Georgia man learns mother knows best

Clean your room. Be nice to your brother. Tuck in your shirt.

Everyone knows Mom's common commands all too well. And you'd better obey the first time she asks, because she will tell you again ... and again ... and again ...

Take James Peterson's mom. That's what she did when she thought he should join L A Weight Loss.

James had maintained an athletic lifestyle throughout high school, but started to gain weight once he entered college. His post-grad job as an IT manager kept him too busy for healthy eating or exercise, so the pounds piled on.

In addition, James often indulged in late-night snacking. His diet consisted of fast foods, fried foods, and lots of sweets. He had little awareness of nutritional value, and considered a fried chicken sandwich with bacon and ranch dressing a healthy meal.

Worse, James kept making excuses for himself, even though he was unhappy with the extra weight. When he couldn't fit into clothes at the mall, he comforted himself with a cinnamon bun. And without any medical conditions affecting him, James told himself he had no real reason to worry about being heavy.

Then his mother joined L A Weight Loss. Thrilled with her own progress, she suggested James try the program, too. Actually, she called him every day until he agreed to visit his local L A Weight Loss center in Cumberland, Ga., in September 2006.

After only one week on the program, James lost 10 pounds, which motivated him to stick with it and keep losing.

Working closely with his one-on-one counselors, James learned an important lesson in nutrition. Never a big cook before, he took a stab at culinary art in his kitchen. Soon, he was cooking dinners with steamed vegetables, fresh fruit, and grilled lean meats and fish.

James also added exercise to his routine, working out three to four times a week at his local gym. The healthy habits did the trick: He lost a total of 110 pounds on the plan!

Now, nothing can hold him back. James loves being outdoors, running, walking, and bike riding. And when he goes shopping at the mall, he walks right past the cinnamon buns, and heads for new, smaller-sized clothes at the nearest store.

In fact, James kept the outfit he wore at his first L A Weight Loss weigh-in, and dons it every time he steps on the scale, to remind himself how far he's come. Plus, his weight loss journey inspired his wife to get fit too, and now they work out and eat right together.

Needless to say, James's mom is very proud of him, and brags about his weight loss, proving that mother really does know best. Great work, James!!

Here's the 315-pound James before he joined L A Weight Loss:



And here he is now, 110 pounds lighter, looking like a whole new man! Awesome job, James!



FAST FACTS

Name: James Peterson
Hometown: Smyrna, Ga.
Age: 35
Height: 6'1"

Starting weight: 325 pounds
Goal weight: 223 pounds
Current weight: 215 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Grilled chicken.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy.

Biggest obstacle: Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of weight he wanted to lose.

Old eating philosophy: Eating fried food for lunch and dinner, and enjoying anything else he wanted in between.

New eating philosophy: Thinking about what he wants to eat, and planning his meals with healthy choices.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting a lot of attention and support for achieving his goals.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stay active!

Ice, elevation, and weight loss for one Canadian mom

An injury can be a devastating event for someone who leads an active lifestyle. A broken arm is a basketball player's worst nightmare, while a torn ACL is pure unhappiness for a hiker.

So it's no wonder many people take extreme care to stay off the injury list. That's what Estelle Moynes learned the hard way.

Throughout her life, Estelle was never considered skinny. Fortunately, her active lifestyle kept her fit through college. Once she reached her early 20s, however, Estelle began putting on the pounds.

As the years rolled by, her gradual weight gain pushed the scale dial further to the right. By the time Estelle turned 40, she weighed in at 239 pounds.

She still maintained an active lifestyle, but her hobbies frequently landed her on the couch with a sprained ankle. The usual prescription: ice, elevate, and keep the weight off it.

At age 40, she knew that losing weight was the best bet for keeping herself injury-free. More importantly, she wanted to enjoy life with her three children; and play, bike, and hike with them without getting winded.

So Estelle decided to take the doctor's orders one step further, and really keep the weight off.

That's what brought her to the local L A Weight Loss center in Ottawa, Canada, in April 2006. Working closely with her personal L A Weight Loss counselors, Estelle learned the importance of a balanced diet and smaller portions.

She replaced her usual starches, fast food, chips, and desserts with healthy home cooking, lean meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Estelle was determined to make it work, and became aware of everything she ate. Her husband and children offered constant support and encouragement. The weight melted away, and soon Estelle hit her goal weight of 182 pounds!!

Now she glows with confidence, and has re-vamped her entire wardrobe. Better yet, she has plenty of energy for her children. Estelle loves her family bike rides, and enjoys walking the trails near her Ontario home.

Clearly, Estelle's weight isn't keeping her on the sidelines anymore. Awesome job, Estelle!

Here's Estelle at 239 pounds:



And here she is 57 pounds lighter after 31 weeks on the program. Doesn't she look great?!



FAST FACTS

Name: Estelle Moynes
Hometown: Casselman, Ontario, Canada
Age: 41
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 239 pounds
Goal weight: 182 pounds
Current weight: 182 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: BBQ steak with a big salad and a baked potato.

Biggest temptation: Potato chips.

Biggest motivator: Relieving her ankle pain by carrying less weight.

Biggest obstacle: Changing her routine.

Old eating philosophy: Eating large portion sizes -- the bigger the better.

New eating philosophy: Maintaining a healthy balance of everything she eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: You have to eat to lose weight!

Tennessee woman serves herself a new life

When life hands you lemons, some people make lemonade. Others make lemon meringue pie -- and then eat the whole thing. Jenny Williams falls into the second camp.

Jenny struggled with weight most of her adult life. After her first marriage, her eating habits fell into decline. Jenny routinely dined on fast and fried foods, with the majority of her diet lacking any nutritional value.

Jenny's two pregnancies (twin daughters and a son) sent her weight higher. And the stress of parenthood and a second marriage made her eat even more.

Then tragedy struck. After her second marriage ended, Jenny met the man of her dreams, but he passed away from a massive heart attack during their engagement. Eating became Jenny's therapy.

Her weight made it difficult to do everyday things, like bending down to pick up her grandchildren. She also suffered from high blood pressure, joint pain, depression, and low self-confidence.

Jenny spent years talking about losing weight, but never tried hard. Instead, she only dabbled in weight loss programs. Nothing fit her life. Then one day, Jenny's boyfriend snapped at her for complaining about her weight, and suggested she join L A Weight Loss.

That was the slap in the face that sent Jenny to her local center in Maryville, Tenn., in April 2006. Still, she was unsure of the program, and decided the first negative comment she received would send her walking.

But the comment never came. During a year on the program, she heard only constant encouragement from the L A Weight Loss staff. Her caring, one-on-one counselors worked diligently to help Jenny transform her life from the outside in.

They helped her overhaul her diet of fried foods, fatty meats, and high-calorie iced teas. Instead, she enjoyed healthier foods such as yogurt, fruit, lean meats, vegetables, unsweetened tea, and lots of water. With a positive attitude and determination, Jenny watched the pounds melt away.

