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!