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.