EXTRA says 'Bravo!' to Mandy Muniz

Fresh from her appearance in People magazine's "Half Their Size" issue, Mandy Muniz got to share her journey from 293 to 126 pounds with the folks from EXTRA.



Being in the spotlight is nothing new for Mandy. As a high school drama teacher, she has always encouraged her students to get up on stage and give it their all.

Then Mandy herself started to lead a more sedentary lifestyle after hours. Most days she came home with a bag of fast food, and headed directly for the couch.

At school, she struggled to climb the stairs of the three-story building. She would stop between floors and hide in the corner to catch her breath. Some of the other faculty members shared their concerns about her health, and even gave her business cards of gastric bypass surgeons.

But it only pushed Mandy further into denial, making her efforts to encourage students' activity hypocritical. Her wake-up call came when one of her students asked her to be in his film. When Mandy saw what she *really* looked like on screen at 293 pounds, she could deny it no longer.

But she didn't know where to go from there. She tried every fad diet on the market, with little to no success. Then she saw an ad for L A Weight Loss, and was excited by the idea of eating real foods that weren't pre-packaged.

Yet Mandy was still skeptical that it would work. When she called the Bandera center in San Antonio and they asked how much she wanted to lose, she laughingly said 100 pounds. To her surprise, they said, "OK. Come in and let's get started."

In the personal essay Mandy wrote to me, she says those 100 pounds came off "with ease." So she re-adjusted her goal weight to lose even more. In 18 months, she dropped 157 pounds, 65 inches, and 22 sizes!

Now Mandy has the confidence to proudly take center stage again, and show off her new size 2 figure to the world. Bravo, Mandy!

Here's Mandy at an unhealthy 293 pounds:




And here's the actress at 130 pounds -- worthy of a standing ovation!



FAST FACTS

Name: Mandy Muniz
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Age: 31
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 293 pounds
Goal weight: 193 pounds
Current weight: 130 pounds
Program start date: April 2005

Biggest motivator: Being able to get up and move with her students.

Biggest obstacle: Making that first phone call to L A Weight Loss.

Old eating philosophy: Days filled with tons of fast food, vending machine snacks, sodas, and foods slathered in butter.

New eating philosophy: Appreciates the value of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Best thing about losing weight: Having the confidence to get up in front of people, and shopping for clothes off the rack, knowing they'll fit.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you believe it, you can do it!

No baby weight on board for this Oregon mom

For Becky Harrold, stepping on the scale after giving birth to two babies 17 months apart was a much needed wake-up call, which she describes in a personal essay she sent me.

Here's the short version: Becky had been yo-yo dieting her whole life. After getting married, she traded dieting for newlywed bliss. A year later, she became pregnant. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with high blood pressure, and put on bed rest. She spent her days "eating for two," and by the time she gave birth, Becky was 255 pounds.

Nine months later, Becky was pregnant again. She faced the same restrictions, and continued to put on weight. After her daughter was born, she worked hard to lose the weight by eating right and counting calories. Imagine her shock when she got on the scale four months later and weighed 257 pounds.

Becky heard that her cousin Tammi had been successful on the L A Weight Loss program. So she visited the Eugene, Ore., center to check it out. She was immediately impressed with Katie, her personal counselor, and how easily she could follow the program while raising two small kids. She signed up that day.

Ten months later, Becky had lost 127 pounds -- about half her total body weight! She now weighs 137 pounds and wears a size 6! She's also off her blood pressure medication.

And to help her keep up with her toddlers, Becky's set a new goal for herself: training for a 10K in July. Good luck, Becky!

That's Becky on the left at 225 pounds:



And here she is at a stunning 137 pounds!



FAST FACTS

Name: Becky Harrold
Hometown: Eugene, Ore.
Age: 27
Height: 5’7"

Starting weight: 257 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 137 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Chicken Fettucini Alfredo.

Biggest temptation: Polishing off what her kids leave on their plates.

Biggest motivator: Being able to play with her kids.

Biggest obstacle: Getting her mind to catch up with her new body.

Old eating philosophy: Pizza, ice cream, chips, and other junk foods.

New eating philosophy: Meals packed with protein from fresh vegetables and chicken.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining the confidence to know she looks great.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat the foods you love, just in the right portion sizes.

Zoo trip unmasks 800-lb. gorilla in the room

Little did Heather Cooper know that, when she took her kids to the zoo, it would be a day that would change her life forever.

