Washington woman beats bad genetics

You've got your mother's eyes, your father's nose, and your grandmother's laugh. Thank genetics for it. Deborah Hopkins does. Except she's also thanking genetics for being overweight.

Weight problems run in her family, and affected her since puberty. Deborah struggled to overcome nature's will. Getting married and having five kids didn't help. But divorcing her husband sent her weight over the edge.

The 319-pound Deborah was taking one heartburn and two blood pressure medications. Her doctor told her she was on the verge of getting diabetes, and needed to lose weight immediately.

Deborah knew what her next action should be: Visit her local Salmon Creek, Wash., L A Weight Loss center.

After talking to the personal weight loss counselors and developing a new eating plan, Deborah felt reassured. She couldn't wait to get started on the path to her new life.

She began eating five smaller meals daily, and more fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Deborah also learned how to eat smart at restaurants. Plus, she nixed the fast and junk food, and it wasn't long before her cravings for these high-fat foods disappeared.

Deborah loved L A Weight Loss's one-on-one counseling. She looked forward to weighing in, and seeing her weight decrease. Her counselors always congratulated her on her progress, and encouraged her when she reached a plateau or gained a few pounds.

About 10 months later, Deborah's weight was down by 112 pounds!! Now at 207, she feels like a normal person. Deborah has so much energy that she joined her company's kickball team -- something she would never do at 319 pounds.

Deborah's also dating again, and enjoys spending time with her new beau on weekends. And the best part: She's no longer taking any of those medications!

For anyone else trying to lose weight, Deborah says you have to be ready in your heart and mind to drop the weight. Although your progress might be slow in the beginning, you can learn to live the rest of your life this healthier way, and achieve long-term weight loss success.

What great inspiration for everyone with weight problems or obesity in their family! Deborah is proof that you can overcome hereditary setbacks, and live a healthy, happy life!

Awesome job, Deborah!!!!!!!

This is Deborah before, at 319 pounds:



And here is the new Deborah at 207. Looking fabulous, Deborah. Way to go!!



FAST FACTS

Name: Deborah Hopkins
Hometown: Vancouver, Wash.
Age: 42
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 319 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 207 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Chinese food.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Seeing her weight drop when she weighed in at the center.

Biggest obstacle: Getting rid of loose skin.

Old eating philosophy: Working long hours and late-night eating.

New eating philosophy: Consuming five smaller meals daily, and controlling her portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Being much happier and smiling more.

Best weight loss secret learned: It takes eating to lose weight.

Portly Portland chef reveals secret recipe for healthy weight loss

Never trust a skinny chef. Unless, of course, he's John Paulk.

John became a chef five years ago to fulfill his lifelong passion for cooking and entertaining. Equally lifelong -- his struggles with weight. So imagine his dilemma in a new profession where being overweight was socially acceptable.

John took this as an excuse to gain more weight, and quickly hit 233 pounds. He took Prilosec for gastric reflux, experienced serious heel pain, always felt short of breath -- and even suffered a mild stroke!

John felt like a young man trapped in an old man's body. Worse, he was hiding behind his weight, fearful of what people might think or say. John knew he had to make a change, or risk losing his health, happiness, and career.

He sampled many diet programs with little success, and didn't know what else to try. Then John heard a local radio host share his story about slimming down on L A Weight Loss.

The chef was inspired to experiment. He contacted the Lloyd L A Weight Loss Center in Portland, Ore. At first, John was skeptical, but the friendly, helpful counselors quickly put him at ease.

His personal counselor, Rhonda Leigh, met with John one-on-one to set goals and develop a meal plan based on vegetables, fruits, lean meat, and fiber. She also had him step on the scale every other day. This kept him accountable for his eating decisions.

Ever the cook, John adapted recipes at home and at work to fit his new menu and seasoned palate. This meant cutting fat, cooking without oil, grilling and roasting food, and opting for fewer calories. His favorite creation: a fat-free, flavorful marinade made without oil.

John also added exercise to his routine. He hit the gym six times a week, and worked with a personal trainer. Soon, he was doing 800 crunches, where before he couldn't even do 20!

The potent combination of diet and exercise helped John lose weight at a rate of 2 pounds per week. It wasn't long before he hit his goal weight of 180 pounds. He also shrunk his waist from 44 inches to 32, and built up muscle through his workout regimen.

The best part: having the energy, strength, and coordination for new adventures with his family. John went skiing for the first time with his sons, and started working out with his wife during the week. Plus, he no longer needs medication, and feels 10 years younger!

Now John can't wait to share his story with others. He always brings up L A Weight Loss on his radio show, “Food Talk.” And he cooks L A Weight Loss recipes during culinary segments on a local TV program.

John's inspiring message: If a chef can do it, so can you! Well done, John!

Here's John, on-air and overweight at 233 pounds:



And here he is at 180, hotter than a jalapeno! Talk about epicurean delights ;)



FAST FACTS

Name: John Paulk
Hometown: Portland, Ore.
Age: 44
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 233 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 180 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Nacho Cheese Doritos.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to set a healthy example for his three young sons.

Biggest obstacle: Becoming complacent and falling into old habits.

Old eating philosophy: Living to eat, drink, and be merry!

New eating philosophy: Adopting a healthier lifestyle, and choosing the right foods in the right portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more confidence, and adding years to his life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Write down what you eat, weigh in three times a week, and don't give up until you're finished!

Calif. cop can take ribbing in stride after losing 31 pounds

Rest easy, your donuts are safe.

This is the punch line under a picture of a row of police cars stationed outside a donut chain. You've probably heard jokes like this about police and fast-food joints before.

But Elizabeth Hundley isn't laughing. She's a policewoman from San Marcos, Calif., whose schedule made her a prisoner of fast food. She also turned to comfort food to deal with her emotional problems, increasing her weight gain.

She soon reached 171 pounds. Although her weight didn't severely threaten her health, she knew she needed to uncuff herself from poor eating habits.

She was able to drop 10 pounds on her own. Then she heard about L A Weight Loss through a friend who worked at the Encinitas, Calif., center. She explained how the program worked, and Elizabeth joined in June 2005.

