Alabama sister scales back sibling rivalry

Sibling rivalry is a natural part of growing up. Brothers and sisters try to outdo one another in almost any way possible.

For Theresa Coplin of Trussville, Ala., sibling rivalry focused on weight. Her sister was slender her whole life, but the same couldn't be said of Theresa.

She struggled with weight since she got married at age 19. She didn't eat correctly or exercise much. She often fried her foods, and opted for starches and red meat instead of fresh fruit or vegetables.

The pounds piled on. Theresa quickly became fatigued after short walks. Her blood pressure and cholesterol were high, and her doctor put her on three medications to correct them. She also got lower back pain from standing too long, and snored at night.

Theresa lost the energy and enthusiasm to go out and socialize. Instead, she curled up on the couch at the end of the day and watched TV. Meanwhile, her sister remained thin. Theresa knew that if she focused and tried hard, she could look like her sister too.

When she reached 218 pounds, Theresa knew if she didn't do something about her weight, the pounds would continue to add up. She decided to turn to L A Weight Loss, which was located in the same shopping center as her office.

She signed up one day after work, and starting changing her eating habits with the help of the personal weight loss counselors and nutrition experts. Theresa learned how to eat a balanced diet of proteins, starches, dairy, fruits, and vegetables -- and enjoy the once-hated green beans! She also started grilling or baking food, instead of frying it.

During her weight loss, Theresa was able to stick with the L A Weight Loss plan because she could eat healthy foods she liked, and talk to her counselor one-on-one for personal guidance and motivation. Her doctor also encouraged her to stay on the plan.

Now, Theresa weighs 138 pounds -- the same as her sister! Her family is very proud of her, and she receives a lot of compliments on her new figure. Theresa's medical conditions have improved too, and she takes only one medication for high blood pressure -- a thrill for her doctor!

Theresa can also run and walk farther without getting out of breath. She wears more flattering clothes, and will soon be ready to flaunt her new body in a swimsuit. She continues to eat according to lessons learned at L A Weight Loss to keep the weight off.

Theresa knows she'll live a longer, healthier life now that her weight is under control. She says she wishes every overweight person would do what she did because they'd be much happier and healthier.

No truer words were spoken, Theresa! Great job!!

This is Theresa before, at 218 pounds:



And here's the new Theresa, looking fabulous at 138! Way to go, Theresa!



FAST FACTS

Name: Theresa Coplin
Hometown: Trussville, Ala.
Age: 54
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 218 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 138 pounds
Program start date: May 18, 2006

Favorite food: Bread.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate and peanut butter.

Biggest motivator: Seeing how thin her sister was, and wanting to get off medications.

Biggest obstacle: Eating too many starches and sweets.

Old eating philosophy: Munching all the time, whether she was hungry or not.

New eating philosophy: Eating smaller meals six times a day.

Best thing about losing weight: Receiving lots of compliments on how good she looks.

Best weight loss secret learned: Grill and bake instead of frying food.

Dave Crow dodges his date with destiny

Parents are probably the biggest role models in someone's life. As a child, you might have said things like, "I want to be just like Mom or Dad when I grow up."

But that's not always a good thing, especially when Mom or Dad has heart disease. That's what Dave Crow's father had, resulting in a heart attack and triple bypass surgery when he was 41. Dave was destined to be just like his father, as he increased his risk for heart disease by packing on extra weight throughout his life.

He regularly ate pizza, bread, mashed potatoes smothered in gravy, steak, and pork. He also hit the Wendy's drive-thru often for hamburgers and fries on the go.

Then Dave had shoulder surgery after sustaining an injury at work. Afterward, he wasn't as active, and gained 40 pounds.

Dave was up to 290 pounds, and felt handicapped. He had high blood pressure, and didn't have the energy or mobility to play with his three kids. He was about to turn 41 years old, and his doctor told him that if he didn't lose weight, he'd suffer his father's fate.

Dave tried several diets, but couldn't stick with them. He was seriously considering gastric bypass surgery.

But then his wife started the L A Weight Loss Program in October 2006, and soon saw results. Dave decided to join too, as a final attempt before bypass surgery.

At first, Dave thought it was just for women, but he says he was dead wrong! The L A Weight Loss plan was perfect for him. In fact, Dave's family now calls him "Diet Dave" because he never cheats on his weight loss plan. And it's easy to see why.

Dave still eats his favorite foods, but he's learned to control his intake. He now eats foods in proper portions and evenly throughout the day.

His new eating plan includes cereal with mixed berries in the morning; L A Lite bars, salads, and a healthy sandwich during the day; and steak with a baked potato or cous cous in the evening.

Dave says the support from his personal weight loss counselors kept him accountable and focused.

Just 30 weeks later, Dave is down to 176 pounds! He feels like a new person, and is more outgoing and confident. His family and friends love the new Dave too, and he's referred several coworkers and friends to the L A Weight Loss plan.

With the money he saved avoiding gastric bypass surgery, Dave bought a new boat! He and his family take it out about three times a week in Helena, Mont. Dave's golf game has also improved, now that he is more mobile and flexible.

But the real test came when he visited his doctor recently. The diagnosis? FANTASTIC! All of Dave's lab tests were normal, and he's no longer at risk for a heart attack. There's no doubt he'll be able to live a longer, healthier life, and spend more time with his family.

That sounds like a great role model to me! Congrats, Dave!

This is the before Dave, at 290 pounds:



And this is the new Dave, at a trim 176 pounds. Wow, great job, Dave!



FAST FACTS

Name: Dave Crow
Hometown: Belgrade, Mont.
Age: 41
Height: 5'11"

Starting weight: 290 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 176 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Steak and a baked potato.

Biggest temptation: Beer.

Biggest motivator: Himself.

Biggest obstacle: Fearing that he'll put the weight back on if he drinks too much beer.

Old eating philosophy: Eating until he's full.

New eating philosophy: Eating until he's satisfied, and then stopping.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling great.

Best weight loss secret learned: Enjoy everything in moderation.

Lynne Stradley scores a new goal

It's difficult to accomplish anything without a goal. Losing weight is no exception. Setting goals is crucial to weight loss success.

Lynne Stradley found that out firsthand. It all started after college when she got married and started packing on pounds. She became comfortable, didn't exercise much, and enjoyed eating whatever she wanted.

Lynne consumed pasta, breads, steaks, and gravies in large portions. And after giving birth to her son in 1987, she gained more weight. The scale soon spun to 270 pounds.