After losing an 71 pounds, Jenny is well on her way to her goal weight of 120 pounds! Since losing weight, Jenny's own family barely recognizes her. She now enjoys the nickname "Skinny," and has blown people away with her progress.

Jenny also loves doing things she couldn't do before, such as riding horses, taking her dogs for long walks, and playing with her three grandchildren. And for the first time ever, she loves to shop!

One of the best things about being thinner for Jenny is knowing how proud she made her children and parents. Plus, it's much easier for her to cope with life's stress, and she no longer turns to food for comfort.

Jenny's confidence has skyrocketed, and she feels like a new woman. Anyone up for some lemonade?

Here's Jenny with a new bundle of joy at her starting weight of 226 pounds:



And here's the new Jenny, 71 pounds lighter, and filled with her own joy. Way to go, Jenny!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jenny Williams
Hometown: Maryville, Tenn.
Age: 48
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 226 pounds
Goal weight: 120 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Steak.

Biggest temptation: Homemade ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Getting excited about losing weight, and the potential to look and feel better.

Biggest obstacle: Dealing with relationship difficulties and the stress of daily life.

Old eating philosophy: Cooking and eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Making healthy choices, and eating smaller portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling healthier and more confident.

Best weight loss secret learned: Have confidence and stay positive! You can do it!

Tammy Lara proves it's never too late to be a comeback kid

If you have kids, you probably struggle to get them to eat right. Most children don't want their vegetables, fruits, or anything else that's healthy. But developing poor eating habits as a kid can catch up to you in adulthood, as Tammy Lara of Maple, Ontario, found out.

Tammy was always on the heavier side. She had a family history of weight problems, as her mother and relatives on her side were obese. Plus, she didn't learn good nutrition as a child. Instead, Tammy was free to eat whatever tasted good, which meant junk food and candy.

Her eating habits didn't improve with age. Tammy often ate a bag of chips in one sitting, and munched on fast and fried foods throughout the day. She washed it all down with high-calorie soda, pushing her weight to 301 pounds.

Then Tammy became hypothyroid, which made her feel sluggish. It also slowed her metabolism, which helped pack on even more pounds. She experienced chronic back and knee pain, too, which limited her mobility -- and her ability to play with her two kids, Tyler, age 5, and Samantha, age 11.

She could only watch them scream with excitement when they rode amusement park rides, because she couldn't fit into the seats with them. And time spent at the zoo was cut short because Tammy didn't have the energy to walk long distances or withstand warm temperatures.

Meanwhile, her mother developed diabetes and heart problems from her excess weight (being a heavy smoker didn't help either). The complications wore her health down, and she passed away just before her 61st birthday.

Her mother's death was a wake-up call for Tammy. She realized she needed to do something about her weight, or risk cutting her life short like her mother. Tammy wanted to be there for her kids, and spend more quality time with them. So she decided to join L A Weight Loss.

Tammy finally learned what she should have been taught long ago. She sat down with the nutrition experts and one-on-one weight loss counselors to evaluate her food choices. They helped her re-focus her eating regimen to include proper portions of fresh, healthy foods, and exclude fried and fast foods.

Tammy also started drinking more water, and cut out the soda. She also learned which low-calorie, low-fat foods to order at restaurants, as well as how to cook and barbecue healthy meals at home.

The weight started coming off. Tammy felt her mobility and energy coming back. She lost 141 pounds on the L A Weight Loss plan, and is now just 30 pounds away from her 130-pound goal weight!

Tammy continues to eat according to the L A Weight Loss plan. In fact, she's spreading the good habits to her kids. Tammy's daughter is slightly overweight, but thanks to lessons in good nutrition and portion sizes from her mom, she's lost 17 pounds!

But that's not all Tammy is doing with her kids. With renewed energy and mobility, she takes her kids to the park, goes on the swings, and rides down the slide with them. She can also fit through amusement park turnstiles and go on rides with ease.

Plus, Tammy walks on the treadmill every other day. And her husband George tells her she looks great, which is music to her ears!

Way to go, Tammy! Keep up the great work!

This is the 301-pound Tammy before:



And here she is today, weighing 160 pounds! Great job, Tammy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Tammy Lara
Hometown: Maple, Ontario, Canada
Age: 35
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 301 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: October 18, 2005

Favorite food: Nachos and cheese.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate and animal crackers.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to play with her kids and be there for them in the future.

Biggest obstacle: Keeping up with her kids.

Old eating philosophy: Drinking soda and eating chips all the time.

New eating philosophy: Drinking water, and eating fresh vegetables and grilled chicken.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling healthier, and being able to spend more quality time with her kids.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you know how to order right, you can still eat your favorite foods at restaurants while losing weight.

Cancer survivor returns to nature to get out of the woods

When Ladonna Causey "got away from it all" last summer, she didn't take a Club Med vacation or mountain hiking trip. Not even a Caribbean cruise or European adventure would suffice this time. Instead, she went on a different kind of journey, one she started 32 years ago as a high school student.

That's when Ladonna's weight began to yo-yo. She continued to gain and lose weight in college and during her three pregnancies. But her health struggle became a battle in 2002 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Unfortunately, chemotherapy wasn't effective, so she underwent a double mastectomy. Still, cancer didn't release its grip on Ladonna. She was diagnosed with pre-uterine cancer in 2006, and had her uterus and ovaries removed.

Meanwhile, Ladonna was also trying to manage her full-time job, raise three children, and run a household. Worse, her marriage was on the rocks. The stress in her life was so great, she had to take sleeping pills at night to reduce her anxiety.

Ladonna also had a ruptured disc in her back and a torn meniscus in her knee. Her excess weight made it difficult to walk, and she couldn't go a day without pain medication.

It's no wonder she turned to food for comfort. Her diet consisted of high-fat and high-sodium foods. She regularly ate pizza, ice cream, and lots of carbs, pushing her weight to 225 pounds. Her health battle soon became a war.

Then something in Ladonna snapped last summer. The stress and pain were too much. She couldn't take it anymore. Ladonna knew she had to change her life immediately if she was going to be happy again. So she ventured into the wilderness to spend seven days alone in a cabin.

There she read books on health, nutrition, and spiritual growth and development. She learned how to become less dependent on her medications, and wrote extensively in a journal.

She also prayed to God for guidance. She learned that she was responsible for her health, and needed to focus on herself and her needs right now.

Ladonna returned from the cabin refreshed, and with a new outlook on life. She knew what she had to do to get her life back on track, starting with losing weight. So she quit her job and joined L A Weight Loss.

Working with the personal weight loss counselors, Ladonna learned how to eat healthy foods in proper portions. She also started eating more fresh foods, and drinking more water. And L A Weight Loss's weekly weigh-ins kept her accountable and on track.

Ladonna lost 35 pounds by December. She felt her health coming back, and saw a light at the end of the tunnel.

Proof of her new strength came the day after Christmas, when her husband of 14 years unexpectedly left the family. Ladonna was devastated at first, but at the same time, she felt at ease. For the first time in years, her health and sanity were returning.