With the help of her personal counselor Imee Rutnovich, Elizabeth lost four pounds in her first week. She made the difference by patrolling her fast-food intake, and replacing the greasy foods at lunch with a sandwich and a lot of vegetables.

In addition to eating right, Elizabeth started a free-weight and cardiovascular program at the gym three to four days a week. She increased her fitness level to where she no longer gets winded walking up the stairs at work.

After two years on the program, Elizabeth hit her goal weight of 140 pounds. She now sees a pretty 39-year-old woman looking back at her in the mirror. It's the perfect motivation to keep her going!

Plus, she now takes donut jokes in stride! Great job Elizabeth -- I bet the guys don't mind being pulled over by you now! ;)

Here is Elizabeth with a friend at 171 pounds:



And here she is dressed in blue and looking bright at 140 pounds!



FAST FACTS

Name: Elizabeth Hundley
Hometown: San Marcos, Calif.
Age: 39
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 171 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 140 pounds
Program start date: June 13, 2005

Favorite food: Vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Fast food.

Biggest motivator: Staying healthy.

Biggest obstacle: Eating healthy on the job.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming high-calorie foods whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Finding the right balance of healthy eating while at work and home.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good about herself when she looks in the mirror.

Best weight loss secret learned: People notice when you make a major change in your life.

Indiana woman's weight loss takes flight

Tripping in public. Saying the wrong word at the worst time. Not fitting in an airplane seat.

Leigh Ann Penny of New Albany, Ind., can attest to the last embarrassing moment. She weighed 298 pounds when she tried to squeeze into her airplane seat en route to Las Vegas to get married. Her fiance, Chris, raised the armrests so she could spill over into in his seat.

Her trouble didn't end there. Leigh Ann couldn't pull the buckle over her waist. Chris draped his coat over her lap to hide the ill-fitting belt. And they had to do the same thing on the ride home.

Seven months later, Leigh Ann's mother -- whom she hadn't seen in three years -- moved to Seattle. Leigh Ann wanted to visit her, and booked a flight for the next month.

Then she remembered: She wouldn't be able to buckle her seat. There was no way Leigh Ann could deal with that embarrassment again. She called her local Clarksville, Ind., L A Weight Loss center that day.

Leigh Ann tearfully explained to personal counselor Karen how she just wanted to fit in an airplane seat. Karen told her she could come in that evening and begin losing weight. Leigh Ann immediately felt reassured.

It turned out to be the first day of the rest of her life. Leigh Ann started eating fruits and vegetables, and cut fast food from her diet. She was thrilled when the scale showed she had lost six pounds -- in just two days!

Leigh Ann stayed on her weight loss track, thanks to the motivation and guidance from her personal counselors, Karen and Kim. It was easy to follow the straightforward L A Weight Loss plan, she says, and, with counseling three days a week, hard to cheat.

Soon it was time for her trip to Seattle. She clocked in at 278 pounds. She walked on the plane and had no problem fitting in the seat! Leigh Ann was so proud of herself, she couldn't wait to return and tell her L A Weight Loss counselors the news.

Leigh Ann continued eating healthy foods in the proper portions, and joined the YMCA to incorporate daily exercise into her lifestyle. She's now down by 101 pounds, and struts her new 197-pound figure everywhere she goes.

Her husband is also thrilled with her success. She never wore jeans around him until now, and he loves her in them!

With renewed energy, Leigh Ann also went back to college. She feels she has the freedom to soar to new heights. Fly high, Leigh Ann!

This is Leigh Ann before, at 298 pounds:



And here she is now, at 197 pounds and full of energy! Great job, Leigh Ann!



FAST FACTS

Name: Leigh Ann Penny
Hometown: New Albany, Ind.
Age: 42
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 298 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 197 pounds
Program start date: May 15, 2006

Favorite food: Egg whites and steamed vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Krispy Kreme donuts.

Biggest motivator: To lose weight for her flight to Seattle.

Biggest obstacle: Being unable to move around a lot and get exercise when she was at her heaviest.

Old eating philosophy: Gorging on fast food.

New eating philosophy: Focusing on healthy foods, and enjoying sweets in a healthier way, such as chocolate cake with pumpkin filling.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to fit in the airplane seat when traveling to see her mom.

Best weight loss secret learned: Be honest with yourself and actively stick with the plan.

Soldier's wife gives extra weight its marching orders

Long-distance relationships are tough. Couples must navigate loneliness, different time zones, and travel costs, just to be with each another. Imagine, then, how difficult it becomes when one partner is in Iraq.

Elizabeth Diaz doesn't need to imagine -- she lived it. Her husband Ricky, a sergeant in the National Guard, was deployed to Iraq in November 2005, leaving Elizabeth to care for their two youngest children, ages 11 and 7.

Loneliness and stress soon caught up with her. Meals at fast-food restaurants became the norm, pushing Elizabeth to 268 pounds. That was a far cry from the slim 100 pounds Elizabeth weighed when she and Ricky dated over 26 years earlier.

Worse, Elizabeth's back, knees, and heels ached. She couldn't sleep well at night, which left her constantly exhausted. Then it dawned on her: If something happened to Ricky, she was not in the best condition to take care of her family. This convinced her to make her health a priority.

She didn't know where to begin, until she saw a segment on Good Morning America about Alisha Marigani. Alisha was a fellow military wife who had shed 113 pounds on the L A Weight Loss plan to surprise her husband when he returned home from Iraq.

Elizabeth called her local L A Weight Loss Center in Pueblo West, Colo., that day. Her vow: to reach her goal weight by the time Ricky came home on two-week leave in July.

Her personal counselors worked with Elizabeth every step of the way, teaching her how to make healthier choices on the fast food menus, and how to eat the proper portions at mealtimes. Elizabeth also incorporated exercise into her routine, walking one block farther each day, and eventually joining a gym.

By the end of her first week, Elizabeth had lost 10 pounds, and continued to lose at a rate of three pounds a week. By July, she had dropped 100 pounds (!!), and went from a size 26 to a size 12. It was time for Ricky to come home ... and for Elizabeth to reveal her new look.