Then catastrophe struck Lynne and her son in 2005. Her son was driving the car; Lynne was in the passenger seat. They were stopped at a red light when another car came barreling from behind and slammed into them at 55 mph.

Lynne and her son survived, but suffered severe injuries. Lynne had nerve damage in her back, neck, and shoulders, making it extremely painful to walk. She was forced to remain stationary during much of her recovery, and gained nearly 35 pounds.

Lynne's health was the worse it had ever been. She had hypertriglyceridemia, borderline high blood pressure, and severe knee pain. When she was able to move again, she tried every diet in the book, but they were too difficult for her to follow and manage on her own.

Now Lynne was up to 312 pounds. She felt fatigued and discouraged, and was uncomfortable in public.

Her husband was very concerned, and finally broached the subject with her. He said he loved Lynne, but she needed to do something about her weight or it would kill her. The next day, Lynne made an appointment at the L A Weight Loss center in Jacksonville, Fla.

She was looking for a weight loss plan she could easily manage and also fit her lifestyle. Cookie-cutter style plans weren't for her. She needed to find the right foods that were healthy and would fulfill her weight loss goals.

That's just what she found at L A Weight Loss. Lynne learned how to eat healthy foods in the proper portions without feeling deprived of her favorite goodies. Now she thinks before she eats, and doesn't cook with as much butter or fat anymore.

The real test came when she went on a cruise to Belize, Mexico, and Grand Cayman with her husband over Memorial Day weekend this year. She had a ball, but she watched her food choices, exercised, ... and lost two pounds!

Lynne is now down to 197 pounds. That's 115 pounds gone! All her medical problems are better, and she feels more energetic. She can also buy normal-sized clothes, which are cheaper than the expensive plus-size clothing she had to wear at her heaviest.

She also goes to the YMCA and works out with a personal trainer. Lynne says it's really increased her endurance and stamina, and she can easily run laps. Plus, she feels so much better about herself, especially when people at church compliment her on her new figure.

Lynne owes her success to setting a goal, and working steadily toward it, no matter what obstacles lie in between. She says when you're losing weight, you're in it for the long haul -- just like anything else worthwhile in life.

It was certainly worthwhile, Lynne! Way to go!

Here's an unhappy Lynne before, at 312 pounds:



And here's Lynne after, at a smiling 197 pounds! Great job, Lynne! Keep up the fantastic work!



FAST FACTS

Name: Lynne Stradley
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Age: 52
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 312 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 197 pounds
Program start date: Sept. 20, 2006

Favorite food: Spaghetti or a good steak.

Biggest temptation: Fresh bread right out of the oven.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight.

Biggest obstacle: Making sure she has the willpower to keep going, even if she has a setback.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming whatever she wanted without moderation, including a lot of carbs, heavy gravy, and rich marbled meats.

New eating philosophy: Having everything in moderation, and knowing herself and what she can and cannot eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Becoming the thin person that her mind says she is.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you're getting hungry, but it's not time to eat, drink a big glass of water.

Sweet Adeline drops sweets, grabs the mic

Imagine standing on a stage under a hot spotlight. Your makeup is applied, your voice is warmed up, and you're ready to go -- but all you can think about is how heavy you look in your sequined costume.

That's what Bonnie Buffington of Billings, Mont., thought every time she stepped on stage with the Sweet Adelines, a women's barbershop group. The feeling was hardly new. Bonnie struggled with weight since she was a child, eating oversized portions and not getting enough exercise.

Then her mother passed away when she was 11. Food became Bonnie's comfort whenever she felt sad or alone. It didn't help later when she married a rancher, and became head cook for ALL the workers, plus her family of four.

Feeding six to 12 people, three times a day, required truckloads of pasta, bread, potatoes, pies, cakes, and sweets -- anything that could be made easily in huge quantities. And with so many mouths to feed, Bonnie rarely escaped the kitchen, and ended up eating big portions just like the ranchers.

Before long, Bonnie ballooned to 329 pounds. She became too embarrassed to take pictures with her family or Sweet Adeline group. And while her outside appearance was friendly and happy, deep down she had low self-esteem.

Bonnie tried several different diets, but lacked the discipline to make them stick. Then an L A Weight Loss center opened in her town, so she stopped in one day after work.

She was immediately impressed by personal counselor Heather, who was friendly, kind, and ready to help. Bonnie signed up right away, and committed herself to losing weight.

The counselors taught her how to eat a variety of food in the proper balance and portions, so Bonnie never felt deprived. Her new menu included fruit, vegetables, chicken, and steak. She started cooking differently too, and grilled or baked food instead of frying it.

Plus, weighing in every week reinforced her initial commitment, and kept her motivated to drop the pounds. She also added exercise to her routine, joining a women's gym and walking three times a week.

The powerful combination of diet and activity was the silver bullet: Bonnie lost a whopping 120 pounds in under two years!

Now, her positive attitude and self-esteem are sky-high. Bonnie draws on her newfound energy and happiness to enjoy time with her granddaughter, and go shopping with her daughters-in-law for bright outfits and jewelry.

The best part: She finally has the confidence to enjoy the limelight with her fellow Sweet Adelines -- two of whom also joined L A Weight Loss after seeing her success! Now that deserves a standing ovation. Keep up the great work, Bonnie!

Here's the rancher's wife at a not-so-jolly 329 pounds:



And look at her now at 209 pounds! Bravo, Bonnie!



FAST FACTS

Name: Bonnie Buffington
Hometown: Billings, Mont.
Age: 57
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 329 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 209 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Steak.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Seeing her weight drop.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding the junk food at parties, get-togethers, and BBQs.

Old eating philosophy: Eating everything around her.

New eating philosophy: Eating the healthy stuff, and drinking lots of water.

Best thing about losing weight: Having higher self-esteem.

Best weight loss secret learned: There are no secrets! Just stick to the program, and it will work.

Tanya Bailey gets a grip on 80 pounds

I've talked to many people who've struggled to lose weight, and one emotion seems to follow almost every one -- feeling like you have no control. It seems the weight just keeps packing on, no matter how hard you try to stop it.

Tanya Bailey of Durham, N.C., is a great example of this. She struggled with her weight since she was nine years old. Her doctor put her on a diet, and she lost 13 pounds.

But she gained weight in high school, and yo-yoed from there. Tanya didn't get involved in athletics in high school or college. Instead, she ate a lot of high-carb foods. And when she was stressed, Tanya would eat even more.

Then after getting divorced almost 10 years ago, she lost over 80 pounds. But she gained most of it back after meeting her current husband Tom and falling into a more comfortable, less vigilant routine.

