The authors detail their individual struggles and encourage people to formulate their why, which D'Angelo describes as one's internal source of motivation - the reason the person wants to lose weight.


As you go through life, obstacles will come up, D'Angelo says. But if your 'why' is strong enough, then you're able to overcome them.


The duo launched a website (www.TheStruggleIsRealBook.com) and a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TheStruggleIsRealBook) where readers can ask questions and reach out to one another for support. As the authors know, tasty temptations are abundant in the Deep South. Brandt-Gilmartin has a penchant for king cake. D'Angelo loves pasta. But they enjoy these treats in moderation and incorporate extra exercise into their routine if necessary.


I didn't get to 300 pounds by accident, D'Angelo says. I love food. The key is balance. You can have those meals that you absolutely love, but make more healthy choices than unhealthy choices. Make choices that are aligned with your goals.


The authors have come a long way since making the commitment to lose weight. D'Angelo recently placed third in the Men's Physique category at the Southern Muscle competition. In July, Brandt-Gilmartin got married in what she described as the biggest rock wedding, ever. She recalls standing on the stage in her perfectly fitting dress, feeling 100 percent confident in her own skin for the first time in years.