blog hard this month, I am going BACK, WAY back, I am going to talk about how I did this, why I did it and what I am doing now for I NEED it too! This is not all about the ' pretty package' that I wrap myself up in now, it is about what I did to get here, who I can help, what I have learned and what I can teach! :) So, please bare with me! Between working and the amazing amount of pain I am in, I am stretched pretty thin, but this is a promise I am going to keep, because how can I help myself, if I am not helping others! My blog is here and I will be updating it tomorrow! http://thewalkerlady.wordpress.com/ My knee IS better but not great, I am trying to do PT at home. We have found out that my insurance does not cover it sadly...we are waiting to see if I will need another surgery! I can't go to the gym, but I have gotten a few dvd's I am going to try and a lady at my women's group goes to yoga, I can't do much of that but I am give it a go and see...the issue with me is both my shoulders and my knee does not bend. Sigh, just doing the best I can, thank you for asking! You CAN do this, it may take a little longer, may be a LITTLE harder, but trust me, you can! Also, with me being a little stretched thin, if ANYONE needs to reach me, please also feel free to email me! tracipdean@gmail.com :) Please let me know how you are doing! :) nbossard, Thank you, and YES you can, look at Tosca too, she is AMAZING! I think we think, we are ' getting older', there is ' no way'! I also am a die hard fan of ' BL' and it's the season of ' no excuses' I LOVE it! For I had one for EVERYTHING! :) But once I quit smoking, I smoked a half a pack a day for over 2o years, it was enough, at our age, I am 42 now, people often tell me that I look like I am in my 30's, I laugh and say ' yeah, can I have those glasses you are wearing' but it is fun and nice to hear sometimes! YOU can do it, YOU can, just believe in YOU! Let me know how I can help, us 40 something's have to hang together! :) mrsmoyer, YES, it can be scary, I was TERRIFIED! IT may not show that in my story, I REALLY did fail at every diet other then WW! But I was so often hungry! And once I quit it, I gained it all back! This time, I am doing GREAT, even shy of my goal by the dreaded 15, I am still maintaining-you CAN do this, you have to work on your head, that was the biggest part for me to figure out WHY I was doing this? The weight didn't just FALL off, I had to work at it! You will get there hun, hang in there and thank you for the sweet words! :) Beth, Thank you, one step at a time, I am getting there, so almost there! :) Thank you ALL, YOU inspire ME! XOXOOXO Traci

From: shuttlewifey about 3 months ago

love your story! thanks for sharing. =) I'm just getting started

From: tenacgal about 3 months ago

This is my second day and I am 42. I am so scared that I won't be able to lose the weight but I have a 4 year old son and I am not only doing this for myself but for him as well. I want him to be proud of me when he starts school and be able to proudly say, "This is my mom!" with a big grin on his little face! Thanks for your posts...they really are encouraging and I think I can do this! I weigh 211 lbs (213 yesterday) and I have a LONG haul! So, all you "40 somethings", please keep posting your progress because it gives the rest of us hope! =) Traci, if I can do as well as you...I am good to go! You look absolutely wonderful!!

From: bandida13 about 2 months ago

you look amazing, I wish I could accomplish something like this for me it seens impossible i dont even know how to start. im desperate to lose some 50 pds

From: tdean about 2 months ago

Thank you shuttlewifey, sorry it's taken me a bit, let me know how you are doing? :) tenacgal, awww, that is a wonderful reason, to do this and you are well on your way, how are you doing now? I need to go find you and see? Thank you so much for you sweet words! I finally broke the 150's. I have had some medical issues, I just posted in ' the kitchen table' about them, my current weight is 148 and my my goal is 145! :) YOU CAN do this, you can! Don't get me wrong, it takes work, but one pound at a time, please let me know how you are doing! bandida, thank you! Just read and follow Tosca's plan! Cut out your white sugar, white flour, replace it with wheat flour, alternative sugar's, I use stevia and or honey ( in moderation), avoid processed foods, eat more fruits and veggies, eat as ' close to the ground' as possible! Look at her ' recharged' it really spells it all out for you! Please let me know how I can help! xoxoox Traci

From: harleyc70 about 2 months ago

You have inspired me! I am 41 and cannot shed the last babies weight no matter what I do! I have been a vegetarian for 27 years and a vegan for one, so eating fruits and veggies is nothing new! My question is, where do I find out how to do this diet? And what to eat/combinations etc.? When I signed up it said I didn't have to purchase anything...wondering, do I need to purchase the books to find the actual program? Thanks! And thanks for your story!

From: whippetmama about 2 months ago

Your story and pics are inspiring. I'm nearing 37 and just had my second and last son. I battle an overactive immune system and have been on daily meds for years. Steroids have taken their toll and despite a limited calorie diet and training I have not been able to get under 200. I found Tosca through Oxygen mag I was reading while getting my orthotics made so I can work out pain free - ironic. I think eating clean may be my answer to help combat the meds side effects. Working hard on eating whole foods as well as organic as much as possible. I love reading about people in my age range making this happen. WTG!

From: tdean about 1 month ago

Harley, Thank you for what you have said, you are very sweet! I am a vegan/vegetarian as well, though, it's a new thing. I do eat meat like once a week though. No, you can find this information on line, I do have the books because it was helpful for me to read up on it, the ' re-charged' gave me a lot of information. Let me send you a pm and we can talk about it. You can also get a lot of information here on the site too! Whippetmama, love the name!!! Thank you for what you have said I am so sorry to hear your story! We all have our battles don't we? I think you may be in the right place, it's something different to try for you and I think you should give it a go, shock your immune system, you know? And thank you for the sweet words, us ladies our age rock and WE can get there! Please let me know how I can help you! xxoxoox Traci

From: ICanDoThis2012 about 1 week ago

Huge congrats on your journey. You look amazing and I have read the posts so I can tell you are happy with your new body and loving life. My journey is still in progress but I have four books by Tosca and love them all. I see you did the Cooler 1. I like that one too. Thanks for sharing your story. Kelly