Editor’s note: This is the first in a bi-weekly series that will chronicle senior communications major Laura Payne’s weight-loss journey.

Two week’s ago, with the guidance of the Daily Kent Stater, Laura began seeing a nutritionist at the Nutrition Outreach Center on campus and enrolled in classes at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

Laura will share her struggles and successes along the way to losing 30 pounds during the next 14 weeks, and we hope you can learn from them just as much as she will.

About Laura

“Body image and weight loss has become a growing topic for as long as I can remember. I have been struggling with my weight and the image of myself for a couple of years now, and I have finally come to the breaking point.

I have not always been overweight, but I began gaining weight in my senior year of high school. I am a huge fan of the television show ‘The Biggest Loser,’ and I have always said to myself that I wish I could go on the show and get help to lose my weight.

Ever since I was little, I have had the dream to be a singer, and in the music industry you have to have the energy and be in shape to put on a good show.

Many people think that when you are a singer you have to be skinny, but I do not buy into that idea. I believe that you simply need to be in shape, be in control of your body and watch what you eat. I believe that Kent State’s Biggest Loser would help me get to that point. I have the mindset and the determination to work at this every day.”

Weight (as of Feb. 5): 190 lbs

Goal weight: 160 lbs

Long-term goals: Laura wants to lose about 2 pounds a week and work up to 60 minutes of exercise per day, for seven days a week.

Workout: “I have been attending Group X classes (at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center) so a lot of cardio and a little strength training”

Diet: “I’ve taken out most fried foods and I don’t get take-out nearly as much. I’ve upped my fiber and protein and I track what I eat every day. I’ve taken away most sweetened drinks and added tons more water.”

— Kelley Stoklosa