But Ricky turned the tables on Elizabeth, recognizing her right away at the airport! Her beautiful smile gave her away :)

Now, Elizabeth has much more energy to spend on fun activities with Ricky, and no longer suffers from joint pain or lack of sleep. Even better, she feels years younger -- even as young as when she and Ricky first met! Now that's what I call a Valentine' Day present.

Here's Elizabeth with Ricky, weighing in at 268 pounds:



And here she is, a stunning 160 pounds, ready to wow her husband!



FAST FACTS

Name: Elizabeth Diaz
Hometown: Pueblo West, Colo.
Age: 44
Height: 5'5”

Starting weight: 268 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Starting date: Feb. 14, 2006

Favorite L A Weight Loss recipe: Grilled Chicken Pita.

Favorite food: Anything Italian!

Biggest temptation: Fast food.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to lose weight by the time her soldier husband came home on leave.

Biggest obstacle: Giving up soda and fast food.

Old eating philosophy: Relying on drive-thru windows and Super Size options for her meals.

New eating philosophy: Making healthier choices when dining out, and balancing her food groups.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting rid of her weight-related aches and sleeping problems, and restoring her energy and confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: You don't have to sacrifice your favorite foods. Rather, eat healthier versions of them in the right portions.

How a haircut changed Dortha Bridges's life

Some women struggle with weight all their lives, while others are spared the teasing heavy people get as children.

Dortha Bridges fits the latter category. A trim 118 pounds during high school, she started gaining weight at age 18 after giving birth to the first of her three children.

Dortha grew heavier with each pregnancy, hitting 140 pounds after the third one. The pressure of raising a young family didn't help. The young mom could easily eat an entire bag of cookies and a pint of ice cream in one sitting.

Then her husband lost his job in 1987, forcing Dortha to work in the fast food industry. Shortly thereafter, her daughter became pregnant at age 16. The additional stress sent Dortha’s weight soaring.

She thought it couldn’t get worse -- until her husband died from a heart condition in 2002. Dortha relied on comfort food to ease her depression. She soon reached 240 pounds, and suffered acid reflux and knee pain.

Dortha tried several diets and workout programs, but gave up when she didn’t see any results. The situation looked hopeless. Then a routine trip to the hair salon turned into a lifeline when she noticed an L A Weight Loss center next door.

Dortha decided to try the program. She weighed in at 228 pounds in March 2005 and never looked back! Her personal L A Weight Loss counselors treated her like family, and taught her portion control and healthy eating choices.

This education made all the difference. Dortha dropped 78 pounds, and hit her 150-pound goal weight!! She also went from a size 22 to a size 12, looking 10 years younger and feeling like a 20-year-old.

The men have noticed her new confidence, too. Urged on by her children, Dortha entered the dating game again, and has found a new love who treats her like a queen. Not bad for a 53-year-old woman with five grandchildren!

Keep it going, Dortha! You are one sexy grandma!

Here is Dortha at 228 pounds:



And here she is at 150. Great work, Dortha!



FAST FACTS

Name: Dortha Bridges
Hometown: Wichita Falls, Texas
Age: 53
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 228 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 150 pounds
Program start date: March 2005

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Seeing other people’s reaction to her success, and receiving recognition.

Biggest obstacle: Eating to cope with stress.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted, whether it was healthy or not.

New eating philosophy: Knowing everything she puts in her mouth has consequences.

Best thing about losing weight: Being healthy and feeling great.

Best weight loss secret learned: Portion control is habitual.

Texas woman leans by example

"Monkey see, monkey do" usually means you're up to no good. But for Arianna Chavez, following someone's example was the key to a successful pound-pinching program.

Weight had been a problem for Arianna her entire life, eventually pushing her to 307 pounds at age 27. She struggled with her self-confidence, and didn't want to exercise in public. And she hated having to wear plus-size, frumpy, and unfashionable clothes at a young age.

Then she saw her overweight friend Leslie lose over 50 pounds with L A Weight Loss. That inspired her to sign up at her local San Antonio, Texas, L A Weight Loss center, in hopes of similar success.

Arianna's personal counselors worked with her diligently to help achieve her weight loss goals. They taught Arianna it's not only what you eat, but how much you eat, and kept her accountable for her meal choices.

Portion control became a central focus of Arianna's new eating habits. She switched from super-sized burgers to lean fish, vegetables, and fruit. Plus, she and her cousin cooked healthy, balanced meals together, and constantly encouraged and supported each other.

The results were stellar: Arianna shed over 154 pounds in a year!! Now she happily passes by the plus-size section, and wears contemporary fashions. She goes to the gym two to three times per week, too.

Even better, losing weight has improved Arianna's health, attitude, and relationships. Today, she loves the way she looks and feels, thanks to having the tools and inspiration to change her life. Way to go, Arianna!

Here's Arianna weighing in at 307 pounds:



Check her out now at almost half her size, looking smoking in a black dress!



FAST FACTS

Name: Arianna Chavez
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Age: 28
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 307 pounds
Goal weight: 147 pounds
Current weight: 153 pounds
Program start date: Feb. 2, 2006

Favorite food: Her homemade ground turkey salad.

Biggest temptation: French fries.

Biggest motivator: Her best friend Leslie.

Biggest obstacle: Learning how to cook.

Old eating philosophy: Eating on the run.

New eating philosophy: Planning meals ahead.

Best thing about losing weight: Having a lot more energy and feeling better every day.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink lots of water! It can really make a big difference in your weight loss journey.

Weight Loss 145: One college student's crash course in shedding pounds

Often, college life means saying goodbye to good ol' home cookin', and saying hello to less-than-healthy dining hall food. But what happens when the convenience of grabbing a burger becomes routine, and cooking a well-balanced meal becomes rare?

Like most people in this situation, Paige Morgan gained weight. As a full-time college student, and a hostess working close to 30 hours per week, Paige regularly found herself dining on fast food in her school's cafeteria.

When her weight tipped the scales at 308 pounds, Paige knew it was time to do something about it. She took a semester off from school to get her weight on track.

In September 2005, Paige joined her local L A Weight Loss center in Rainbow, Ala., with her grandmother, who was determined to do everything she could to support Paige in her weight-loss challenge -- even if it meant losing weight herself.