She continued losing weight on the L A Weight Loss plan, and today is at her goal weight of 160 pounds!! She feels like a new person! Her knee is improved, and she no longer takes sleeping pills and pain medication. Ladonna also got her real estate license, and loves her new job.

Plus, she's more social, and enjoys going out. On weekends, Ladonna likes to go hiking, and is taking salsa and tango lessons. She's even testing the dating waters again!

With her life falling into place, Ladonna has considered having reconstructive surgery on her breasts. But she's not sure if she wants to go through more surgery, and besides, most people don't even notice -- they're too distracted by her smiling face!

The best part of Ladonna's weight loss journey is feeling healthier. She has a sense of accomplishment, and feels she can conquer anything now. Ladonna has created a new vision for her life, one with health, happiness, and peace.

Congrats, Ladonna! You're a great inspiration to people everywhere! Way to go!

This is Ladonna at her heaviest, clocking in at 225 pounds:



And here she is today, a new person at 160 pounds. Great job, Ladonna!!



FAST FACTS

Name: Ladonna Causey
Hometown: New Braunfels, Texas
Age: 46
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 225
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: July 2006

Favorite food: Mexican food and ice cream.

Biggest temptation: Chips and salsa.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy.

Biggest obstacle: Having a fridge full of unhealthy food, and being stressed out.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was convenient or what the family wanted.

New eating philosophy: Supporting her health with fresh, unprocessed foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Improving her health and eliminating body pains.

Best weight loss secret learned: When you reach a plateau, try eating only protein, fruits, and vegetables for two days. It can boost your body to lose the weight.

Sweet news for cinnamon lovers

And who doesn't love cinnamon? It's tasty, smells delicious, and adds just the right flavor to dozens of desserts, snacks, and beverages.

Recent studies have found varying results about the health benefits of cinnamon, some determining it lowers bad cholesterol and helps control blood glucose levels.

We ground through the research with Jennifer Simmons, L A Weight Loss's Director of Nutrition, to understand how the favorite spice can sweeten your health. We also talked about easy ways to add cinnamon to your diet, and how much you should be consuming to get its health benefits.

Tune into our conversation here to spice up your health!

Retired teacher makes the grade by giving up

When you're losing weight, thinking positive and persevering are essential to reaching your goals. Giving up is not an option! But in Bill Byles' case, giving up was the key to winning big.

Bill's weight gain started when he was a teenager. His mom loved to cook, and Bill loved to eat. He was chubby in high school and college, and tried losing some weight before becoming a high school physics teacher.

But even then he had a "seefood" mentality -- when he saw food, he ate it. Bill consumed a lot of fast food, pre-packaged meals, and pizza (his biggest weakness). His weight increased throughout his adulthood.

And it was no fun to be overweight. The worst part was the mocking he got while teaching. Sometimes after leaving the classroom, he heard kids' laughter as he walked away. He pretended they weren't laughing at him, but he knew they were.

After retiring from teaching, Bill had more time to eat, and topped out at 343 pounds. He had diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. He also had troubled bending over, and wouldn't even try to pick up a quarter on the ground.

Bill tried fad diets, and lost 75 pounds. But he couldn't keep the weight off. Finally, in March 2006, his wife said that if he didn't lose weight by her birthday, she would send him to a weight loss camp.

This jolted Bill. He knew he had to get serious about shedding pounds. Shortly thereafter, he met a friend he hadn't seen in two years. His friend was much thinner than he remembered, and Bill asked what he did. His friend's answer was L A Weight Loss.

It turned out to be Bill's answer too. The next day Bill joined his local Southaven, Miss., L A Weight Loss center. Working with the personal weight loss counselors, Bill incorporated fresh fruit and vegetables into his diet. He also started eating lean meats, and low-fat, low-sodium foods. He lost five pounds in the first two days!

Bill continued following the L A Weight Loss program closely, and dropped 120 pounds! Now at 223 pounds, he's well on his way to his goal weight of 183.

Plus, Bill works out at the gym six days a week, and walks four to five miles a day. He can do more around the house, and enjoys shopping for clothes. When he travels, he no longer needs a seatbelt extender on planes.

When he walks by a mirror, Bill can't help but stop and smile. He thinks about everything he's given up since losing weight. His diabetes and blood sugar medication. One-third of his waist size. Limited mobility. Feeling and looking old. And, of course, 120 pounds!

Bill feels fantastic, and his family is thrilled with his success. No weight loss farm for him! Congrats, Bill! Keep up the great work!

This is Bill before, tipping the scales at 343 pounds:



And here he is today at 223 pounds. Good bye, old Bill, hello new! Way to go!



FAST FACTS

Name: Bill Byles
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Age: 65
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 343 pounds
Goal weight: 183 pounds
Current weight: 223 pounds
Program start date: April 15, 2006

Favorite food: Toasted pita with soft cheese spread and jalapeno peppers chopped up, or homemade pico de gallo.

Biggest temptation: None, because he followed the program to a T!

Biggest motivator: Seeing the program work.

Biggest obstacle: Having less control over what's available to eat while traveling out of town.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever he wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthy to live longer and enjoy life.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to move more freely.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink water.

Wisconsin woman turns up the lights in Vegas

Think Vegas can't get any brighter? Then you weren't there when Connie Thone of Osh Kosh, Wis., was showing off her newfound energy, excitement, and zest for life under the brilliant lights.

But Connie's life wasn't always so dazzling. She started struggling with her weight as a child. Weight problems ran in her family, and she ate the wrong foods, never outgrowing her love for fast food or vending-machine snacks.

As she got older, Connie became an emotional eater when she was stressed, turning to ice cream and pizza. She also didn't like to cook, and usually grabbed whatever she could on the go.

Connie had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart burn, and was on two medications to treat the conditions. Worse, she had lymphodema in her leg, which prevented fluid from flowing correctly through her body, and caused her legs to swell.

She also had joint and lower back pain, especially when she walked. As a result, Connie was mostly sedentary. She was miserable with herself, and couldn't go on trips and do other things she wanted to do.

She tried two diets, losing about 80 pounds on each. But she couldn't maintain her weight loss, and gained it back. Then she gained more weight while going through a troublesome divorce, and soon spun the scales at 360 pounds.

Connie knew her health and life were in trouble. Her doctor strongly advised her to lose weight. Connie was determined to make a change for the better, so she joined her local L A Weight Loss center.

Working with the personal weight loss counselors, Connie learned how to cook simple, healthy meals, such as baked fish with lemon. When she ate out, she opted for salads, chicken, and other lean meats. She also ate more fruits and vegetables, and cut down her soda consumption.

The individual attention at L A Weight Loss made all the difference for Connie. The counselors were always there to help her if she hit a plateau, and helped get her back on the weight loss track. In fact, she became close friends with her weight loss counselor, Amber.

After two years on the L A Weight Loss plan, Connie lost 213 pounds, and is now a trim 147! All her medical conditions are improved, and she's no longer on medications. Her family and friends are thrilled with her success.