She ate large potions of processed, sugary foods; breads; meat and potatoes; and Chinese and Mexican foods. Eventually, her weight soared to 248 pounds.

Tanya was very unhappy with her appearance. She couldn't control her weight, and didn't even recognize herself in one beach photo.

Then her sister had a baby, and Tanya knew she had to get serious about losing weight so she could be around to watch her niece grow.

Her brother-in-law recently joined L A Weight Loss and lost 80 pounds. Inspired by his success, Tanya decided to try L A Weight Loss, too.

Tanya cooks a lot more at home now, and watches her portions. She focuses her diet on chicken, turkey, salads, fresh vegetables, and a lot of water. When she eats out, she makes better choices and avoids high-calorie and high-fat entrees.

Tanya lost 80 pounds, and is now 168 pounds. She feels fabulous. She even wore a two-piece bathing suit this summer

Tanya says L A Weight Loss worked for her because the personal weight loss counselors supported and motivated her to keep going. Weighing in also made her accountable for what she ate, and maintain the plan as a way of life.

And she also couldn't have accomplished her goal without the constant support of her husband and family.

She can now walk into any store and wear regular-sized clothing. But she admits she needs some help deciding what looks good on her, now that she has so many new clothes to choose from!

Tanya is now planning on walking a half-marathon in December, and running one next October. She has much more energy to play with her niece, and feels happier, healthier, and in control of her life.

And it shows, Tanya! Way to go!

Here's Tanya before, topping out at 248 pounds:



And here's Tanya now, cool and confident and 168. Great job, Tanya!



FAST FACTS

Name: Tanya Watkins-Bailey
Hometown: Durham, N.C.
Age: 43
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 248 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 168 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Kashi Heart to Heart cereal.

Biggest temptation: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the numbers on the scale continue to drop.

Biggest obstacle: Getting lazy and deviating from the plan.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything if it tastes good.

New eating philosophy: Eating in moderation.

Best thing about losing weight: Having a new lease on life, and being determined to live longer and enjoy life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink a lot of water.

Judy hatches a plan for a healthier future

We all inherit features from our family gene pool -- height, eye color, nose shape, foot sizes ... the list goes on. But Judy Hatch got weight gain, too.

Judy’s family always loved country cooking in big portions. Her mom's calorie-dense specialties were fried chicken, pork, homemade desserts, and bread.

Judy carried those childhood eating habits into adulthood. Before long, she weighed a whopping 251 pounds, and couldn’t even climb a flight of stairs without getting winded. Worse, she became depressed whenever she saw her body in pictures.

Judy's unhappiness came to a head during Christmas 2002, when she saw a particularly unattractive snapshot of herself. This sixth-grade teacher from Louisville, Ky., finally had enough. She was so tired of carrying that extra weight that she thought she’d rather be dead than heavy.

Judy decided she needed structure in her diet to turn her life and health around. So she talked to the counselors at L A Weight Loss, and signed up for the program in January 2003. The personal counselors stuck with her the whole way, giving her guidance, support, and encouragement.

They also taught her a new way to eat. Judy learned to stay away from bread and desserts, instead eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, and fish. And when she dropped the first 50 pounds, Judy began ballroom dancing with her husband -- something she hasn’t done in nearly 35 years.

By April 2004, Judy reached her 138-pound goal weight -- and has been on maintenance ever since! Going from a size 24 to a size 10 has made shopping fun again, and helped her confidence skyrocket.

Judy also appreciates the constant love and support from her family. But it's the admiring looks she now gets from friends and acquaintances that really motivate her to keep going. Way to go, Judy!

Here’s Judy at 251 pounds in the holiday photo that changed her life:



And here she is at 138 pounds one Christmas later, with her husband. Happy Holidays, indeed!



FAST FACTS

Name: Judy Hatch
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Age: 57
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 251 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 158 pounds
Program start date: January 2003

Favorite food: Bread.

Biggest temptation: Bread.

Biggest motivator: Looking in the mirror.

Biggest obstacle: Comforting herself with food when stressed or worried.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever made her feel good.

New eating philosophy: Eating what makes her happy -- apples, pineapples, and smoothies with skim milk and fresh fruit.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling like she is living life again.

Best weight loss secret learned: Make yourself wait, have patience, and think before you eat.

Cancer survivor gets a new life with a new weight

No one ever wants to hear their doctor say cancer. But being diagnosed twice in your lifetime is a nightmare few can say they've survived. Jennifer Clement is one of those people.

In July 1999, Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer, and treated with a regular series of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Her spirits hit an all-time low when her hair fell out just a week before her daughter's wedding.

While her morale was sinking, her weight was rising. Jennifer's cancer treatments drained her of energy, and she often found herself slumped on the couch with a bag of fast food.

Six months after the breast cancer diagnosis, tragedy struck again. Jennifer's doctor told her she also had uterine cancer -- a reaction to her breast cancer medication that affects about one in a million people.

She underwent a double mastectomy for her breast cancer, and continued chemo and radiation for the uterine cancer until January 2000.

When Jennifer finally completed her treatment, she was 75 pounds heavier. And her existing hypothyroid problem made the prospect of losing weight seem a distant possibility.

To add insult to injury, Jennifer went through a divorce, which caused her to eat even more. But the worst thing about being heavy was feeling heavy. She had trouble playing with her grandchildren, and had difficulty breathing.

Then, Jennifer heard about L A Weight Loss. Because she had tried other weight loss methods that didn't work for her, Jennifer was hesitant to try something new.

But try she did, and Jennifer watched the pounds melt away. Jennifer's personal L A Weight Loss counselors helped her ditch her fast food habits for lots of fruits, vegetables, chicken, and fish.

With L A Weight Loss, she learned that eating the right portions of the right foods was the key to a healthy lifestyle. And after such a turbulent year, healthy is the only thing Jennifer wanted to be.

Since starting the program in May 2007, Jennifer has shed a total of 51 pounds! She's happier, more social, confident, and -- best of all -- cancer-free! Jennifer has plenty of energy for exercising now, and has even started dating.

Losing weight has changed Jennifer's life in more ways than she could have imagined. She truly feels like she has a new lease on life. Great job, Jennifer!

Here's a 264-pound Jennifer with two of her adorable grandchildren:



And here's a much happier and healthier Jennifer today. You look fantastic, Jennifer!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jennifer Clement
Hometown: Appleton, Wis.
Age: 54
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 264 pounds
Goal weight: 200 pounds
Current weight: 213 pounds
Program start date: May 2007

Favorite food: Vegetable pizza, or chicken and broccoli.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Enjoying her new self and her new life, and looking forward to everything that's in store!

