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!