At the bears exhibit, Heather's son said, "Mommy, that bear's huge! It's bigger than you!" Though those eight words stung, they were the reality check she needed to tackle her lifelong weight battle.

Heather weighed 256 pounds at the time, and her health was deteriorating. She had high blood pressure, breathing and sleeping problems, and was a borderline diabetic.

She napped every day, and could barely get down on the floor to play with her kids. Plus, she was worried about her family history: Her mother died of cancer at 46, and Heather didn't want her kids to grow up motherless.

But joining a diet program wasn't feasible while raising two kids. Then on Heather's birthday, her father gave her a check to use to join L A Weight Loss. Turns out it was the best present Heather's ever received!

Heather dropped 6 pounds in the first week on the program. From then on, it was all about setting goals.

She a started a journal listing things she wanted to accomplish as she shed weight. She also began exercising for the first time in her life. She consistently added 1/4 mile to her jogging routine each time she ran the trails at the local park.

Less than a year later, Heather is a new woman! She's lost 100 pounds, going from a size 24 to a size 8!!! She rewarded herself by learning how to rollerblade, and now circles the park four times. And she's accomplished everything she listed in her journal, with just 25 pounds to go.

In fact, she's been so successful, the Oklahoma City L A Weight Loss Center she attended hired her last November!

Here's Heather at 256 pounds:



And look at her now in her new, beautiful 156-pound frame:



FAST FACTS

Name: Heather Cooper
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Okla.
Age: 29
Height: 5’4"

Starting weight: 256 pounds
Goal weight: 125-135
Current weight: 156 pounds
Program start date: April 14, 2006

Favorite food: Peanut butter.

Biggest temptation: Sweet desserts, like brownies and ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy so she could play with her kids, and be around for a long time.

Biggest obstacle: Overcoming her high blood pressure and other health issues.

Old eating philosophy: Lots of fried foods and indulgent desserts.

New eating philosophy: She still eats ice cream, though in moderation, and balances that out with healthier foods like fresh vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: When her kids wrap their arms around her, when her husband picks her up, and when her daughter says she wants to be just as pretty as her.

Best weight loss secret learned: You don't have to deprive yourself of the foods you love. It's all about learning how to balance foods in a healthy way, while still having control over what you eat.

Valentine's Day story: Rediscovering love after loss

In honor of Valentine's Day, here's the story of Steve and Lori Conger, who've been married for 25 years, and are raising seven children.

The Congers planned and saved for a once-in-a-lifetime Hawaiian vacation to mark their silver anniversary. But they spent most of the time crying in their hotel room, because their weight got in the way of their fun.

Steve, at 285 pounds, was mortified when he was charged for two seats on a helicopter ride. Lori, at 178 pounds, was depressed after struggling to fit into a sundress she wanted to buy.

Things got worse back home when they started flipping through their vacation photos. As Lori puts it in a letter she sent me, when she saw how heavy they were, she decided it was time for a change.

Lori heard about L A Weight Loss through a friend. Determined to get their bodies and their lives back, Lori and Steve went to the Nampa L A Weight Loss Center in Homedale, Idaho, last January.

There they found what Lori calls their "support team" of L A Weight Loss employees: Diane Maggard, Terry Harvey, and Irene Bassler. And with their help, the Congers saw immediate results.

In the first two days, Steve lost 7 pounds, and Lori lost close to 4! Over time, the Congers recouped the energy and fun they had as thinner newlyweds. On weekends, they now jet-ski, sail, and take their kids to water parks -- without running out of breath.

Today the happy couple are more in love than ever with each other, and their new bodies. Together they've lost 130 pounds: Steve 92, and Lori 38!!

Here's Lori at 178 pounds, and Steve at 285 pounds:



And here they are one year later, Lori at 140 pounds, Steve at 193 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Lori Conger
Hometown: Homedale, Idaho
Age: 42
Height: 5’7"

Starting weight: 178 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 140 pounds

Program start date: Jan. 16, 2006

Biggest motivator: Losing weight for her daughter’s wedding on Oct. 16, 2006.

Biggest obstacle: Watching her diet while vacationing.

Old eating philosophy: Super-sized sandwiches, hot cakes, brownies, and Coke.

New eating philosophy: A healthier combination of fish, grilled chicken, veggies, and fruits.