Plus, she recently visited two friends from college, one of which she hadn't seen in two years, and they were shocked to see the new Connie. They couldn't stop gushing about how great she looked!

But no one is happier than Connie. Now she can do things she always wanted to do. For starters, she took a vacation with her friends to Las Vegas in May. She had no problem fitting into her plane seat and walking around.

She also can shop at the mall without getting winded or feeling achy. Connie also got a bike this summer and rode 25 miles with a friend. She plans on taking a bike riding trip through the local trails soon.

Now, with renewed happiness, she shines just as brightly as the big city lights! Great job, Connie! You did it!


This is Connie at her heaviest, 360 pounds:



Here she is at 147 ...




FAST FACTS

Name: Connie Thone
Hometown: Osh Kosh, Wis.
Age: 44
Height: 5'0"

Starting weight: 360 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: April 11, 2005

Favorite food: Part skim ricotta cheese with unsweetened cocoa and two packets of sweetener.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream and pizza.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy, and looking and feeling great.

Biggest obstacle: Learning to incorporate the right foods into her diet.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Paying attention to what she eats, and making healthy choices.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling much healthier, and knowing she has a longer lease on life, plus making great friends at L A Weight Loss along the way!

Best weight loss secret learned: Add variety to your diet.

Dog lover unleashes healthy new life

When you think of leashes and collars, you probably think of dogs. Marigale Eilers of New Braunfels, Texas, does too. She's a dog lover who owns five four-legged friends. But leashes and collars also used to remind her of something else -- her diet. Here's why.

Marigale was a constant snacker, and loved fried and salty foods. She also didn't drink much water, or eat breakfast. And, as an owner of an insurance agency, Marigale often ate out for business meetings.

The pounds added up, yet Marigale didn't pay much attention to her weight. She knew she was heavy, but didn't realize by just how much until she turned 60 years old, and tipped the scales at 292 pounds.

Worse, her two sisters were diabetic, so Marigale knew her chances of getting the disease were greater now that she was older. She had knee problems, too, and had to receive cortisone shots to ease the pain.

She also didn't have much energy to spend time with her daughters, or exercise. And it was sometimes difficult to find well-fitting clothes and dress professionally.

Marigale wanted to prevent diabetes and other health problems. Losing weight was the way to do it. So she tried a few diets with some success. But Marigale felt tied down to limited meal choices, and missed her favorite foods. It wasn't long before she strayed away from these diets, and gained back the weight.

Then her oldest daughter joined L A Weight Loss, and started having success. Marigale decided to give L A Weight Loss a try too.

The weight loss counselors gave Marigale just what she needed to focus and lose weight: education. She learned what foods to eat and in what portions. She also learned how to cook food in healthy ways without sacrificing flavor or taste.

The counselors also taught Marigale how to drink more water and incorporate a healthy breakfast into her regime. Best of all, Marigale didn't feel limited. She could eat her favorite foods, such as cherry pie, and still lose weight.

After a year on the L A Weight Loss program, Marigale dropped 112 pounds, and now weighs 180 pounds! Her relationship with her daughters is much better now. They are closer, and love to go shopping for "real clothes" together.

And with her diabetes risk reduced, Marigale has a positive outlook on life. Her knees are in good shape now too, and she has the stamina to go for long walks and work in the yard. She even took a trip to the Alamo without getting tired or feeling pain in her knees.

Sounds like this dog lover has learned more than a few new tricks for eating better and living healthier! Congrats, Marigale!

This is Marigale before, during her lazy dog days, weighing 292 pounds:



And here she is today, full of energy and spunk at 180 pounds. Wow, looking great, Marigale!



FAST FACTS

Name: Marigale Eilers
Hometown: New Braunfels, Texas
Age: 61
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 292 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 180 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Cherry pie.

Biggest temptation: French fries.

Biggest motivator: Watching her health improve, feeling better, and seeing how proud her doctor was of her success.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to make good food selections when out on business.

Old eating philosophy: Snacking constantly, and eating out of boredom.

New eating philosophy: Balancing her diet with proper portions of healthy foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself, and being healthy.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink water and exercise. You really need to just move!

Libby Rubacha portions out self-confidence

What's a healthy portion of chicken? The correct serving for a bowl of cereal? Or a proper amount of string beans?

If you're unsure, you're not alone. Many people struggle with proper portion sizes. Not knowing how much to eat, they often eat too much, and pack on the pounds as a result.

Portion size was Libby Rubacha's biggest problem. In high school, she rarely ate breakfast or lunch because she didn't like to eat first thing in the morning or at school. By the time dinner rolled around, Libby was starving, and piled extra portions on her plate.

She became accustomed to eating large meals, which continued throughout her 20s. She ate a lot of starches and fried food. And chocolate was her biggest weakness.

But her large figure became even larger after having two kids. She lost most of her baby weight after each birth, but quickly gained 30 pounds back after her second child.

Libby reached 202 pounds. Her blood pressure was borderline high, and she had back problems. She dieted, but didn't have the motivation to see it to the end.

She became very self-conscious about how she looked, and had low self-esteem.

Then she investigated L A Weight Loss. Libby went to her local center and learned she could still eat her favorite foods, just in proper portions. She also liked having one-on-one counselors to guide her through her weight loss.

Libby joined L A Weight Loss in October 2005, and began eating balanced, healthy-sized meals. She also incorporated more fruit and vegetables into her regimen, and drank lots of water.

The L A Weight Loss counselors' individual support kept Libby on track, and inspired her to reach her weight loss goals. Libby's husband also supported her. Her determination to lose weight impressed him, and he loved seeing the pounds melt away. He told people he was getting a new wife!

After dropping 20 pounds, Libby's blood pressure was normal. And 10 pounds later, her back problems were gone! She continued losing weight, and now weighs 147 pounds.

Libby's relationship with her husband is much better now, and they are more comfortable with each other. She can also run and play with her kids more, including tennis with her son.

Her self-confidence has also skyrocketed. She doesn't second-guess how she looks or what she's wearing. In fact, she became a speaker for her local nonprofit crisis pregnancy center, Care Net. Libby feels cool and confident standing in front of a crowd.

Now she can't wait for her high school reunion! Way to go, Libby!

This is Libby before, at 202 pounds, with family:



And here she is now, confident and healthy at 147. Fantastic job, Libby! Looking great!



FAST FACTS

Name: Libby Rubacha
Hometown: Terre Haute, Ind.
Age: 28
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 202 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: October 2005

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from her husband throughout her weight loss journey.

Biggest obstacle: Having the instinctive habit of eating more than she should.

Old eating philosophy: Ignoring portion sizes and eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthier foods in smaller portions, and more fruits and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Boosting her confidence level.

Best weight loss secret learned: The program can be easily adapted to your lifestyle. Follow it, and you'll see steady results.

Washington couple trades fast food for fast track

The secret to boosting your career might lie in your talents, skills, connections, and ability to seize opportunities. But it might also lie in something simpler.

