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!