Meet Our New Year, New You Contest Winners

Sonja Atkins

Name: Sonja Atkins

Age: 39

Relationship status: Single

Kids: Son, Ryan, 19; grandson, Mikey, almost 2

City: Tallahassee, Florida

Occupation: Registered Nurse

Current Weight: 230

Goal Weight: 140

Favorite activities: Having fun with my son, grandson, and a plentiful supply of nieces and nephews, riding my new bike, singing with my grandmother, going to amusement and water parks.

Favorite healthy snack: Radishes. They are about 2 calories each and I keep them in the fridge and snack on them throughout the day, especially if I am not really hungry but I want to eat something.

Biggest food weakness: Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. Reese's Easter peanut butter eggs, and any other type of candy.

Lowest weight ever as an adult: 140

Highest weight ever as an adult: 240

What diets have you tried before? I have tried eating healthy foods and controlling my portions but it was so overwhelming trying to figure it out on my own so I would just give up.

How do you want this program to change your life? I want to regain control of my life. I have achieved this in so many areas and I know once I get this weight off I can and will keep it off.

Who (or what) is your greatest inspiration? My son, Ryan. Although he started is family early (17) he continues to improve his life and the life of his son. He works full-time and attends college and still finds time to be with Mikey.

Proudest moment in your life (so far)? When I achieved my nursing degree. I was the first one in my immediate family to go to college and I was a single parent with a preschooler.

What makes you feel beautiful? Doing nice things for myself and other people. I think beautiful starts within.

Who is your style icon? Okay, I had to look up the word icon and I am still not sure what my answer is.

In what outfit do you most want to show off your new body? A beautiful sundress.

Where do you hope you'll be in five years? I want to at a place where I am confident that I can do anything I decide I want to do.