Your physical appearance. Dropping some weight and improving your appearance can make a big impact on your career success and productivity.

Take married couple Kevin and Janetta Rose of Battleground, Wash. Both retail managers, and both overweight.

Kevin's weight gain began when he was in grad school, and continued while he was in law school. He studied a lot, leaving little time to have well-rounded meals or exercise. He usually grabbed fast food, or ate one large meal for the day. Kevin's weight increased to 223 pounds, he and was more sedentary than ever.

Janetta's eating habits were no better. She too ate fast food or whatever was convenient. Also busy with work, Janetta ate when she could, sometimes late at night. Janetta's weight quickly rose to 187 pounds.

She was also looking at photos of herself, and wasn't happy with her appearance. Around that time, Janetta's doctor found her blood pressure was high and she needed to lower it.

The couple didn't want to gain more weight and increase their health risks. Kevin heard about L A Weight Loss and went to their local center to see if it was right for them.

Kevin was thrilled to find out that the L A Weight Loss program is for men too, and Janetta liked having weight loss counselors to help support her throughout the program. They decided to join.

The couple changed their eating habits, and now eat more consistently. They have six smaller meals a day, which prevents them from getting hungry and overeating. They nixed fast food and soda, and now cook healthy foods together.

L A Weight Loss worked like a charm! Kevin shed 55 pounds, and now weighs 168. Janetta lost 48 pounds, and is a trim 139.

The couple feels much happier about their appearance, health, career, and life. Kevin feels more confident interacting with people, and it's paying off. He recently signed five new customers! Plus, he doesn't have to forgo business lunches because the L A Weight Loss counselors taught him healthy foods to order on the menu.

Kevin also enjoys buying new clothes, and playing basketball and doing martial arts to stay active.

Janetta's new appearance is also helping her at work. With a more positive outlook on life, she feels more productive. And her new look is turning heads. People who haven't seen her in a while do a double-take!

She's also more active and energetic, taking time to walk, ride a bike, and play volleyball and softball. And buying clothes that fit is no longer a struggle. She has curves in all the right places, and none in the wrong places!

Losing weight together helped Kevin and Janetta stay disciplined. It was also easy to plan meals together because they have similar work schedules.

And now those schedules include better careers for the two of the them! Way to go, Kevin and Janetta!

This is Kevin before, at 223 pounds:



And this is Janetta before, at 187:



But look at the couple now! Here's the 168-pound Kevin:



And Janetta, at 139. Looking great, guys! Fantastic job!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kevin Rose
Hometown: Battleground, Wash.
Age: 31
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 223 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 168 pounds
Program start date: July 2006

Favorite food: Chicken.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Being successful with the program.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding big meals.

Old eating philosophy: Eating when he had time.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthy foods and planning meals ahead.

Best thing about losing weight: Having renewed confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat throughout the day and control your portions.



Name: Janetta Rose
Hometown: Battleground, Wash.
Age: 30
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 187 pounds
Goal weight: 142 pounds
Current weight: 139 pounds
Program start date: July 2006

Favorite food: Mexican food.

Biggest temptation: Cinnamon rolls.

Biggest motivator: Stepping on the scale and realizing how heavy she was.

Biggest obstacle: Fitting a healthy diet into her work schedule.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever, whenever.

New eating philosophy: Staying away from fried food and taking time to eat several smaller meals throughout the day.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good about herself.

Best weight loss secret learned: Make your weight loss plan a lifestyle, not just a quick fix, and you'll have life-long success.

Marina Vozarik beats her bullies

Getting bullied is one of childhood's worst experiences. Now imagine feeling that pain 24/7. This was Marina Vozarik's life for 35 years.

Marina was lonely growing up. She was an only child, with few friends. Her father passed away from a heart attack when she was five, and her mother went back to work when Marina was eight. She was often home alone, and had to care for herself.

The constant teasing by Marina's classmates, especially boys, only worsened her childhood. She turned to food for comfort.

Then she hit adolescence, which further fueled her weight gain. Marina reached 190 pounds by age 16. Her doctor put her on a strict diet of only 420 calories a day. Marina lost 35 pounds, but cheated, and gained it back.

Throughout adulthood, Marina still felt the pain of being bullied and rejected. People gave her mean looks because she was overweight. Her self-confidence dwindled.

She tried to lose weight on her own, but as a chronic stress eater, she only got bigger. Soon, Marina topped out at 336 pounds.

Her health was in jeopardy. Her blood pressure and cholesterol were high, and her thyroid was irregular. She had trouble sleeping, experienced severe knee pain, and felt exhausted all the time.

Those close to Marina told her that her life was spiraling out of control, and she had to do something about it. But no one really believed she could lose weight. That sparked her desire to prove them wrong. So she turned to L A Weight Loss.

There, the personal weight loss counselors taught her portion control, and how to avoid food when she felt depressed. Marina never felt like she had to cheat while on the L A Weight Loss program. She could still eat healthier versions of her favorite foods in the right portions.

The counselors were her cheerleaders, supporting her throughout her weight loss journey. She also did water aerobics and walked around her neighborhood to enhance her weight loss regimen.

Marina quickly started shedding pounds. Then her mother passed away of a massive heart attack. Not wanting to experience the same fate, Marina became even more determined to reach her weight loss goals.

The determination paid off. Today Marina is 166 pounds thinner, clocking in at 175 pounds! That's nearly half her weight!

Her blood pressure, cholesterol, and thyroid are now normal. She can sleep through the night comfortably, and has no knee pain. Plus, she can buy normal-sized clothing without getting nasty looks from other shoppers.

Best of all, Marina is finally social. She feels good about herself -- no longer the brunt of cruel jokes. She's confident in her appearance, and likes to go swimming in her community pool.

She certainly proved everyone wrong! As she says, "L A Weight Loss is not a diet -- it's a life-altering experience!"

Big congrats, Marina! You deserve it!

This is Marina before at 336 pounds:



And look at her transformation! She's all smiles at 175 pounds. Way to go, Marina!



FAST FACTS

Name: Marina Vozarik
Hometown: Alpharetta, Ga.
Age: 39
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 336 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 175 pounds
Program start date: January 2003

Favorite food: Roasted pork with cabbage and bread dumplings.

Biggest temptation: Her mother's cooking.

Biggest motivator: Her parents' health history.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding food when stressed.

Old eating philosophy: Reaching for food for comfort.

New eating philosophy: Eating in moderation, and not sneaking unhealthy foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to see a bright future.

Best weight loss secret learned: Follow portion control!

15 ways to avoid the freshman 15

College-bound students, you know what I'm talking about. When you go to college, you're likely to gain weight -- as much as 15 pounds -- during your freshman year.

Thank the round-the-clock snacking, partying, and undying need for cheese pizza at 3 a.m. for that. But it doesn't have to be this way, as I explained in a recent interview with Forbes.

As students gear up to hit the books, I gathered some more tips for avoiding the freshman 15, and am sharing them here. Follow these guidelines to keep the freshman 15 off your waistline now, and throughout your college years!