Best thing about losing weight: All of the compliments she received at her daughter’s wedding.

Best weight loss secret learned: It is possible to incorporate your favorite foods into your diet and still lose weight.

Name: Steve Conger
Hometown: Homedale, Idaho
Age: 44
Height: 6’0"

Starting weight: 285 pounds
Goal weight: 190 pounds
Current weight: 193 pounds

Program start date: Jan. 16, 2006

Biggest motivator: Getting back the self-esteem and self-confidence he had before he gained weight.

Biggest obstacle: Regaining his zeal for life.

Old eating philosophy: Chocolate milk, burgers, tacos, and mashed potatoes.

New eating philosophy: A balanced diet of proteins, carbs, and vitamin-rich foods (although he does treat himself to a burger every now and then).

Best thing about losing weight: His energy level is through the roof.

Best weight loss secret learned: You don't have to sacrifice office lunches during the week. Just make smarter choices.

A Valentine's Day menu your waistline will love

This Valentine's Day, skip the expensive restaurants with extra-large, extra-rich portions. Opt instead for this guilt-free, yet delicious, meal with your true love that satisfies the heart and soul.

The best part: The entire menu clocks in at under 600 calories per person. What's not to love about that?!?!



Course 1: Raspberry Mixed Green Salad

Ingredients

2 tbsp. raspberry vinegar
2 tbsp. light, sugar-free raspberry jam
4 tsp. olive oil
8 cups mixed greens
½ cup slivered almonds
1 cup fresh raspberries
3 kiwis, peeled and sliced

To make the dressing, combine vinegar and jam in a small bowl. Add oil slowly, blend well. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine greens with half the almonds, raspberries, and kiwis. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss. Top with remaining almonds.

Servings: 4
Serving size: 2 cups
Calories: 190
Total fat: 12 grams
Protein: 6 grams
Fiber: 8 grams



Course 2: London Broil

Ingredients

1 (1 lb.) London broil, select cut
12 oz. can stewed tomatoes
1 garlic clove, pressed

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place the London broil in a roasting pan. Pour the stewed tomatoes over meat, and season with garlic.

Roast for 2½ to 3 hours, until fork-tender. Let stand for about 10 minutes at room temperature before carving and serving.

Serve London broil with ½ cup steamed cauliflower on each plate for an additional 25 calories.

Servings: 4
Serving size: 4 oz.
Calories: 230
Protein: 32 grams
Total fat: 8 grams



Course 3: Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Ingredients

6 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
20 large strawberries

Line a sheet pan with parchment or wax paper. Set aside.

Place chocolate into a heat proof medium bowl. To make a double boiler, fill one medium saucepan with a few inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Turn off heat and place bowl of chocolate on top of saucepan to melt. Stir chocolate until smooth and remove from heat.

Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip each strawberry into the chocolate, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Set the coated strawberry on the parchment paper. Repeat process with rest of strawberries.

Chill strawberries until chocolate is set, about 20 minutes.

Servings: 10
Serving size: 2 strawberries
Calories: 130
Total fat: 8 grams

From obesity to The Big Apple

Losing weight can do more than boost your health and self-esteem. It can also make you famous!

First Janene Campbell appeared on the cover of People magazine's "Half Their Size" issue. Then she was invited on the Today show,
to talk with Natalie Morales about how she lost 216 pounds on the L A Weight Loss program.



Janene's journey from obesity to the small screen began in January 2005, when her mother, age 64 and 220 pounds, passed away from diabetes, kidney failure, and high blood pressure. Two years earlier, her father, age 62 and 300 pounds, died from congestive heart failure.

Janene weighed 371 pounds. And the handwriting was on the wall. She knew she had to do something, and fast, to make sure she'd be around to see her five-year-old twins grow up. But getting started wasn’t easy. Janene had been heavy her entire life. She weighed 100 pounds in the first grade!

When she hit adulthood, her obesity left her unable to sit in airplane seats. Her feet were always swollen. She escaped the emotional pain of obesity by eating even more sugary, fattening foods, perpetuating a self-defeating cycle.

After trying other diets, Janene tried the L A Weight Loss program. She started just before her mom passed away. She lost 10 pounds in the first week, and found the motivation she needed to keep going -- after 30 years of bad eating habits.

Two years later and, well, she's half her size! You can read the rest of her story as it appeared in People magazine. In total, Janene dropped 216 pounds!!! She now weighs 155 pounds, just five pounds shy of her goal weight of 150.