Paige had tried other weight loss programs before, but nothing worked. She needed the face-to-face support that she could only find at L A Weight Loss -- and it worked wonders!

With constant encouragement, Paige's personal L A Weight Loss counselors helped her overcome eating temptations and challenges. They also helped her adapt her diet to include healthy meals and lots of fish, and taught her the effectiveness of portion control.

Less than two years after joining L A Weight Loss, Paige weighs nearly half her size! At 163 pounds, she now enjoys the life of a 23-year-old with gusto.

She is happier, has more confidence, and constantly discovers new things about herself. One such revelation: a love for cooking, which has inspired Paige to enroll in culinary school.

And thanks to the determination she learned through her experience with L A Weight Loss, Paige feels she can accomplish anything! You're cooking with gas now, Paige -- way to go!

Here's Paige at a hefty 308 pounds:



Here she is 145 pounds lighter, ready to light up the stoves at culinary school!



FAST FACTS

Name: Paige Morgan
Hometown: Southside, Ala.
Age: 23

Starting weight: 308 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 163 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: School cafeteria food.

Biggest motivator: Her grandmother, who lost weight with her on the program.

Biggest obstacle: Hanging out with her thin classmates.

Old eating philosophy: Dining on pizza and hamburgers in her school cafeteria.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthy frozen meals and seafood.

Best thing about losing weight: Inspiring a friend to lose weight on the program.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat some of your favorite foods while losing weight!

Dedicated golfer scores a hole in one with weight loss

Golf is a game of patience, dedication, and technique -- the same qualities that help a person lose weight.

That's what Joni Dye will tell you. An avid golfer for the past 20 years, Joni barely noticed the pounds she started packing on in her early fifties.

So she was shocked when she saw a picture of herself in a bathing suit -- weighing 160 pounds -- from a vacation in Hawaii. That's when she knew she wanted to change her body and health.

Joni had tried dieting before on different programs, but had no success. Then she visited her local L A Weight Loss center in Madison, Wis., and discovered her ideal method for losing weight.

While Joni used to frequently dine on fast foods, fried chicken, and mozzarella sticks (her favorite snack), L A Weight Loss helped her reshape her diet to include less junk and more fresh produce.

Plus, with individual support from her personal L A Weight Loss counselor, she learned proper portion control. This let her still eat the foods she loved, while watching the pounds disappear.

Her results were certainly below par: Joni dropped from 160 pounds to 135 pounds in 12 weeks! And in the process, she rediscovered her youthful zest.

Joni now has the energy she needs to golf three times a week, and also act as president and treasurer for a local youth program called the Madison Metro Youth Golf Initiative. This unique program offers disadvantaged kids golf lessons from professional golfers, in addition to academic mentoring.

Best of all, Joni has learned that challenges faced on the golf course might appear off the green, too. And in either case, you need patience and determination to swing at whatever life throws at you.

Thanks for driving that lesson home, Joni!! You're living proof it works :)

Here's a 160-pound Joni on vacation with her husband:



And here she is at 135 pounds -- slim, stunning, and ready to swing away on the golf course!



FAST FACTS

Name: Joni Dye
Hometown: Madison, Wis.
Age: 58
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 160 pounds
Goal weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 135 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Chicken.

Biggest temptation: Dark chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Knowing she is going to be in the public eye with her youth golf program, and wanting to look good for it.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting deep fried chicken and the temptation to eat rich foods.

Old eating philosophy: Seeing food and eating it.

New eating philosophy: Eating only in moderation.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more energy, more zest, and a better look!

Best weight loss secret learned: Be able to recognize and judge the right portion sizes.

Milking dairy for all its nutritional worth

Dairy is packed with a lot of vitamins and minerals -- including calcium, protein, and vitamin A -- necessary for good health and a balanced diet. Dairy foods can also help reduce risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.

Despite all these benefits, however, many Americans don't get the FDA-recommended daily dose of three servings. Common reasons: Dairy can be high in fat and calories, people are lactose intolerant, or they just don't like how dairy foods taste.

Fortunately, there are ways to get around these negatives and get your dairy. And since it's National Dairy Month, there's no better time to take a good look at your dairy consumption, and see if you're getting the right amount from the right foods.

My colleague Janelle and I gave Jennifer Simmons, L A Weight Loss's Director of Nutrition, a ring the other day to dish on dairy. She also directed us to a couple L A Lite recipes that offer a good dose of dairy nutrition (included here).

So take a listen, and take the advice and recipes with you on your next grocery trip!



Chocolate Crunch Banana Parfait

2 cups skim milk
1 pkg. (4 serving) fat-free, sugar-free chocolate pudding dry mix
2 small bananas, sliced
40 peanuts, crushed

Place milk into medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the pudding mix. Spoon half of the pudding mixture into 4 dessert glasses. Divide the banana, nuts, and remaining pudding evenly among the glasses. Place in refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.

Servings: 4
Serving size: 1 parfait



Tiramisu-Rice Dessert

1 cup long grain rice
2 1/2 cups skim milk
1 Tbsp. instant coffee granules
2 cups frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
3/4 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
1/2 cup artificial sweetener
2 Tbsp. coffee liqueur
Unsweetened cocoa

In a medium saucepan, combine rice, milk, and coffee granules. Stir occasionally until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer; cover and cook 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

In a large bowl, combine rice mixture, whipped topping, ricotta cheese, artificial sweetener, and liqueur. Mix well. Spoon into individual serving dishes or medium-size serving bowl. Sift cocoa over rice mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Servings: 8
Serving size: 1 cup

Everything's bigger in Texas -- except the Wells

Bigger is better, right? Not when it's your body that keeps getting larger.

Just ask Larry and Dixie Wells of Sherman, Texas. They know what it's like to live an out-sized life, and suffer the health consequences.

The couple had long been regulars at the local dance hall, getting in four solid hours of exercise every Saturday night. But in 1996, Larry had a series of surgeries that caused great trauma to his spine. This put him in a wheelchair, where he slowly gained weight, eventually hitting 360 pounds.