(Parents, be sure to forward these tips to your children in college!)

1. Try every dining hall on campus to get a sense of their meal offerings. Some might have healthier options, such as stir fry, salad bars, or sandwich stations.

2. Try to consume protein at breakfast to stay alert and avoid getting hungry before lunch. Good protein choices include eggs or egg whites, peanut butter, or cottage cheese.

3. Walk to your classes instead of driving or taking the campus bus. The habit will keep your metabolism active and burning calories even while you're sitting in lectures.

4. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and always keep a bottle in your backpack.

5. Have a salad or 1 cup of broth-based soup before the main course of your meals. This ensures that you start every lunch and dinner on a healthy note, and get the vegetables, fiber, vitamins, and minerals you need. Plus, you'll have less room for unhealthy foods, such as pizza and hamburgers, that pack on pounds.

6. If you're not hungry, don't snack while you're studying or bored. This kind of eating can easily add 500 to 700 calories a day.

7. Exercise. Most colleges and universities have great fitness facilities, in addition to walking and biking paths on campus. Exercising just a few times a week makes a big difference.

8. If you get hungry during long days of classes, pack low-calorie snacks like fruit, vegetables, pretzels, or baked chips. You'll not only stay healthy, you'll save money on vending machines.

9. Eat at least three full meals per day. If not, you'll end up over-snacking on bad foods. If you can't get to the dining hall for breakfast, keep skim milk in your mini fridge, and high-fiber cereal in your dorm room. A bowl of cereal is much healthier than a pack of Pop Tarts.

10. Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all. Alcohol is high in calories, plus it can make you hungry. In a long night of drinking, you can consume almost a day's worth of calories.

11. Try to eat small servings at dining halls and restaurants around campus, and avoid seconds. Meals with a lot of vegetables, protein, and fiber fill you up faster, and for longer, than fast food.

12. Take a multivitamin every morning. It helps you get the proper nutrition so you stay energetic, alert, and active all day.

13. If the dining halls post nutrition information, read it. You'll be surprised what's in that "healthy" pasta dish or chicken fajita. Try to stay away from the higher-fat, higher-calorie foods.

14. If your eating habits start to slip, try eliminating one bad food at a time instead of suddenly declaring you're only eating healthy foods. It's easier to stay disciplined and learn healthier habits if you're focusing on one step at a time.

15. Every day is a fresh start. Even if you snacked all day and ate fast food for every meal yesterday, three healthy meals today and a trip to the gym will make sure you're healthy tomorrow. Fitness is about long-term habits, and one bad day won't matter if you stay healthy the rest of the week.

The deal that changed Catherine Brockman's life

The phrase, "deal or no deal" might conjure the popular TV show or casinos. But for Catherine Brockman of Birmingham, Ala., it conjures weight loss and a chance at a new life.

Catherine came from a "meat and potatoes" family. They ate a lot of pasta, breads, and rice, but few vegetables. Catherine also couldn't help treating herself to candy. When she graduated high school, Catherine weighed 235 pounds, and suffered from back pain.

Throughout adulthood, she tried popular weight loss programs, but came up with excuses and cheated. She just gained back the little weight she lost.

She hit 265 pounds last year, and was ready to discuss gastric bypass surgery with her doctor. But then her parents offered her a proposition. They told her if she was willing to try L A Weight Loss instead, they would help her get started.

Her parents were already having success on the L A Weight Loss program. So with their encouragement and support, Catherine joined L A Weight Loss in May 2006. She started eating the right foods in the right portions. A few weeks later, while on vacation at Disney World, she was well-prepared, and lost seven pounds that week!

Catherine continued with L A Weight Loss, as the one-on-one counseling and accountability kept her committed to her weight loss goals. She never felt like quitting because the counselors helped her through her trouble spots.

The weight loss counselors taught her how to eat regular food while losing weight. She learned to love vegetables and salads, and soon left the carbs behind.

Her husband also motivated her. She loved his looks of admiration as the pounds melted away.

The time seemed to fly by for Catherine, and in 12 months, she lost 104 pounds with L A Weight Loss! She's now at 161 pounds, and feels like a new woman. She can play with her kids, and walks faster than they can!

She can also buy more form-fitting clothes, and loves wearing bright colors to show off her new figure. And she has no back aches!

Catherine's success has filtered through the family. Her mom is now on maintenance, and her dad is six pounds away from his goal. During the course of her program, Catherine motivated her husband, sister-in-law, niece, and two of her three children to join. Talk about a family affair!

Congrats, Catherine on your winning hand! Keep up the great work!

Here's Catherine before, at 265 pounds:



And here's the new Catherine, fabulously fit at 161! Way to go, Catherine!



FAST FACTS

Name: Catherine Brockman
Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
Age: 43
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 265 pounds
Goal weight: 158 pounds
Current weight: 161 pounds
Program start date: May 7, 2006

Favorite food: Green beans and sirloin steak.

Biggest temptation: Cheese and popcorn.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from her husband, and congratulations from her doctor.

Biggest obstacle: Being overconfident and thinking she doesn't have to follow the program so strictly.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming anything around.

New eating philosophy: Eating in moderation and smaller portion sizes.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling and looking great.

Best weight loss secret learned: Weigh in and talk to the counselors every three days to gain accountability.

Heidi Faulkner gets the goods after dropping 134 pounds

When you're overweight, you can't see the writing on the wall. You should lose weight, but just don't know how to start. When this happens, it takes the strength and motivation from family to get your health on track.

Take Heidi Faulkner of Mondovi, Wis. She had been overweight for as long as she could remember. Throughout school she was the largest kid in her class, and continued gaining weight into adulthood. Heidi ate the wrong foods, and never thought about portion sizes. Her thinking was "the bigger the better!"

Her routine was subs for breakfast, pizza and chips for lunch, and fast food for dinner. Heidi also ate candy bars and other sweets in between meals. As her weight increased to 287 pounds, Heidi was too self-conscious to go out anywhere, and had no energy to do anything.

Then, four years ago, she had a small stroke. Luckily, it didn't cause any other health problems, but her doctor advised her to drop the pounds and exercise. Despite the severity of her situation, Heidi just didn't want to go through the effort of losing weight. Meanwhile, her husband was very concerned for her health.

So she tried every fad diet and "miracle cure" to lose weight. But Heidi couldn't stick with any of them, and quickly got discouraged. She didn't know how she let herself reach that point. Then Heidi discovered L A Weight Loss.

The personal counselors taught her how to easily change her eating habits for the better. With her husband's encouragement, Heidi started eating healthy portions of fruit and high-fiber cereal for breakfast, light breads and salads for lunch, and chicken or fish for dinner. She drove right past fast food joints after work, on her way home to cook healthy meals.

L A Weight Loss also gave Heidi accountability. Going to the center three times a week helped her with her weight loss goals. And after 50 weeks, she lost 134 pounds, and is down to 153 pounds!

