My L A Weight Loss Diary

Daily musings for and about real women and men who are reshaping their bodies and their lives on the LA Weight Loss program. To become one of our bloggers, write to Blogger@myLAweightlossdiary.com

Friday, September 14, 2007

Colorado couple's winter woes become spring successes

Spring is the typical season to clean. But winter cleaning was in order for Andy and Sheri Collier of Thornton, Colo., when their weight troubles hit rock bottom in the Rocky Mountain state last December.

Andy's struggle began when his five-year Navy career ended. At home, he regularly ate fast food, mac and cheese, and canned chili, and slacked on his workout routine. He figured he could live this lifestyle since he was young. He was right -- at first.

Before long, his muscles diminished and his stomach grew. His desk job made him sedentary during the day. At night, he took care of family responsibilities, and had little time to focus on eating right or exercising.

The effects took their toll. His weight increased to 222 pounds, and he developed a bad knee and high cholesterol.

Meanwhile, Sheri's weight struggle started after having two kids. She didn't have the energy to workout or shed her pregnancy weight, and the stress of raising young children wore her down. She indulged in fast food and sweets to escape.

When her clothes starting fitting tight, she thought they had shrunk in the wash. But then she stepped on the scale and realized she had gained weight. Her petite 5'2" frame was up to 148 pounds.

The couple tried several diets, but quickly got bored and gave up. Sheri became severely depressed, and her doctor put her on medication.

Then one night last winter, Sheri was getting ready to go out with her husband, but she couldn't fit into any nice-looking clothes. She felt more depressed than ever.

Sheri thought about calling L A Weight Loss, and talked to Andy about it. Also wanting to drop the excess weight, Andy agreed L A Weight Loss might be the answer for both of them. So Sheri scheduled a consultation with their local center.

The couple met with L A Weight Loss's personal weight loss counselors, and developed healthy eating plans that worked with their busy lifestyles. The couple started eating proper portions of lean meats such as chicken or pork, fruit, and a salad with every meal.

They visited the center three times a week to stay accountable, and get one-on-one guidance from the counselors when they experienced a challenge or obstacle. And at home, they leaned on each other for support.

Sheri and Andy also got rid of the junk food in the house. When eating out, they ordered low-fat meals that were baked or broiled, not fried. They carried their good eating habits over to their kids, and made sure they got their proper nutrition too.

The couple felt better every day they were on the L A Weight Loss program. In fact, Andy says, "We were cleansed by the healthy diet."

No doubt! Andy lost 40 pounds, and now weighs 182 pounds; and Sheri lost 31 pounds, and is 117 pounds! L A Weight Loss was so effective for them, that they both exceeded their goal weights by three pounds each.

Sheri and Andy now have the energy and flexibility to exercise and play with their kids more. And they can wear and look great in more stylish clothes!

Even better, Andy and Sheri have brought back the love and affection that was waning when they were at their heaviest. Andy feels more confident and in control of his life. And Sheri feels free from the harsh prejudice she felt when in public.

Way to go, guys! You're certainly living the springtime of your lives!

Here's Andy before, at 222 pounds:



And here's Sheri before, at 148 pounds:



This is the happy couple today, a collective 71 pounds lighter! Looking great, Andy and Sheri!



FAST FACTS

Name: Andy Collier
Hometown: Thornton, Colo.
Age: 32
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 222 pounds
Goal weight: 185 pounds
Current weight: 182 pounds
Program start date: Dec. 27, 2006

Favorite food: Chinese.

Biggest temptation: Finger foods.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the program work.

Biggest obstacle: Changing the way he grocery shops.

New eating philosophy: Making smart choices, and thinking before he eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining more self-confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: Intelligent eating is the secret! Realize what you put in your mouth will affect you later, so think about it first.



Name: Sheri Collier
Hometown: Thornton, Colo.
Age: 32
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 148 pounds
Goal weight: 120 pounds
Current weight: 117 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Chips and guacamole.

Biggest motivator: Dropping clothing sizes.

Biggest obstacle: Realizing she will lose weight at her own pace, and not trying to lose as fast as her husband.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything that was there.

New eating philosophy: Thinking if the food is really worth it before indulging.

Best thing about losing weight: Knowing how to make smart food choices.

Best weight loss secret learned: The take-off.

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