Then the dance hall closed, leaving Dixie without her dancing partner or steady exercise. She began struggling with her weight, too, and soon passed the 200-pound mark.

The Wells also battled other health issues. Larry had severe diabetes, and took five pills daily to rein in his skyrocketing blood sugar.

In addition, he had to do sliding board transfers to get from his bed to his wheelchair, or from his wheelchair to the shower bench. But moving the excess weight caused pain in his shoulders, and limited his mobility.

Meanwhile, Dixie took a cholesterol tablet every day to combat her high cholesterol, yet her numbers never improved. She also experienced significant pain in her back, hips, and feet -- enough to draw tears.

The couple knew they had to shed the pounds, or face a lifetime of misery and declining health. They tried to lose the weight on their own through various diet programs. But after a year had passed -- and Dixie gained 25 more pounds -- they decided to get help.

They went to their local L A Weight Loss center in July 2005, and teamed up with personal counselor Paula Terri to develop a healthy meal plan. She taught them how to eat in the correct portions, and strike the right balance of vegetables, fruit, lean protein, and carbs.

The Wells adjusted some family recipes to fit the L A Weight Loss plan without sacrificing taste. One of their favorite dinners: vegetable pizza on a reduced fat crescent roll crust with a light cream cheese spread.

Plus, Dixie joined an exercise club, going at least three times to use the treadmill and elliptical machines.

Thanks to these lifestyle changes, the pounds melted away. Within a year, Larry dropped from a size 3X to size L, weighing in at 238 pounds -- over 120 pounds lighter! And Dixie now sports a size 14 (instead of size 22) on her new 158-pound frame.

The difference in their health is even more dramatic. Larry is down to half a diabetes pill daily, and has to watch out for low blood sugar, while Dixie's high cholesterol is almost non-existent.

Plus, it's much easier for Larry to transfer between his bed, chair, and shower. Sometimes he doesn't even use the board, and holds himself up in the shower. And weighing 87 pounds less makes Dixie's feet, back, and hips much happier, too.

Best of all, the couple loves looking and feeling better, and having the energy to enjoy life -- the true definition of wellness. Terrific work, Larry and Dixie!

Here's the couple at 360 and 234 pounds, respectively:



And here's Larry at 238 pounds riding toward his 200-pound goal weight ...



... while Dixie struts her stuff at 158 pounds!! Talk about a job "Wells" done!



FAST FACTS

Name: Larry Wells
Hometown: Sherman, Texas
Age: 59
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 360 pounds
Goal weight: 200 pounds
Current weight: 238 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Craw fish.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to sit comfortably in a chair, and breathe more easily.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding party food at work.

Old eating philosophy: Cleaning his plate.

New eating philosophy: Choosing healthy foods in the right portion.

Best thing about losing weight: Relieving stress on his body.

Best weight loss secret learned: The right foods in the right amounts are the key to success.



Name: Dixie Wells
Hometown: Sherman, Texas
Age: 59
Height: 5' 6 ½"

Starting weight: 234 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 158 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Lasagna.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate walnut fudge.

Biggest motivator: Looking in the mirror, and seeing the pounds come off.

Biggest obstacle: Saying no to ice cream.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever looked good.

New eating philosophy: Enjoying the taste and freshness of healthy food.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling and looking 10 years younger.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eating balanced meals three times a day in the proper portions helps the pounds drop off.

Yvonne Perozzo schools herself on a new lifestyle

The loss of a loved one can have debilitating effects. It can sap the motivation to live life at its fullest, and cause deep depression. One self-prescribed treatment: turning to food for comfort.

That’s exactly what Yvonne Perozzo did when her husband died three years ago. Alone and sad, the elementary school custodian from Pasco, Wash., ate continuously until she weighed herself in June 2005.

Her scale, which went as high as 300 pounds, nearly hit the top, registering a staggering 287 pounds. That’s when she knew she needed to make a change -- or start weighing herself at truck stops.

In September 2005, Yvonne joined the L A Weight Loss center near her home for support and guidance. She began dropping the pounds right away -- nine in the first week alone!

She loved the program because she could prepare her own meals and not rely on TV dinners. Through portion control and eating the right foods, Yvonne transformed her body and her lifestyle.

Now, she eats only dinner when she gets home from work, and snacks on healthy vegetables during the day. The best part: Yvonne doesn’t feel like she’s missing anything from her diet, and doesn’t even crave cheesecake like she used to. Plus, her co-workers and students keep telling her how amazing she looks.

After less than two years on the program, Yvonne has lost an incredible 120 pounds, and is in reach of her 150-pound goal weight! She feels alive again, and can walk up hills and work in the garden without feeling winded. Her new life includes joining a gym and working with a trainer to increase her upper body strength.

Amazing job, Yvonne! Keep up the good work!

Here is Yvonne at an whopping 287 pounds.



Now look at her at a trim 167 pounds! Awesome!



FAST FACTS

Name: Yvonne Perozzo
Hometown: Pasco, Wash.
Age: 54

Starting weight: 287 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 167 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Cheesecake.

Biggest temptation: Sweets and desserts.

Biggest motivator: Flying to Italy without needing a seat-belt extender.

Biggest obstacle: Overcoming depression.

Old eating philosophy: Snacking from when she got home until she went to bed.

New eating philosophy: Eating the proper amounts of vegetables and dairy products.

Best thing about losing weight: Seeing how friends and family react to her transformation.

Best weight loss secret learned: Use all the advice you get. It’s the best way to reach your goal.

Update: Disney-loving dad rides to weight loss success

Since we last checked in on John Lay, he has continued to shed the pounds -- 13, to be exact.

This brings him a mere three pounds away from his new goal weight of 230 pounds. That's a total of 170 pounds lost!

His experience with L A Weight Loss has taught John that losing weight requires a lifestyle change, not just a diet. He also values the freedom his weight loss has given him.

John now feels he truly "fits" into life -- from plane seats, to smaller clothes, to his favorite rides at Disney World. And he looks great, too ;)

Keep up the awesome work, John, and let us know when you hit that goal!