Heidi's life is completely different now. She's more social, and has no problem mingling with strangers. She also loves to go shopping for her new size 8 figure. In fact, the first time she bought clothes in the regular-size section, she called her husband and almost cried!

Heidi is more active too, and walks 4.5 miles every day. She and her husband recently bought a boat, and they love to take it out and go fishing. On the deck, she dons shorts and bathing suits with confidence.

But that's not all of Heidi's new toys. Her husband also bought her a Mustang convertible as a congratulations gift! And if that wasn't fabulous enough, her husband also bought her a new, smaller diamond wedding ring to fit her thinner fingers!

But what are husbands for, anyway?? ;)

Congrats, Heidi, and enjoy your new lifestyle!

Take a look at Heidi before, wallowing in 287 pounds:



And here she is now, in shape at 153! Awesome job, Heidi!



FAST FACTS

Name: Heidi Faulkner
Hometown: Mondovi, Wis.
Age: 42
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 287 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 153 pounds
Program start date: March 31, 2006

Favorite food: Lean Cuisine French bread pizza or shrimp.

Biggest temptation: Pasta salad at picnics.

Biggest motivator: Seeing how her weight loss has motivated others. She wants to keep the weight off to not let them down.

Biggest obstacle: Craving cake or sweets.

Old eating philosophy: Super-sizing everything, eating fast food, and drinking a lot of soda.

New eating philosophy: Opting for healthy foods such as fish, and drinking plenty of water.

Best thing about losing weight: Seeing people's reactions to her weight loss -- some don't even recognize her!

Best weight loss secret learned: It takes about a half hour after you eat for your body to realize you're full, so stop eating before you feel full. Also, small portion sizes is a best-kept secret to weight loss.

True blue health benefits packed in a favorite fruit

You've probably heard that blueberries are packed with anti-oxidants, which help fight diseases such as cancer. But that's not the only health benefit these sweet little berries provide.

Blueberries can also lower cholesterol, prevent urinary tract infections, and aid age-related memory loss. Better still, they're versatile to cook with (fresh or frozen!).

We found out more the other day when we chatted with Jennifer Simmons, L A Weight Loss's Director of Nutrition. She told us how blueberries can improve your health, how many blueberries you should eat a day, how to tell a good blueberry from a bad one, and tips on how to cook with the juicy fruit.

It's one podcast you don't want to miss!

Tennessee mom discovers fountain of youth

It's amazing what having kids can do to your body. All of a sudden, bulges that never existed are squeezing out from under your clothes. It can be depressing and extremely frustrating when your efforts to lose weight just aren't working.

Kim Duckett of Maryville, Tenn., was once in that boat. She was energetic and active when she was young, cheerleading and playing softball. But after she had kids, her weight problems began.

She gained 50 pounds during her first pregnancy, and didn't lose very much of it. After giving birth two more times, Kim's weight ballooned to 228 pounds.

Being a stay-at-home mom kept her weight in the red. Kim wasn't as active, and always gave into her cravings for chocolate, potato chips, and fast food. Even when she started working again, Kim still turned to high-calorie snacks after work.

Baggy clothes hid an unhappy Kim from the world. She didn't have much energy, and felt terrible about herself. Her knees and ankles also hurt when she walked. Plus, her mom had high blood pressure and diabetes, and Kim feared developing these conditions.

She tried several diets, but her weight only yo-yoed. At age 43, Kim realized she was too young to feel this old. She was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.

Meanwhile, Kim's friend Barbara was on the L A Weight Loss plan, and lost a lot of weight. So Kim decided to see if L A Weight Loss could work for her too. She signed up in October 2006.

The personal weight loss counselors taught Kim how to change her cravings so she desired less unhealthy foods, and more healthy foods. She learned how to opt for grilled chicken Caesar salads over pizza, apples instead of potato chips, and L A Lite bars rather than chocolate.

She also ate six smaller meals a day. This made Kim skeptical as she felt she was eating too often. But her thoughts soon changed when she lost 20 pounds after only four weeks!

Kim stuck with the program, and her weight drooped as quickly as it had increased. Total weight loss: 69 pounds on the L A Weight Loss program, down to 159 pounds!

Now, buying baggy clothes is a thing of the past. Kim loves shopping for smaller sizes. Plus, she receives compliments on her looks, which she hadn't gotten in years. Her daughter tells friends and family that her mom is prettier now than ever before!

Kim is also much closer to her husband. They now enjoy hiking in the Smoky Mountains together. She also walks two miles daily, something she couldn't have done at her heaviest.

Kim's energetic, outgoing personality of her youth is back. She feels losing weight has significantly improved her health, and helped save her life. She knows she'll stick with the L A Weight Loss plan to keep her weight low and confidence high.

There's no more feeling old for this mom! Congrats, Kim! Keep up the great work!

This is Kim before at 228 pounds:



And this is the new, younger-feeling Kim now at 159! Looking fabulous, Kim! Way to go!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kim Duckett
Hometown: Maryville, Tenn.
Age: 44
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 228 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 159 pounds
Program start date: October 2006

Favorite food: Grilled chicken Caesar salads.

Biggest temptation: Sour cream and onion potato chips.

Biggest motivator: Being encouraged by her husband to improve her health.

Biggest obstacle: Curbing the munchies.

Old eating philosophy: Enjoying lots of pizza, fast food cheeseburgers, and potato chips.

New eating philosophy: Balancing healthy portions of fish, chicken, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better physically, and loving the way her husband looks at her now.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can eat six times a day and lose weight!

Jan Aitchison breaks the food chain

Workaholics are chained to their desk. Prisoners are chained to the wall. Overweight people are chained to food. Case in point is Jan Aitchison of Victoria, British Columbia.

The pounds started to add up when Jan got married in 1996, and her weight peaked when she divorced in 2005. Jan ate when stressed, and often ate out, and ate at odd hours.

She always chose pasta, bread, beer, and other foods high in sugar, fat, and salt. Her sweet tooth had her eating a lot of chocolate. Her motto: "Life gets in the way of dieting!"

Soon, Jan's weight soared to 215 pounds. While heart conditions ran in her family, Jan luckily didn't have any problems. She did, however, have chronic back pain. She was also insecure and had low self-confidence.

Exercise and fad diets weren't working for her, because she couldn't let go of carbs. Then she heard about L A Weight Loss's customized eating plans, one-on-one counseling, and portion control. It sounded like a weight loss plan that could work for Jan, and she decided to give it a try.

She spoke to the weight loss counselors, signed up, and committed herself to the program. Jan started eating less comfort foods, carbs, sugar, and salt. She also read nutrition labels, and ate a lot of salads and vegetables. And L A Lite bars satisfied her chocolate cravings!

Thanks to this simple plan, Jan dropped three pounds a week, and never felt deprived or hungry. Plus, the L A Weight Loss counselors supplied the one-on-one support she needed to stay focused.

Jan quickly reached her goal weight of 180, but kept going because she was on a great pace. Now she's lost 50 pounds, and weighs 165!