Here's Janene before, at 371 pounds:



And here's the superstar now, showing off her new 155-pound figure! It’s an amazing transformation that has given her back her life, and her future.



FAST FACTS

Name: Janene Campbell
Hometown: Horn Lake, Miss.
Age: 30

Starting weight: 371 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Program start date: Dec. 2004

Biggest temptation: Salty snacks, like potato chips and Doritos.

Biggest motivator: Avoiding the fate of her parents, who both passed away from obesity-related illnesses before age 65.

Biggest obstacle: Sticking with a diet plan for more than three weeks.

Old eating philosophy: Skipping breakfast and lunch, then snacking on candy bars and chips all day. Dinner was usually a super-sized fast food meal, followed by a sweet dessert.

New eating philosophy: Fresh fruit and yogurt for breakfast; more fruit, vegetables, and sandwiches on low-calorie bread for lunch; and dinners packed with protein and fiber. She hasn't given up on snacking, but has replaced junk food with sugar-free gelatin, diet soda, and sugar-free hard candy.

Best thing about losing weight: When her daughter hugs her and her arms reach all the way around Janene's waist.

Best weight loss secret learned: The biggest reward isn't buying new clothes to look good on the outside. It's how good you feel on the inside.

The mother of all surprises

When Linda Martin's husband and son shipped off for Iraq last July, she started a covert operation of her own: to surprise her boys with a slimmer figure when they returned home.

Linda laid out her attack plan three days before they left. She joined L A Weight Loss on July 12th, and said her goodbyes on the 15th. Then she went to work paring down her 236-pound body.

This was a big change for Linda, who's struggled with her weight since she was a teen. The problem got worse when she was diagnosed with Graves disease in 1996, and had her thyroid removed. Despite her doctor's pleas, Linda kept gaining weight that she couldn't lose.

As Linda's weight went up, her self esteem and energy went down. She'd run out of breath climbing stairs, and circle parking lots a dozen times to find a spot near the door.

She also avoided unwanted attention. For example, the idea of buying a new dress for an upcoming military ball horrified her. She was relieved when her husband told her they weren't going.

Linda hoped the L A Weight Loss program would be her ticket to a better life when she joined last July. She hasn't been disapointed. So far Linda's lost 50 pounds -- 30 pounds shy of her goal weight of 156 pounds!

She's gained a lot in the process. She now volunteers with a military family support group. And she makes it a point to park far away from the door when shopping.

Linda's husband and son are expected to return stateside in the next few days. They know she's been losing weight and getting healthy, but they haven't seen her since they left for Iraq.

We'll be sure to update you on their reunion, and we hope to have some great photos to share as well!

Here's Linda before, at 236 pounds:



And the new Linda, at 186 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Linda Martin
Hometown: Aiea, Hawaii
Age: 45

Starting weight: 236 pounds
Goal weight: 156 pounds
Current weight: 186 pounds
Program start date: July 12, 2006

Biggest temptation: Chips and chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Surprising her husband and son upon their return from Iraq.

Biggest obstacle: Gaining the confidence to know she could lose the weight.

Old eating philosophy: Giving in to every craving, and eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating the right portion sizes to control the amount of food she eats.

Best thing about losing weight: When she talks to her dad on the phone, he says she "sounds lighter."

Best weight loss secret learned: Take it one day at a time. Don't be discouraged if you gain half a pound. Stay on the program, and it'll eventually come off.

Score with these Super Bowl party treats

The big game doesn't have to equal a big gain. Here are some healthy snacks I've developed to help you create a winning Super Bowl party. I guarantee you that these recipes are so delicious and satisfying, your guests won't miss all those greasy, fattening chips and dips!



Tortilla Roll-Up Appetizer

2 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened
2 oz. lite cream cheese, softened
5 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup salsa
2 oz. lite or reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
5 (8-inch) whole wheat or spinach tortillas
1/4 cup chopped black olives
1/2 cup iceberg lettuce shredded

In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to blend cream cheeses until soft. Add onion, salsa, and cheese. Stir until well combined.

Divide cream cheese mixture among tortillas. Spread thin layer on each. Sprinkle each tortilla with black olives and lettuce.

Roll each tortilla, and refrigerate about 4-6 hours before slicing. Just before serving, slice each tortilla roll into 1-inch pieces.