FAST FACTS

Name: John Lay
Hometown: Bowling Green, Ky.
Age: 45
Height: 6'2"

Starting weight: 402 pounds
Goal weight: 230 pounds
Current weight: 233 pounds
Program start date: January 2005

Favorite food: BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.

Biggest temptation: Sweets, pies, and desserts.

Biggest motivator: Getting fees back from L A Weight Loss for a year of weight maintenance.

Biggest obstacle: Increasing his exercise.

Old eating philosophy: Eating until he was full, then eating more.

New eating philosophy: Eating only what his body needs, not what his body wants.

Best thing about losing weight: Seeing how far he's come, and fitting into smaller seats and clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Follow guidelines for portion control, and regularly exercise. Just stick with it!

Graduate student earns top honors for weight loss

Many people are born leaders. Others are born athletes. But some folks are born heavy.

That was the case with Michelle Dumas. She arrived in this world at a hefty nine and a half pounds -- and went up from there. As the only overweight person in a family of athletes, she hit 201 pounds at age 12, with no energy for physical activities.

Michelle continued this inactivity into her college years, adding poor eating habits to the mix. She frequented the local hamburger joint, and relied on quick, easy, processed foods -- like fried chicken, hot pockets, and cheese puffs -- to get her through the day. By the time she graduated, she weighed a scale-tipping 391 pounds.

Then tragedy struck. Right after Michelle earned her bachelor's degree and was preparing to start her master's, her father died from diabetes complications. With the disease running on both sides of her family, Michelle knew she had to act quickly, or risk losing her life too.

Her new goal: lose 230 pounds -- more than half her size. But she needed help to do it. After trying other weight loss programs and supplements without success, she decided to join the L A Weight Loss center in Nashville after seeing it work for some of her acquaintances.

There, she teamed up with her personal L A Weight Loss counselor, who helped her plan healthy, easily prepared meals. Michelle saw immediate results, losing five pounds in the first three days, and 10 pounds in the first week!

When she got down to 230 pounds, Michelle also started exercising. Four to five times a week, she'd hit the treadmill, the elliptical machine, and the weights to cut inches and tone her body.

It was this combo of diet and exercise that helped Michelle lose 97 pounds by the time she completed graduate school. But she kept on going. Her grand total over two years: nearly 200 pounds! This puts her at a fit 195 -- a mere 30 pounds away from her goal weight!!

Weight loss has made a tremendous difference in Michelle's life. She now has the confidence and energy to attend networking events, socialize with friends, and shop for new clothes.

Michelle especially sees the difference in her career, where looking more professional has created more opportunities for her to advance, and make full use of her graduate degree.

Way to kick those pounds to the curb, Michelle! And good luck on the last leg of your weight loss journey!

Here's Michelle sporting a bit more than the usual freshman 15:



And here she is fully matriculated from the school of weight loss. Way to go, Michelle!



FAST FACTS

Name: Michelle Dumas
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Age: 30
Height: 5' 9½"

Starting weight: 391 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 195 pounds
Program start date: January 17, 2005

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Peanut butter.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to reduce her chances for developing diabetes.

Biggest obstacle: Being around other people who ate unhealthily.

Old eating philosophy: Indulging in pizza, fast food, Doritos, and anything with cheese.

New eating philosophy: Enjoying healthier foods, including eggplant, cabbage, broccoli, bananas, and apples.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling healthy and energetic.

Best weight loss secret learned: Avoid eating carbs at night.

One eye-opening photo sheds 148 pounds

Every picture tells a story.

For Keshia Gilbert, family photos taken for her church congregation tell the story of a young woman who was teased about her weight her entire life. Kids made jokes, snickered behind her back, and whispered as she walked down school corridors.

Doctors told her she needed to lose weight, but she had a hard time putting that instruction into action. She continued to eat whatever she wanted -- Pop Tarts, fried foods, bread and butter -- and couldn’t keep away from her grandmother’s homestyle fried chicken, bread, and desserts.

By age 27, she weighed 293 pounds. Keshia knew she had to do something about her weight before she contracted the high blood pressure and diabetes that ran in her family.

Then she saw those church pictures again. They opened her eyes to the serious issue she had to deal with: obesity.

Keshia finally walked into the Hickery, N.C., L A Weight Loss center in February 2005, where she worked with counselor Debbie Kiser to learn portion control and how to incorporate healthy foods into her diet.

She started slowly, losing two pounds her first week. But by cooking grilled chicken, eating green salads, and resisting grandma’s home cooking, she was able to shed pounds. Today she is at her goal weight of 145 pounds!

Keshia is more outgoing and her confidence is higher than ever. She loves to shop for new clothes, and tries on things that she wouldn’t dare wear when she was heavier. She's comfortable going out to dinner, and on amusement park rides with friends.

Keshia just wants to enjoy life, and she's certainly earned it! Congrats Keshia!

Here is Keshia at her worst, nearly 300 pounds:



Wow! Look how she’s changed! Here's the 145-pound Keshia:



FAST FACTS

Name: Keshia Gilbert
Hometown: Vale, N.C.
Age: 28
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 293 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: Feb. 16, 2005

Favorite food: Chicken salad.

Biggest temptation: Sweets and bread.

Biggest motivator: Preventing high blood pressure and diabetes.

Biggest obstacle: Getting stuck at a weight loss plateau.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Enjoying three healthy meals and two to three snacks a day.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more energy and confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can actually eat a lot of (healthy and low calorie!) food and still lose weight.

Christine Cortez is pretty in pink --- and a size 8

“I enjoy being a girl!” These well-known song lyrics capture the essence of femininity: shopping, clothes swapping, sisterhood. But when weight gets in the way, especially for young women, girliness isn't so fun.

For Christine Cortez, it was never fun. A chubby child, she grew into an overweight high-schooler who kept to herself, and never joined any activities.

Instead, she ate ... and ate and ate. It didn't help when people told Christine she'd be prettier if she lost weight. Shopping with her mom and sister depressed her, too, because they could easily find and swap clothes for their slender frames, while Christine couldn't fit into anything -- not even her usual size 14 pants.