She feels fabulous and sexy, loves shopping, and wears bikinis, short shorts, and tank tops with confidence. And, with less back pain, she's improved her golf game, and started Pilates.

Friends and family tell her she looks great, boosting her attitude tremendously. She feels 10 years younger!

Jan's advice for others chained to food is talk to the L A Weight Loss counselors. That's what they're there for.

L A Weight Loss threw Jan's old motto out the door. Now she says she's free to live! Great to hear, Jan! Way to go!

This is the stressed-out Jan before, at 215 pounds:



And check her out today! Nothing will hold down the 165-pound Jan now! Congrats!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jan Aitchinson
Hometown: Victoria, British Columbia
Age: 41
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 215 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 165 pounds
Program start date: October 2005

Favorite food: Peanut butter.

Biggest temptation: Bacon.

Biggest motivator: Getting personal satisfaction from losing weight.

Biggest obstacle: None! With a lot of family and friends supporting her, the program was easy.

Old eating philosophy: Indulging in sweets, chips, burgers, pasta, beer, and wine.

New eating philosophy: Having foods that are low in sugar, fat, and salt.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling fabulous.

Best weight loss secret learned: Salt affects your body more than you might think.

Rhonda Allen finds alternative to gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is an increasingly popular method for managing obesity, especially when diet and exercise aren't working. But the costs are well out of reach for many candidates, such as Rhonda Allen of Mesa, Ariz.

Rhonda comes from a family that likes to eat. All of her seven siblings have weight issues, as they gravitated toward high-fat and high-calorie foods throughout their lives.

Chips, soda, ice cream, and Mexican and Chinese food filled Rhonda's plates. She also ate big portions, and indulged even more when she was stressed out. Before long, she topped out at 332 pounds.

Rhonda was hypothyroid, too, and had sleep apnea, heart arrhythmia, and knee problems. She also had a family history of heart problems, and feared she'd pass away and lose her family. Plus, she was embarrassed to be seen in public, and didn't want her kids to be teased because of their obese mother.

Then she saw a photo of herself around Easter 2004, and knew she had a problem. Rhonda thought she looked awful. She researched gastric bypass surgery, but it was too expensive for her, and her insurance company wouldn't cover the costs.

Rhonda didn't know what else to do, until her husband encouraged her to try L A Weight Loss. So one day after dropping her kids off at school, she drove to her local L A Weight Loss center. She decided to join with her sister, who was also overweight.

Working with the L A Weight Loss counselors and nutrition experts, Rhonda cut out junk food and soda. Instead, she ate three healthy meals a day with small snacks in between. The weight loss counselors also taught her how to suppress her cravings for unhealthy foods, so she was no longer tempted by fast food.

Rhonda is now down to 250 pounds, and well on her way to her goal of 160! She can walk and breathe easily, and her medical conditions have improved. She now wears more flattering clothes, and has energy to exercise.

She also created a scrapbook of photos from when she was at her heaviest, and photos of herself now. She says her clothes are very different, and she feels motivated to keep going.

In fact, Rhonda's success inspired several other people to join L A Weight Loss, including her three sisters, three sister-in-laws, four friends, and brother-in-law! Now that's an L A Weight Loss family!

Feeling better about herself has made a huge difference in Rhonda's life -- and she got there without gastric bypass surgery. Way to go, Rhonda! Keep up the great work! We'll check in on Rhonda's progress soon ...

Here's Rhonda before, ballooning at 332 pounds:



And here she is now, dropping the pounds at 250. Great job, Rhonda!



FAST FACTS

Name: Rhonda Allen
Hometown: Mesa, Ariz.
Age: 40
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 332 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 250 pounds
Program start date: February 2005

Favorite food: Mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Feeling better about herself as she lost the weight, and having her sister join L A Weight Loss with her.

Biggest obstacle: Being stressed from taking care of her kids, and putting them before herself.

Old eating philosophy: Grabbing whatever was quick and easy.

New eating philosophy: Having more vegetables, and making healthy choices.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling happier, having higher self-confidence, and being able to have a baby.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat smaller portion sizes!

North Dakota woman boosts her body and mind

Do you ever wake up in the morning feeling like there's no reason to get out of bed? Being overweight and having low self-confidence can do that to you, as Linda McKinzie-Lee of North Dakota can attest.

Linda's weight started increasing when she had kids. She gained 60 pounds during her first pregnancy, lost most of it after giving birth, but gained it back during her second pregnancy.

Linda ate whether she was hungry or not. Her husband was a great cook, and often made too-hard-to-resist cakes and cookies. She also ate a lot of fast food, or whatever was handy around the house.

Her scale crept up to 221 pounds. Linda got out of breath just walking around, and her family was afraid she would have a stroke. Her blood pressure was also high, and she had chronic pain in her back, legs, and feet.

But the worst part was the feeling that people looked at her differently, or ignored her, just because she was overweight. As a result, Linda had low self-confidence, and didn't even want to get out of bed in the morning. She only wanted to sit around in her over-sized clothing.

Linda started working out at her local gym to combat her weight gain, but the pounds didn't come off. Next door, however, was an L A Weight Loss center. Linda always saw clients going in and out looking great. Determined to change her life for the better, Linda walked into the center one day, and made an appointment.

After meeting with the personal weight loss counselors, she transformed her eating habits. Linda ate a lot of chicken and salads, and drank 64 ounces of water every day. She didn't have anything fried or breaded.

Linda also planned out her meals, and knew she didn't have to eat everything on her plate. And when she went to get-togethers without a lot of healthy food options, she made sure to drink a lot of water.

L A Weight Loss's one-on-one counselors were also always there to answer Linda's questions, and the recommended snack items satisfied her cravings without breaking her weight loss plan.

In just eight months, Linda lost 76 pounds, and now weighs 145 pounds! She also lowered her blood pressure, and doesn't have body pains or lose her breath quickly. She's always out and about now, wearing shorts, capris, and swimsuits. She even had her skirts altered to fit her slender new body.

Plus, people notice Linda more, thanks to her trim figure! Her friends and family tell her how good she looks, and are very proud of her success. When she went to her high school reunion a few weeks ago, everyone was shocked at how thin she was. She got a ton of compliments!

All this good fortune has renewed Linda's self confidence. She thinks more positively, and the world looks brighter. As she says, "Losing weight is good for the ego!"

No doubt! Way to go, Linda!

This is Linda before, carrying around 221 pounds:



And here she is now, out of her shell at 145 pounds! Congrats, Linda!



FAST FACTS

Name: Linda McKinzie-Lee
Hometown: Minot, N.D.
Age: 58
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 221 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: August 2006

Favorite food: Popcorn.

Biggest temptation: Sweets, especially chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Running out of big clothes to wear.

Biggest obstacle: Eating out a lot.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming junk food when she wasn't hungry.

New eating philosophy: Opting for fruits and vegetables when she feels hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking good in the mirror when she tries on clothes in stores.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink plenty of water!