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!