They're making progress, but their outlook towards the end of the competition has changed.
MARQUETTE -- They had a plan and they each set goals, but during the course of the YMCA's Health Seekers competition, they've had to adjust.
Danielle Peterson's original goal to lose between 20 and 25 pounds quickly faded as she struggled to lose even a few pounds.
"At first I was disappointed, but you know, it's a struggle for millions of people," said Danielle, "and it'll probably be a struggle for the rest of my life just to maintain once I get where I'm happy with my body."
Her husband quickly met his weight loss goal after losing 11 pounds, but he ran into his own challenges, especially when it comes to eating healthy.
"I had pneumonia twice over a three week period," shared Mike Peterson. "I don't really remember eating too many vegetables. Fruit was alright, but you know, a lot of carbs, a lot of comfort foods."
As for the Brooks, Eli was cautious with her fitness routine in the beginning, because she had recently entered remission for her Multiple Sclerosis.
"I think I've changed my goals in that I'm more aware of what I can do," said Eli. "When we started, I wasn't sure how much I could do exercise-wise."
David, like his competitor, had also set a hefty weight loss goal for himself.
"I would have liked to of lost 30 pounds," commented David. "I'm probably going lose between 20 and 24 pounds total, depending on how it goes the next couple of weeks."
No matter where they've learned the lessons of how to live a healthy lifestyle--at the gym, inside the classroom, or in their daily routines at home--dieting, they've learned, is all about balance. Our couples are now starting to balance their lives with healthy eating practices and exercise.
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