As a child, I have the distinct memory of a friend's mom looking at me in disbelief as I requested a double quarter pounder with large fries from McDonald's. I was 10. When I was 12, I started hoarding candy, chips & soda in a file cabinet in my room. Before long, I realized that my relationship with food was unhealthy and that I didn't want to end up like many of my family members, obese and suffering a myriad of health-related problems.

I could have gone down a very different ...

As a child, I have the distinct memory of a friend's mom looking at me in disbelief as I requested a double quarter pounder with large fries from McDonald's. I was 10. When I was 12, I started hoarding candy, chips & soda in a file cabinet in my room. Before long, I realized that my relationship with food was unhealthy and that I didn't want to end up like many of my family members, obese and suffering a myriad of health-related problems.

I could have gone down a very different path. Dance and running (and eventually, vegetarianism) helped lead me to a better place. I hope to share with you a passion for living an active, healthy lifestyle, and I hope to learn more from you as well!

Read More About ELLESSE0 (Updated December 11)