Praise from Meltdown Participants

"It's easy to think you are the only person with a problem. The Meltdown proved that many of us are in the same boat . . . I hope other communities copy us. It’s a great way to pull a community together—fighting a common enemy—fat!"
—Dorothy Volker, Retired Teacher's Assistant

"Carole demonstrated how an average person—who lost weight, got fit and went public—can indeed change hundreds of lives."
—Lew Sitzer, Executive Director, Nevada County Television

"My whole body is healthier—not just my knees and heart but also my spirit."
—Patti Wood, Teacher's Assistant

"Our country has many cities but few communities. Today, we have a great sense of community."
—Susan Kopp, Clerk of the Court of Nevada County

"From the restaurants that offered special menus to grocery stores offering Meltdown recipes, business owners found their own unique way to participate and contribute to the cause of fitness."
—Mary Ann Mueller, President/CEO, Grass Valley/Nevada County Chamber

"I have struggled with being overweight my whole life. Today I know there is no magic pill . . . Although I haven't yet reached my goal, I've made healthy changes."
—Kerry Arnett, Former Mayor, Nevada City

"Each person on our team worked at whatever program was best for them. Everyone was feeding off everyone else's success."
—Susanna Trevena, Bank Executive, Citizens Bank of Northern California

"Dieting isn't new to me . . . Then along comes this crazy community event, the Meltdown. I never had a support system of a thousand people before."
—Ann Mitchell, Elementary School Teacher

"We did not register to be part of the official Meltdown . . . Together, our [secret] team—husband, 65; wife, 62; and married daughter, 35—lost over 60 pounds."
—"Dick, Mary and Jane Doe"—Too Private to Go Public

"One of my biggest pleasures was seeing my 82-year-young mom enjoy the [Meltdown] so much. She just missed being the biggest winner for weight loss."
—Mary Baron, Realtor

"I now have four friends I would have never met . . . if it hadn't been for the Meltdown!"
—Beverly Cooper, Retired Marketing Director

"My new scale and I are becoming good friends. All that I learned through the Meltdown continues to help me on my journey to becoming a healthier me."
—Dena Nick, Homemaker

"The Meltdown gave me a sense of strength and balance, not only for my workouts, but also in life."
—Alisha Randall, High School Student

 

Experts Recommend the Meltdown as an Rx for Fitness

"Carole Carson's enthusiasm for healthy eating and active living literally jumps off the pages of this book. After reading about Carole's personal success in improving her health and physical fitness, one wants to get up off the couch and begin a personal makeover. Carole shows that success comes with long-term changes in lifestyle that include incremental steps and a commitment to achievable goals. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to improve their health, irrespective if they are overweight or not."
—Janet C. King, PhD, Senior Scientist, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute; Professor Emeritus, University of California at Berkeley

"I know all too well the pain and suffering associated with being seriously overweight. Unfortunately, it's something that way too many people struggle with. The solution is that each of us must take the first step on the sacred journey to fitness. Each of us must find the pathway to health and wellness that matches our own unique lifestyle. From Fat to Fit, which inspires and informs, will give you the inspiration and courage to begin. And begin we must—while we still can."
—Nicholas "Dr. Nick" Yphantides, MD, Author, My Big Fat Greek Diet

"An inspiring story of a personal transformation that spread to an entire community. It shows that weight loss doesn't have to be a solitary activity and can actually be fun when others are involved. From Fat to Fit offers a blueprint for other towns to follow."
—Edward Abramson, PhD, Author, Body Intelligence

"Carole shows the power of one person to transform a community. Her personal story inspired thousands of others to take action and get healthy, and this book shows how you too can be a catalyst for change in yourself and your community."
—Nedra Kline Weinreich, President, Weinreich Communications, Social Marketing

"Carole Carson not only walks her talk and puts her smart calorie count where her mouth is, she is the Pied Piper of fitness, leading an entire town on the road to health."
—Mel Walsh, Author, Hot Granny

"This program proves that fun and friendship, values so integral to the Red Hat Society (a women's social organization) can also provide invaluable support in the pursuit of physical fitness."
—Sue Ellen Cooper, Founder, Red Hat Society

"Carole Carson brilliantly shows us that with intention, structure and committed action, anything is possible; she invites us to declare our dreams and bring them into reality. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in creating lasting health."
—Maxine Barish-Wreden, MD, and Kay Judge, MD, Co-Medical Directors, Sutter Heart Institute, Women's Heart Advantage

"After reading this book, there is no way that one will be able to ignore what we put in our bodies, the fact that some type of regular exercise must be integrated into our daily routine and the knowledge our future quality of life will be defined by the decisions we make today."
—Lloyd Dean, President and CEO, Catholic Healthcare West

"From Fat to Fit is a must-read for anyone who works with families and children. Parents can experience the joy of helping their whole family live longer, healthier and happier lives. This fun-filled and easy-to-read book shows us how."
—Mardie Caldwell, COAP, Founder, Lifetime Adoption; Talk Show Host; Author, Award-Winning Book AdoptingOnline.com

"We are increasingly aware of the impact of lifestyle choices on long-term well-being. Through better eating and regular exercise, individuals can improve their cardiovascular health. This book inspires readers to take their first steps in this direction."
—John A. Mallery, MD, Cardiologist

"Thank you for sharing this wonderful achievement in From Fat to Fit. This fabulous piece of work will inspire many of the citizens of our state."
—Durand "Rudy" Macklin, Director, Bureau of Minority Health, State of Louisiana

"This story puts a human face on the private taboo of weight. Ordinary people can shed pounds and reconnect with each other. Carole Carson shows you how."
—Paul Auerbach, MD, Clinical Professor of Surgery, Stanford University

"One of those rare moments when ordinary people working together do something extraordinary. It made a lasting impression."
—Jeff Ackerman, Publisher, The Union