Biggest obstacle: Worrying that if she stops the program, she will pick up old habits.

Old eating philosophy: Eating quick and easy foods -- fast food, meaty pizza, junk food.

New eating philosophy: Eating right -- salads, vegetables, fresh fruits, and lots of water.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good inside, and looking good outside.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you eat the right portion sizes and the right foods, the pounds will melt away!

Don't let summer slip away without John Paulk's recipes!

Cooking while losing weight can be a challenge. But John Paulk, an executive chef and owner of personal chef business Mezzaluna, can simplify the process, and make the results fun and delicious.

We profiled John's L A Weight story on the blog a couple weeks ago. While on the L A Weight Loss plan, he cooked many recipes from the L A Lite cookbook. But he couldn't help but create a few healthy dishes of his own that followed his healthy eating plan.

So we couldn't help but call John up and ask him how he did it. Listen in on our conversation to hear John discuss his weight loss journey, and how he created tasty dishes that fit his L A Weight Loss plan.

He also reveals some tips you can use in your kitchen to keep your taste buds and stomach satisfied while losing weight!



And after you check out the podcast, hit the grocery store! John sent me a few of his favorite summer dishes to share with My L A Weight Loss Diary readers.

He created them all, and they're even more delicious than they sound -- plus they're all low-fat and low-calorie! I've posted them below, so be sure to try them out!

Black Bean and Corn Salsa with Pita Wedges

2 medium fresh ears of corn, roasted or steamed, then cooled
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup finely minced red onion
1/2 cup finely minced red pepper
3 tsp. lime juice
2 tsp. minced cilantro
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 red jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Pita wedges

Cut corn kernels from the cob with a sharp knife. Stir together kernels and remaining ingredients, except salt and pita wedges, in a mixing bowl. Taste, then add salt and pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut each pita into 8 wedges and place on baking sheet. Lightly coat wedges with cooking spray, sprinkle with cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Servings: 6
Serving size: 1/2 cup



Caprese Salad

3 vine-ripe tomatoes, 1/4-inch thick slices
1 lb. fresh low-fat mozzarella, 1/4-inch thick slices
20 to 30 leaves (about 1 bunch) fresh basil
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
3 Tbsp. capers, drained
Coarse salt and pepper

Layer alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, adding a basil leaf between each, on a large, shallow platter. Drizzle the salad with a very small amount of extra virgin olive oil, and a little balsamic. Scatter a teaspoon of the capers on each plate or on platter if serving family-style. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Servings: 4-6
Serving size: Small plate-full



Sea Scallop Ceviche in English Cucumber Cups

1 red onion, minced
1 red pepper, minced
1 orange pepper, minced
1 bunch fresh cilantro
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 cup fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 fresh jalapeno chile, minced (discard seeds)
4 Tbsp. kosher salt
24 fresh sea scallops, finely chopped
4-6 English cucumbers

Combine all of the above ingredients, except for the cucumbers, in a non-reactive bowl. Place bowl in refrigerator for at least two hours so scallops can "cook" in the lime juice mixture. Meanwhile, slice cucumbers into 1-inch pieces, and hollow out the center of the cucumbers with a small melon baller, forming a little bowl shape. Place a teaspoon of the ceviche into each cucumber. Serve chilled.

Servings: 6
Serving size: 4 scallops

N.C. woman drops the bulk for a tighter belt

Most of us have heard our parents say, "Finish your dinner, there are children starving all over the world." Kaysie Brown took those words literally.

Family meals were always super-sized in Kaysie’s home. Hence the reason for her life-long weight struggle. She grew up in a meat-and-potatoes household, eating burgers, fries, chili, and hot dogs nearly every day. High-calorie deli sandwiches, bread, and pasta were also bad addictions for Kaysie.

These habits spilled over into her own child-rearing years. A single mom, Kaysie cooked cheaper cuts of meat, fried just about everything, and continued to pack on the pounds. She also traveled a lot with her boyfriend and always ate out.

Making matters worse, Kaysie broke her back horseback riding in 2001. She was immobile for six months. The stress caused her to turn to food and her weight increased.

By October 2006, she weighed 217 pounds and had had enough. Her doctor was concerned about her rising cholesterol and put her on medication. She also suffered from asthma. She tried several diets and weight loss plans, but nothing worked for her.

Then she passed an L A Weight Loss center near her home one day. Kaysie decided to give it a shot. Working with the center’s personal weight loss counselors, Kaysie began losing weight immediately.

She now incorporates fresh vegetables, whole wheat pasta, and whole wheat bread into her diet. At restaurants, she eats only a portion of the entree, and takes home the rest for her next meal. She also drinks lots of water.

Kaysie now weighs 156 pounds and is well on her way to her goal weight of 145 pounds! Her son and daughter are very proud of her, and are thankful she’ll be around to meet her future grandchildren.

And the best part about being thinner: Her brand-new wardrobe! She’s given all her old clothes away.

She’s also more active and takes 30- to 45-minute walks three times a week, and does yoga every day.

Dropping the weight has infused Kaysie with self-confidence and given her a new purpose for living.

Awesome job, Kaysie!

Here is Kaysie at 217 pounds with her daughter, Amy, and son, Greg:



And her she is now, at a wonderful-looking 156 pounds! Looking fabulous, Kaysie!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kaysie Brown
Hometown: Clayton, N.C.
Age: 59
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 217 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 156 pounds
Program start date: Oct. 11, 2006

Favorite food: Seafood such as scallops, shrimp, lobster, and fish, with fresh vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Pasta and bread.

Biggest motivator: Living to see her grandchildren.

Biggest obstacle: Maintaining self-discipline.

Old eating philosophy: Eating for now, and worrying about the consequences later.

New eating philosophy: Eating to live, not living to eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling healthier and fitting into smaller-sized clothing.

Best weight loss secret learned: Make healthy choices. It's not that hard!

Margaret Howard sheds stress by the pound

Stress affects everyone, every day. Some relieve it by talking a walk. Others, by listening to music. But many relieve it by eating.

That was Margaret Howard's problem. Whenever she was stressed, she reached for fried foods, ice cream, pies, cookies, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. She started gaining weight.

One of her most embarrassing weight stories happened on the first day of eighth grade. Her teacher, whom Margaret also had in seventh grade, squeezed her arm and said, "You've put on some weight, haven't you?"

