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!