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.