Margaret was devastated. From that day on, she never felt comfortable with herself. She continued to eat regardless of whether she was hungry. By adulthood, Margaret was 250 pounds.

At that point, her knees couldn't handle the excess weight anymore. She needed surgery to replace them. The good news: The scary diagnosis motivated Margaret to get serious about losing weight.

She wanted more than ever to be successful in the rehab program, and improve her quality of life. She decided to join L A Weight Loss in October 2001.

She started cutting out fried foods, butter, and shortening. Instead she used Pam to cook vegetables, and sauteed fresh fish such as tilapia. She also liked to eat apples, plain fat-free yogurt, chicken, and turkey.

Margaret rarely kept cookies in the house, and enjoyed ice cream every now and then. She also always packed fresh salads when she ate out in case the restaurant didn't serve them.

And she recorded this all in her personal weight loss diary, which kept her accountable and prevented her from falling into old eating habits.

The pounds started melting away. Margaret underwent knee surgery two months after joining L A Weight Loss. Her doctor was extremely encouraging, and her post-op therapy went very well.

She continued eating according her L A Weight Loss plan, and attended her local center three times a week. She loved talking to her personal weight loss counselor Lori, who always listened to Margaret's weight loss concerns.

Margaret knew every time she went to the center, she could "unload" her stress, and find help and new motivation to keep losing weight.

Margaret is now 169 pounds -- that's an 81-pound reduction! She has no shame or guilt about the way she looks. She holds her head high, and likes to wear shorts and go swimming. She also loves to play with her 11-month grandson.

Margaret feels her life has direction now, and she doesn't have to struggle with her weight. She knows she has the tools from L A Weight Loss to maintain her weight loss, healthy eating habits, and new stress-free life!

Great job, Margaret!

This is Margaret before, at 250 pounds:



And here's the calm and cool Margaret now, at 169. Way to go, Margaret!



FAST FACTS

Name: Margaret Howard
Hometown: Hopkinsville, Ken.
Age: 60
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 250 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 169 pounds
Program start date: October 2001

Favorite food: Chicken and tilapia.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream and cake.

Biggest motivator: Not wanting to return to the way she was.

Biggest obstacle: Overeating from stress, and getting lonely.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whether she was hungry or not.

New eating philosophy: Eating only when she's hungry, and drinking a lot of water.

Best thing about losing weight: Being healthier and feeling better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Write down everything you eat.

Sandy Patten comes out of the shadows

People who struggle with weight gain often feel like they're living in the shadows. They’re there, but no one really notices. Rarely do they get a passing glance, a pleasant hello, or a smile from a stranger. That was Sandy Patten's life.

Sandy struggled with weight all her life. She couldn’t stop eating lots of carbs -- from potato chips and sandwiches, to pasta dishes. Worse, she turned to food when emotional stress got the best of her.

Sandy tried several programs, including crash diets, but her weight continued to fluctuate. She even tried prescription drugs, but the 40 pounds she lost came right back -- plus 20 more.

Sandy finally got her reality check when she tipped the scales at 273 pounds. She began suffering hip problems, and her blood pressure became dangerously high. Her doctor told her to lose weight, or take medication the rest of her life.

Because she had tried so many plans, Sandy was skeptical about trying another one. But when she turned to L A Weight Loss, the program’s one-on-one counseling impressed her.

It was also the first program that taught her portion control and meal planning. She became more choosy about what she bought from the grocery store, and took her time reading labels.

Sandy also supplemented her new diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein with healthier treats. For example, she substituted Cool Whip on raspberries and strawberries for ice cream.

Plus, she incorporated plenty of exercise into her routine, using an elliptical machine and going for long walks.

This time Sandy lost weight slowly, taking over a year to hit 169 pounds -- 14 pounds shy of her goal weight! Now she has more energy to go to the movies, and fits into the seats more easily. Sandy also loves to mow her lawn, garden, and shop.

She says it feels great to fit into a size 10 after years of wearing a size 24. The best part: People greet her with friendly smiles and hold doors open for her -- proof she no longer lives in the shadows. Awesome job, Sandy!!!

Here is Sandy at 273 pounds:



And here she is at 169! You earned the spotlight, Sandy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Sandy Patten
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Age: 53
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 273 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 169 pounds
Program start date: May 2006

Favorite food: Strawberries.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Feeling good about losing weight.

Biggest obstacle: Making healthy choices when going out for lunch.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she liked.

New eating philosophy: Sticking to the menu plans, and eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting great comments from people she hasn’t seen in a long time.

Best weight loss secret learned: Know what to eat and how to eat it.

California mom finds the motivation to change her life

Motivation springs from all kinds of sources. People have changed their lives because of books, movies, speeches, and others' example. But for Tena Evans, motivation came from just two little words: "fat cow."

Tena struggled with weight for over 20 years. Then she packed on extra pounds after her marriage. The added stress of raising a family, coupled with some serious family health issues, contributed to further weight gain.

Tena also regularly ate foods she served at the day care center where she worked -- a daily menu that revolved around chicken fingers, pizza, macaroni and cheese, tater tots, and other fatty foods.

Soon, Tena was tipping the scales at 318 pounds. She struggled in everyday situations, like squeezing into restaurant booths and amusement park rides.

Tena also had trouble breathing due to asthma. She couldn't even clean her house without becoming short of breath. Worse, the asthma often kept her up at night, when Tena would only eat more.

But Tena knew enough was enough when she experienced the cruelty that often plagues overweight people. While she was out walking one day, kids driving by threw a bag of fast food at her, and yelled, "Fat cow!"

Those two horrible words inspired a lifetime of change for Tena. After trying several weight loss programs that didn't work for her, Tena joined the Fresno, Calif., L A Weight Loss center in December 2005.

Her personal counselors helped turn her diet from fried to fresh. Tena started eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grilled chicken. That did the trick: Tena shed 155 pounds (!!) after a year and a half on the program, and is incredibly close to her goal weight of 158 pounds!

Tena now feels like a new woman. She breathes easier, and has plenty of energy for exercise. Plus, she's happier, and can devote more of herself to her day care kids and her own children.

Tena even carries her L A Weight Loss lessons over to her day care menu. The kids now enjoy healthier food choices, such as non-fat graham crackers and carrots. The best part: Tena's success has inspired others to join L A Weight Loss! Way to go, Tena!

UPDATE: Tena has reached her goal weight of 158 pounds! She has more energy than ever before, and enjoys walking outdoors with her girlfriends and riding her bike. We're so happy for you, Tena!

Here's Tena at 318 pounds:



And here she is half her size! You look fantastic, Tena!