The worst part: Christine didn't feel like a girl. Her only style was wearing jeans and big T-shirts. And she didn’t feel comfortable in public, thinking that people judged her for being overweight. These insecurities made Christine unhappy, and kept her from bonding with her mother and sister.

Finally, at one of her checkups, her doctor shared sobering news: At 180 pounds, Christine was overweight for her age (21) and height (5 feet), which increased her hereditary risks for high blood pressure and diabetes.

Christine knew it was time to lose weight. She tried various weight loss programs and metabolism boosters, but didn't like the way they made her feel. Then she noticed an L A Weight Loss center in her area, and decided to sign up.

There, Christine worked with personal L A Weight Loss counselors who taught her to eat several smaller meals throughout the day, and balance her diet with healthier choices. With their support and encouragement, Christine swapped fast food for more lean protein, fruit, vegetables, and water.

She built exercise into her routine, too. Soon, the girl who couldn't even jog without losing her breath was going to the gym at least three times a week, walking everywhere, and choosing stairs over the elevator.

Thanks to this powerful diet and exercise combo, Christine shed 50 pounds (!!!), and dropped to a size 8/10. She no longer worries if clothes will fit, and loves shopping with her mother and sister for flirty, girly outfits.

But Christine's change goes deeper than her wardrobe. With the extra weight gone, her self-esteem and confidence are sky-high. And she is much closer to her family, who is proud of her accomplishment.

The weight loss has also made Christine more outgoing, energetic, and active. She joins her friends on road trips, makes weekend plans, and plays sports. No wonder people say she glows!

Great work, Christine! Enjoy being a girl :)

Here's the before Christine on the left, chilling with a gal pal:



And here she is, 50 pounds lighter, and ready to hit the mall! Way to go, Christine!



FAST FACTS

Name: Christine Cortez
Hometown: Killeen, Texas
Age: 21
Height: 5'0

Starting weight: 180 pounds
Goal weight: 125 pounds
Current weight: 132 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Korean cuisine.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Becoming more involved with her family, and bonding with her parents.

Biggest obstacle: Riding the roller coaster of emotions while losing weight.

Old eating philosophy: Eating rice with nearly every meal.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthier, organic food in moderation, and drinking more water and juices.

Best thing about losing weight: Boosting her energy, confidence, and social skills, and enjoying shopping again!

Best weight loss secret learned: Control your food so it doesn't control you. Also, follow the program, and call on the counselors for support. They are there for you.

Dedicated mom finds the prescription to health and happiness

Pregnancy means eating for two, right? Wrong. Thinking you can eat whatever you want is a common misconception for many mothers-to-be.

Zoorina Davis found that out the hard way. She never struggled with weight until her first pregnancy, when she packed on 60 pounds and reached an all-time high of 246 pounds. Then, Zoorina became so absorbed with taking care of her baby that she didn't take care of herself.

When she was pregnant a second time, Zoorina put on weight again. She would regularly dine on fatty foods, using her pregnancy as an excuse for eating poorly.

To make matters worse, her husband traveled often for his job. This prompted Zoorina to turn to food for comfort when she was lonely or overwhelmed with caring for her children.

Then came the last straw. In 2003, Zoorina underwent surgery to remove her failing gall bladder, which was also causing kidney problems, as a result of her weight.

After surgery, Zoorina gained another 20 pounds. She was depressed and concerned about her health. Her physician filled out a prescription: "Go to weight loss center."

Zoorina had tried dieting before, but without success. So when she joined L A Weight Loss, she was afraid she wouldn't meet her goals -- again.

But this time, one-on-one support from her personal L A Weight Loss counselors made the difference. They transformed her diet by teaching her to eat five to six small meals a day.

Zoorina also learned that whipping up a healthy meal with chicken or fish was easier than she thought. And whenever she needed something sweet, she indulged in an L A Lite bar.

Her counselors also helped Zoorina get on a regimented exercise program, where she worked out five times a week.

Thanks to these lifestyle changes, Zoorina now weighs 156 pounds, and is well on her way to her goal weight of 136 pounds!

Better yet, Zoorina's healthy example has inspired her entire family to adopt her eating and exercise habits. Her most important lesson for her kids: If Mom can overcome a huge challenge, then they can too.

Losing weight has definitely changed Zoorina's life. She's more active with her husband and children, and enjoys her newfound self-confidence. Way to go, Zoorina -- you look fantastic!

Here's Zoorina at 246 pounds with two of her biggest weight-loss supporters:



And here she is 90 pounds lighter in her first little red dress! Talk about a 'Lady in Red!' Hot stuff!



FAST FACTS

Name: Zoorina Davis
Hometown: Higley, Ariz.
Age: 31
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 236 pounds
Goal weight: 136 pounds
Current weight: 156 pounds
Program start date: July 4, 2006

Favorite food: Pizza, salad, and chicken.

Biggest temptation: Chowing down on chocolate bars.

Biggest motivator: Her children and husband.

Biggest obstacle: Overcoming her own discouraging fears of "I'm not losing enough" or "I'm not losing it quickly enough."

Old eating philosophy: Eating for comfort.

New eating philosophy: Eating to refuel her body, so she has more energy for more activities.

Best thing about losing weight: Seeing her husband's face -- especially when she dresses up!

Best weight loss secret learned: Use plateau breakers to keep losing the pounds. For example, for two days just eat fish, greens, and honeydew melon to break the plateau. It works!

Former tennis coach wins weight battle, game, set, and match

Many of us go through life in total control of our health. We eat right, exercise, and stay active. But then an unforeseen event happens that sends us over the edge. Suddenly, we can't find the motivation to stay healthy.

That's exactly what happened to Cheryl Chenet. A former physical education teacher at York College, City University of New York, and former coach of the men's tennis team, she had always been able to control her weight.

Then, five years ago, tragedy struck. Her husband of 38 years succumbed to colon cancer. She eventually turned to food for comfort and increased her weight to 248 pounds, which increased her blood pressure.

She soon needed spinal surgery to repair nerves crushed from supporting too much weight. Cheryl persevered through six weeks of healing, but soon her aches and pains returned. It was then that Cheryl's doctor told her to lose weight.

