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!