FAST FACTS

Name: Tena Evans
Hometown: Fresno, Calif.
Age: 40
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 318 pounds
Goal weight: 158 pounds
Current weight: 163 pounds
Program start date: Dec. 31, 2005

Favorite food: Anything with carbs.

Biggest temptation: McDonald's ice cream sundaes.

Biggest motivator: Carrying before pictures in her purse to look at each day.

Biggest obstacle: Struggling to whip up an array of healthy meals every day for the young children at day care.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on everything the kids were eating.

New eating philosophy: Creating meals with a lot of broccoli, grilled chicken, and fish.

Best thing about losing weight: Fitting into smaller clothing sizes, and being treated like a human being.

Best weight loss secret learned: Losing weight doesn't mean you have to give up eating out at restaurants. Just be honest in your food journal, and never forget portion control!

Sherry Gates takes beauty into her own hands

For many women, the beauty salon is a place to relax. They can sit and chat, get their hair and nails done, and walk out feeling fantastic with a great new style. So you know you have a problem when the beauty salon makes you feel anything but pretty.

That's how Sherry Gates felt when she sat down for her appointment, and had a hard time fitting in the chair.

Sherry had struggled with weight issues her entire life. She ate for comfort, and frequently indulged in fast food. Then, when Sherry gave up smoking, her weight ballooned.

Her embarrassment at the beauty salon, however, was the defining moment. After that, she called the Sparks, Nev., L A Weight Loss center, and scheduled an appointment for the center's grand opening in May 2006.

Sherry's personal L A Weight Loss counselors transformed her diet, exchanging fast food binges for fruits, vegetables, protein, and lots of water. And her dozen cans of calorie-packed soda per day were cut down to two cans of diet soda.

When she began her weight loss process, Sherry continued wearing her old clothes until her company's December Christmas party. Then, she showed up wearing smaller, tighter clothes.

It was the first time people noticed her 115-pound weight loss -- and they were amazed! Sherry literally turned heads all night.

Now she wears cuter clothes all the time, and enjoys doing things she previously couldn't, like riding amusement park roller coasters.

The best part: Sherry's self-confidence has soared. She's happier, has more energy, and can do more than ever before! And she looks great, too! Bravo, Sherry!

Here's Sherry at 257 pounds:



And here she is 115 pounds later. Way to go, Sherry!



FAST FACTS

Name: Sherry Gates
Hometown: Sun Valley, Nev.
Age: 44
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 257 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: May 8, 2006

Favorite food: BBQ marinated chicken.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Maintaining her new look.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting the urge to go out for Chinese food.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Ordering healthy entrees like salads when she goes out to eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Being happier and more social.

Best weight loss secret learned: A well-balanced meal is the easiest way to eat healthier.

Indulge in tasty summer treats -- without the bulge

Great news for blue dieters! You don't have to miss out on your favorite cool treats during the dog days of summer.

Instead, enjoy these healthy, delicious delights. They pack on the fun -- not the pounds -- and take the guilt out of indulgence. Happy snacking!

1. Fruit smoothies. For a delicious smoothie with less than 120 calories per cup, blend light or nonfat yogurt such as Dannon, Breyers, or Yoplait, with approximately 1 cup of your favorite fresh fruit. Add Splenda for a little extra sweetness.

2. Fruit salad. Getting creative with seasonal fresh fruits during summer is easy. A one-cup serving of mixed fruit is only 90 calories.

3. Ice cream. Low-fat and nonfat varieties such as Edy's, Breyers, and Healthy Choice let dieters enjoy a half-cup serving for less than 150 calories.

4. Watermelon. Easy to find and high in water content, a one-cup serving is less than 80 calories.

5. Beer. Light beers such as Bud Lite, Miller Lite, and Amstel Lite can contain as little as 100 to 110 calories.

6. Frozen grapes. Cool and refreshing, 15 grapes contain less than 70 calories.

7. Strawberries and Cool Whip. Just as tasty as whipped cream, Cool Whip has just 25 calories and 1.5 grams of fat -- and the ‘Free’ variety contains 15 calories and no fat! That makes a bowl of strawberries and Cool Whip less than 90 calories and 1.5 grams of fat.

8. Seltzer water with fresh lemons, limes, or oranges. Adding fresh fruit to seltzer makes it easy to stay hydrated during the summer, without having to drink calorie-packed sodas and juices.

9. Cold garden pasta salad. Any type of pasta, mixed with in-season vegetables, is only 250 to 300 calories per serving. Add fat-free salad dressing for some extra zip.

10. Nonfat sorbet. Varieties such as Haagen-Dazs, Healthy Choice, and TCBY make great desserts, with fewer than 125 calories per serving.

Oklahoma mom nurses herself back to health

Nurses know what's best for their patients. They can make them feel better when they're sick, and show them how to stay healthy. But what if nurses don't follow their own advice?

Take Gwen Rose, a home care and hospice nurse. She never had weight issues until she started packing on the pounds during her three pregnancies. She traveled in the car every day to patients' houses, and usually stopped for a fast food meal along the way.

Gwen knew she was leading an unhealthy lifestyle. At 230 pounds, she didn't have any energy to play with her children. She worried about the heart disease that ran in her family. But her registered nurse title gave her a false sense of security, so the bad habits stayed.

The deciding moment: when Gwen was put on anti-depressants and medication for heart palpitations. She knew she had to get serious about weight loss -- or become one of those unhealthy patients.

Gwen had tried a number of diets over the years with no success. So her expectations were low when she signed up at the Sherman, Texas, L A Weight Loss center in April 2006.

But she worked diligently with her personal counselor to fashion a diet right for her. She traded in her fast food and sugary soda habits for lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a lot of water.

Gwen also learned that eating many small meals throughout the day and following portion control is what it takes to lose weight -- and keep it off.

The results blew her away!! Since starting her L A Weight Loss program, Gwen has shed a remarkable 92 pounds. And the difference has changed her life. She is now off all medications.

Plus, she has the energy to play with her children, spend days swimming and relaxing at the lake, and exercise -- one of Gwen's favorite new hobbies.

Even better, her self-confidence is at an all-time high! She loves going out with her friends, and has recently re-entered the dating world. The constant compliments Gwen receives surprise and encourage her.

With her weight back on track and a body that looks great, Gwen is one nurse who truly knows the definition of health. Way to go, Gwen!!!

Here's Nurse Gwen looking not-so-healthy at 230 pounds:



Here she is fit, fabulous, and ready for the dating world! Wowza!