Spinach and Artichoke Dip

1 cup frozen spinach, drained and thawed
1 cup cooked sliced artichoke hearts
1/4 cup white onions, chopped
1 tsp. fat-free Italian salad dressing
1/2 tsp. lite salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 cup lite sour cream
2 Tbsp. dried onion
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. capers
3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

In large mixing bowl, combine spinach, artichokes, onion, and salad dressing. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Fold in sour cream, and blend well. Add dried onion, garlic, and capers. Mix in Parmesan cheese. Chill for at least 1 hour.



BBQ Chicken Skewers

24 or 32 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1-2 Tbsp. hot sauce
2 Tbsp. water
2 green peppers
4 packets brown sugar artificial sweetener
Kabob skewers

Preheat grill or oven to 400 degrees.

Cut chicken into cubes. In a small bowl, combine hot sauce, water, sugar substitute, and half of the BBQ sauce. Toss chicken in marinade to coat.

Cut green pepper into 1-inch squares. Alternate chicken and pepper on skewers; grill or cook in oven. While cooking, brush remaining BBQ sauce over skewers.

Cook approximately 10-15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink.



Buffalo Chicken Tenders

1-1 1/2 pound boneless chicken tenders
3 Tbsp. lite margarine
1-2 Tbsp. hot sauce
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp lemon juice
Nonfat cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Melt margarine in small sauce pan. Whisk in hot sauce, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
Place chicken tenders on baking sheet coated with nonfat cooking spray.

Drizzle hot sauce mixture over chicken. Toss chicken to coat well. Bake approximate 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Serve warm over salad with celery sticks and fat-free blue cheese dressing, if desired.



Vegetarian Chili

1 large onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, seeded and finely chopped
6 cups canned low-sodium stewed tomatoes
2 cups canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
Dash of allspice
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. cumin
Nonfat cooking spray

Sauté onion and green pepper in a Dutch oven coated with nonfat cooking spray. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer until flavors are blended.

Heat and serve.



Low-Fat Brownies

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a square nonstick baking pan (8-inch x 8-inch) with cooking spray.

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Blend well. Pour batter into pan, and bake 20-30 minutes until baked.

To test if batter is done, insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, brownies are done.

Remove from oven, and let cool for 5 minutes in pan. Gently remove from pan. Place on wire rack. When cool, cut into 8 squares.

That’s it for this year. Check back next year for another installment of my annual Super Bowl party treats!

Shannon Gee slims down to run long

On Jan. 7, Shannon Gee, 35, ran the annual Disney Marathon in six hours. But nine months earlier, she was in no shape to tackle the 26.2-mile run -- or even a run around the block.

Shannon was shocked when the scale read 175 pounds during a physical last May. She decided to hit the gym four days a week, no matter what.

Soon after, she saw a flyer for a half marathon (that's 14 miles) benefiting the local leukemia and lymphoma society. She decided to work off enough weight to run that race.

Yet despite her gym routine and determination, Shannon couldn't shake off the pounds. Then a local deejay announced he lost 30 pounds on the L A Weight Loss program.

Shannon hit the L A Weight Loss Center in Fort Meyers, Fla., and met with Marlene, who would become her personal counselor. Marlene helped Shannon find the foods that would speed her weight loss in time to run the half marathon.

As the pounds came off, Shannon upped the ante, and decided to shoot for a full marathon. After dropping 30 pounds on the L A Weight Loss Program, Shannon ran the 26.2 mile Disney Marathon.

Now there's no stopping her. Now she plans on running the Gasparilla marathon in February, and a triathlon (1-mile swim, 25-mile bike ride, and 6-mile run) in September!

Here's Shannon before, at 175 pounds:



And here she is hanging out with Minnie and Mickey, after completing the Disney Marathon in her new 145-pound bod:



FAST FACTS

Name: Shannon Gee

Hometown: Fort Myers, Fla.
Age: 35
Height: 5’10"

Starting weight: 175 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: May 2006

Favorite food: Fiber One cereal.

Biggest temptation: Restaurant bread baskets.

Biggest motivator: Training for Disney Marathon.

Biggest obstacle: Maintaining her weight during the holidays.

Old eating philosophy: Carbs, ice cream, and cookies.

New eating philosophy: Less processed food and more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Being comfortable in her own skin.

Best weight loss secret learned: You have nothing to lose other than the weight. Stick with the program. It works!