Cheryl decided to join the Raleigh, N.C., L A Weight Loss Center. Dieting wasn't new to her, but other diets she tried didn't work for her. She wanted a lifestyle change, and that's exactly what L A Weight Loss offered.

Cheryl's desire and determination were matched with the support from her one-on-one L A Weight Loss counselors. She cut out sugar and salt, and replaced her chips and chocolate cravings with Jell-o, unsalted nuts, and other low-fat snacks.

Since starting L A Weight Loss 14 months ago, Cheryl has shed 84 pounds (!), surpassing her goal weight by six pounds.

At 164 pounds, Cheryl has gained back her self confidence, and has the energy and motivation to keep in shape with water aerobics three times a week. And with her weight down, Cheryl is off almost all of her blood pressure and cholesterol medications!

Great job, Cheryl!

Here's Cheryl at 248 pounds before her lifestyle change:



And here she at a stunning 164 pounds!



FAST FACTS:

Name: Cheryl Chenet
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Age: 59
Height: 5'4½"

Starting weight: 248 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 164 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Lamb chops and steak.

Biggest temptation: Giving into her sweet tooth with pastries.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the pounds come off.

Biggest obstacle: Attending social events where junk food is served.

Old eating philosophy: Eating a little bit of everything. It adds up!

New eating philosophy: Staying balanced and being aware of what she eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good about herself and how she looks.

Best weight loss secret learned: Food doesn't have to be sweet or salty to taste good. The secret to weight loss lies in smaller portions.

Carb addict finds the way to stay on the wagon

Addictions are powerful forces. Often they're so strong, you just give in. But when you give in again and again, you can fall deeper into despair, as Julie Grey did when she became addicted to carbs.

After Julie's parents divorced when she was five, her grandmother smothered her with love -- and food. She began gaining weight, which continued into adolescence and adulthood.

By the time she wed her husband Phillip in 1998, Julie weighed 200 pounds. A year later when she graduated dental school, she was up to 230 pounds. And after having two children, her weight ballooned to 282 pounds.

Her weakness: carbs. Any kind, any way. Pasta with creamy Alfredo sauce. Macaroni and cheese. Rice and gravy.

She tried almost a dozen diets to get over her carb cravings. None worked. She would lose a few pounds, but couldn't maintain weight loss. With obesity bearing down on her, she had little self-confidence and no energy to keep up with her rambunctious toddlers.

Julie's life was filled with a loving family and a great profession, but something was still missing: love for herself. Without that, Julie continued her old eating habits -- until she found L A Weight Loss.

She joined the Nashville L A Weight Loss center in October 2005. When reviewing her eating habits with her personal weight loss counselor, Julie said, "I love rice." Her counselor responded, "Well, rice does not love you."

So, working with her counselor, Julie started eating more chicken and vegetables, and cutting back on carbs. She acquired a new appetite for low-carb meals and lean proteins, and the weight started coming off.

She also began walking 30 minutes a day, four days per week. She soon took up Pilates, and added aerobics to her exercise routine.

Julie dropped 132 pounds and is down to 150 pounds! The takeaway: She has found self-confidence and self-love, and has the energy to move forward with her life.

Julie can say with absolute certainty, she will never be obese again! Way to go, Julie!

Here is Julie, at a carb-crazy 282 pounds:



And check out the carbs-under-control Julie now, at 150 pounds. Looking great, Julie!!



FAST FACTS

Name: Julie Grey
Hometown: Franklin, Tenn.
Age: 37

Starting weight: 282 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 150 pounds
Program start date: October 2005

Favorite food: Rice.

Biggest temptation: Carbs and creamy sauces.

Biggest motivator: Finding self-love.

Biggest obstacle: Limiting her favorite carbs.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming lots of pasta with alfredo sauce, macaroni and cheese, rice, and creamy gravies.

New eating philosophy: Revising her diet to include more lean proteins and less carbs.

Best thing about losing weight: Loving herself and the way she looks.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stick with your weight loss plan -- it's the best thing for you, and worth the effort!

Let's making shopping fun again

It's hard to keep up with the latest fashions. But for some people, it's even harder to fit into them.

For Kathy Alexander, the search for the right size became the search for a new life. At 238 pounds, not only couldn't she wear trendy clothes, but she had trouble bending over to paint her toenails.

She felt terrible. A lover of fashion, Kathy knew which clothes looked good. The problem was, they didn't look good on her. That's when she knew she needed to lose weight and change her life.

Leaning on her family for support, Kathy tried dieting, but struggled to shed pounds. Then she tried L A Weight Loss.

Kathy's L A Weight Loss program helped her realize the accountability in eating, while still enjoying her favorite foods. Her secret was incorporating portion control into her daily eating regimen, and balancing her diet with fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.

And the enthusiasm from Kathy's one-on-one counselor, and the entire L A Weight Loss staff, kept her on track.

After a year on the program, Kathy lost 75 pounds -- and dropped from a size 22 to an incredible size 6! Now, at 163 pounds, she says the program saved her life. And she's thankful she can now play with her grandchildren, and has enough energy to work in her yard.

The best part about being thinner: the freedom to wear smaller, trendier clothes, and know she looks good. Kathy celebrates her new-found self-confidence and energy by shopping until she drops!! Great job, Kathy.

Here's Kathy looking not-so-comfy on the couch at 238 pounds:



And here she is 75 pounds lighter and ready for the runway! Way to go, Kathy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kathy Alexander
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Age: 54
Height: 5'2½"

Starting weight: 238 pounds
Goal weight: 163 pounds
Current weight 163 pounds
Program start date: June 2004

Favorite L A Weight Loss recipe: Pork Tenderloin and Peppers.

Favorite food: Chicken and pizza.

Biggest temptation: Digging into chocolate ice cream.

Biggest motivators: Living longer to see her grandchildren grow up.

Biggest obstacle: Eating during the holidays, especially Christmas.

Old eating philosophy: Treating herself to cake, cookies, candy, potato chips, and fried chicken.

New eating philosophy: Cooking up new recipes with broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and grilled fish.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself and wearing a smaller size.

Best weight loss secret learned: Learn how to control your portions and incorporate your favorite foods into your diet. It's as simple as that!