FAST FACTS

Name: Gwen Rose
Hometown: Kingston, Okla.
Age: 37
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 230 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 138 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Grilled chicken salad.

Biggest temptation: Anything doughy like bread, rolls, cinnamon rolls, or cookies.

Biggest motivator: Loving the way she looks.

Biggest obstacle: Giving in to her starchy temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Grabbing whatever foods were most convenient, including fast food and junk.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthy, low-fat foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more energy, more fun, and more new clothes!

Best weight loss secret learned: If you eat every two to three hours, you get your metabolism going, and you don't get hungry.

Canadian nurse practices what she preaches

Talking the talk is easy. But walking the walk is a different story.

As a registered nurse who spent her time public speaking about health and motivational issues, Linda Taylor knew her lifestyle didn't match the lessons she was teaching.

Linda struggled with weight her entire life. Her weight topped out at 268 pounds after a devastating year of personal and family problems, which she addressed with a lot of comfort eating.

Her extra weight made Linda uncomfortable in front of crowds -- a problem in her occupation. And she felt hypocritical preaching about health, knowing she was leading a far-from-healthy lifestyle.

Every time she went shopping, Linda felt she was buying clothes in a larger size. The cruelty of dressing room mirrors and lights made her hate every shopping experience.

With summer approaching, Linda was fed up. She didn't want to be overweight for another bathing suit season. But she couldn't stick to a diet plan in the face of temptation, and without the support she really needed.

Then Linda heard about L A Weight Loss, and decided it was the program for her. So she marched down to her local L A Weight Loss center and joined the program in March 2006.

L A Weight Loss taught Linda the valuable lesson of accountability and portion control. As her encouraging, one-on-one L A Weight Loss counselor often reminded her, "Nothing tastes as good as thin."

Linda became more conscious of what foods she ate. She incorporated lean meats and vegetables into her diet, and exercised often.

Plus, she appreciated the supportive environment of L A Weight Loss, and the counselors' goals to educate her and improve her lifestyle. And improve Linda did, melting away to 160 pounds!

Her new lifestyle has given her a new lease on life. Linda now walks the walk -- around her neighborhood, that is -- for an hour every morning and evening with her dog. She also enjoys strenuous activities such as raking leaves, shoveling snow, and clearing tree branches.

Her attitude has brightened, too, and she feels 10 years younger. The best part: She looks great on stage! Her audiences can see that Linda is fit as a fiddle and radiating confidence from the podium.

Without a doubt, Linda is one health care specialist who practices what she preaches, and inspires others to do the same. Terrific job, Linda!

Here's Linda weighing in at a hefty 277 pounds:



Here she is now 117 pounds lighter! If that's not motivation, I don't know what is!



FAST FACTS

Name: Linda Taylor
Hometown: Utopia, Ontario
Age: 56
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 267 pounds
Goal weight: 158 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: March 24, 2006

Favorite food: Cherry yogurt.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate bars.

Biggest motivator: Feeling great in her clothes.

Biggest obstacle: Eating food for comfort, then being reluctant to weigh in.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Remembering that food doesn't have the power.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling at peace, accomplished, and successful.

Best weight loss secret learned: Don't skip meals. Eat protein every three hours, don't eat after 7 p.m., and watch the pounds melt away!

Richard Dunn puts the brakes on lifelong weight battle

School kids find it easy to harass overweight classmates. But when you’re the heavy one, taking the teasing is much harder.

That’s what Richard Dunn faced as a child when his weight struggles began. He tried to shrug off the name-calling and humiliation, but it often made him sad.

Fast-forward 20 years. Richard was 30 years old, and a truck inspector for a trucking company in Strafford, Mo. But he'd never had anyone put the brakes on his eating.

A self-described carb addict, Richard ate a lot of pasta, potato chips, and bread. He also packed away spuds and steaks by the pound -- a true meat-and-potatoes man. And he'd wash it all down with a 2-liter bottle of soda and a half gallon of whole milk every day.

It was a heart attack waiting to happen -- and it nearly did. Richard began complaining about a sore foot and back pain, and visited his doctor. The diagnosis: plantar fasciitis, a bad back, and borderline high blood pressure.

At the time, Richard weighed a whopping 328 pounds. His doctor urged him to lose weight before it was too late.

Richard researched several weight loss plans, and ultimately joined L A Weight Loss at the Springfield, Mo., center because their portion-control philosophy made sense to him.

He worked closely with his personal counselor Amy and center manager Kendra to develop a healthy, balanced meal plan. Soon he was eating well-rounded meals with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and lean protein.

The changes made the difference: Richard surpassed his goal weight of 197, and has dropped to a slim 194 pounds!!

Now Richard's no longer the couch potato he was two years ago. He has lots of energy to clean and work around the house. And the best part: wowing his old classmates at his next high school reunion!!

Awesome job, Richard!

Here is Richard at 328 pounds:



And here he is at a fantastic 197 pounds! Keep on truckin’, Richard!



FAST FACTS

Name: Richard Dunn
Hometown: Strafford, Mo.
Age: 30
Height: 6'1"

Starting weight: 328 pounds
Goal weight: 197 pounds
Current weight: 194 pounds
Program start date: Sept. 20, 2005

Favorite food: Pasta and potato chips.

Biggest temptation: Carbs.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from his fiancee Lorie.

Biggest obstacle: Being offered food from other people.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming high-calorie foods and drinking a 2-liter bottle of soda every day.

New eating philosophy: Incorporating vegetables, lean chicken, and fruits.

Best thing about losing weight: Being more active, and feeling he’ll live much longer.

Best weight loss secret learned: It takes time to lose weight, but once it's gone, you can keep it off.

Policewoman delivers another round of shots

I recently posted the amazing transformation of our California cop Elizabeth Hundley. She lost 31 pounds on the L A Weight Loss program, and is now a fit 140 pounds.

She just sent me some more after photos. She's looks great, and I wanted to share them with My L A Weight Loss Diary readers!

These shots really show why she’s the talk of the precinct.

You look terrific, Elizabeth. Great job!

Donna Knowles attacks weight loss battle on two fronts

Let's say you lose the weight and reach your goal. Congrats are in order. But the battle is only half won. Now it's time to keep your weight down.

It's easier said than done for many people, including Donna Knowles of Albuquerque, N.M. Her weight gain started in college, and continued through marriage and five pregnancies.

Stressful situations made Donna turn to food for comfort. She regularly ate fast food, junk food, bread, and sweets to feel better. But the resulting weight gain just made her feel worse.

Donna tried several weight loss programs. She was able to reach her goal weight, but couldn't maintain a healthy eating routine. She fell back into her old eating habits, and regained the weight.

Then, at 238 pounds, Donna developed high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis. Her joint pain was so severe, she had her knees replaced. She was also heading down the fast track for diabetes.

And as if things couldn't get worse, Donna went through a painful divorce. But it proved to be her eye-opening moment. She realized she had spent the past 30 years taking care of everyone but herself. It was time for Donna to change the path she was going down, and focus on herself.

She knew she needed to lose the weight -- and keep it off. She needed a strong, supportive program that had the structure to keep her on track. She decided to look into L A Weight Loss.

Donna was impressed with the plan. She could still eat her favorite foods, in moderation. She could also eat at her favorite restaurants, because her personal weight loss counselors taught her the right foods to order.

Donna incorporated more fruits, vegetables, and fish into her eating plan. Junk and fast food quickly became a turn-off.

The bottom line: Donna felt she was leading a normal life while still losing weight. She never felt like she was dieting or sacrificing. Donna also says it was the first time she felt in control of her eating and her life.

As the pounds came off, her joint pain decreased, and she started buying smaller clothes. By May, Donna hit her goal weight of 168 pounds!

Now, two months later, Donna is still 168 pounds. She continues to eat according to lessons she learned through one-on-one counseling at L A Weight Loss. Plus, her healthy eating habits set the tone in her household, and help her kids eat healthier, too.

She has cut back on her high blood pressure medications, and started exercising -- something she couldn't do before. She loves doing ballroom dancing, Pilates, and cardio workouts six days a week.

The best part of her weight loss journey: She knows she won't put the pounds back on, because L A Weight Loss taught her how to eat right and feel good about herself. She feels L A Weight Loss is for life!

Big congrats are in order!

This is Donna before, struggling at 238 pounds:



And here she is now, in control and happier than ever at 168 pounds! Great job, Donna!



FAST FACTS

Name: Donna Knowles
Hometown: Alburquerque, N.M.
Age: 61
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 238 pounds
Goal weight: 168 pounds
Current weight: 168 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Everything.

Biggest temptation: Italian bread.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to be around for the next 30 years with her kids.

Biggest obstacle: Going on vacations, where unhealthy foods are easily accessible.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming anything that was there.

New eating philosophy: Eating in moderation.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good physically, spiritually, and mentally.

Best weight loss secret learned: Learn how to listen to your body.

Eight things your 4th of July BBQ shouldn't be without

'Tis the season for food-centered social events like summer barbecues and cook-offs. But these gatherings often mean one thing for people trying to lose weight: plenty of tempting foods that might sway you from your L A Weight Loss plan.

This makes it difficult to keep the pounds down and still look good in that two-piece swimsuit.

That’s where I can help. Follow my list of the top eight things no healthy Fourth of July barbecue should be without, and you can indulge without the bulge!

1. PAM cooking spray. Keep your foods from sticking to the grill, and add flavor without the added calories or fat found in butter or oil.

2. Diet beverages. Quench your thirst with sweet and refreshing drinks that have little or no calories.

3. Watermelon or other fresh fruit. Cool, crisp, and completely guilt free, fresh fruit is a great dessert choice on a hot day.

4. Grilled veggies. Fill up on these low-calorie, high-fiber foods.

5. Low-sodium seasoning blends and fresh herbs. Add zest to meats and veggies without adding a lot of calories and sodium.

6. Low-fat condiments. Add flavor to food with fat-free salad dressings, mustard, and ketchup instead of higher fat toppings such as cheese and mayonnaise.

7. Lean proteins. Veggie burgers and extra lean ground beef are great alternatives to traditional ground beef.

8. Game time. Burn extra calories playing volleyball, basketball, or whatever you're up for, while having fun with friends and family.

Florida woman proves the power of positive thinking

Negative thinking begets negative thinking -- a common problem for overweight people. One look in the mirror, and they think, "I'm ugly, and that's just the way it is." So they continue to wallow in misery, and do nothing to help themselves.

Jennifer Winchester has been there. She struggled with her weight since she was 15 years old. When she got married, she moved from New Orleans to Panama City, Fla. Homesick and depressed, she turned to food for comfort.

Jennifer regularly ate three servings at dinner, and drank a lot of soda. But fast food was her nemesis. She often hit the drive-thru, and then went home to have dinner. By the time she hit her early twenties, she topped out at 260 pounds.

When Jennifer took her six-year-old son Cedric to the park, she was exhausted after five minutes. Her body constantly ached, and she ended up sitting around the house all day.

Plus, she had a negative attitude about everything. She hated the way she looked, and thought that she would just be overweight for the rest of her life.

But the worse part for Jennifer was the effect her weight struggle had on her marriage. Her negativity drove the couple apart, and they didn't spend much time together.

Their conflict came to a head one day at the mall. The couple parked, but Jennifer didn't get out of the car. She couldn't bring herself to walk inside and be around thinner people.

That was Jennifer's defining moment. Two days later, she called the Panama City L A Weight Loss center.

She immediately started working with personal weight loss counselor Carrie Smidt to develop a healthy eating plan. Jennifer replaced the fast food binges with proper portions of chicken, turkey, and vegetables. She also started drinking more water.

Jennifer says L A Weight Loss's accountability really helped her. She visited the center three times a week, and walked out feeling focused and on track. Plus, the counselors' encouragement and guidance helped Jennifer feel more positive about herself.

The proof? Jennifer lost 113 pounds to reach a trim 147 pounds! Now going to the mall is an enjoyable pastime. She also exercises regularly, plays baseball on the weekends, and has plenty of energy to keep up with her son in the park.

The best part: Her husband loves the new Jennifer, and tells her every day how great she looks. The couple is closer than ever!

Just goes to show how much of a difference attitude can make. Way to go, Jennifer!

Here's the unhappy Jennifer at 260 pounds:



113 pounds later, Jennifer is all smiles! Great job, Jennifer!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jennifer Winchester
Hometown: Panama City, Fla.
Age: 24
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 260 pounds
Goal weight: 147 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Chicken Parmesan and pasta.

Biggest temptation: Cookies and cake.

Biggest motivator: Her husband.

Biggest obstacle: Overcoming her negative attitude.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming everything and anything in sight.

New eating philosophy: Focusing her diet on the right portions of grilled chicken, salad, and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to go out in public and shop for her new smaller size.

Best weight loss secret learned: Make up your mind to lose weight, and you'll see the pounds melt away!