Mandi Lerma dons trendy clothes after discarding trendy diets

If you've struggled with your weight, you probably know there's no quick fix to getting and staying in shape. But fad dieting can be tempting when you're anxious to drop the pounds. It can also result in "yo-yo dieting," as Mandi Lerma of Thornton, Colo., discovered after having two sons.

Mandi gained 50 pounds after having her first child, and 60 more after her second. She ate constantly, and often finished her sons meals if they didn't. And to save time while caring for two young children, she ate quick-to-prepare meals that were high in sodium.

Topping off her bad eating habits was her undying craving for sweets. Cookies and cakes were always in hand! Subsequently, her weight soared to 210 pounds.

Mandi had trouble keeping up with her kids, and tired easily. Even walking up a flight of stairs winded her.

She tried several trendy diets -- including a cabbage soup diet and a lemonade diet. She lost a few pounds here and there, but quickly got stuck and gained the weight back.

One day Mandi was at home getting ready to shop for new pants, and looked at herself in the mirror. Her reflection shocked her. She couldn't believe how heavy she was, and barely recognized her face. There was no way she could go out and find cute new pants looking like that!

Mandi became very depressed, and knew she had to do something about her weight. Having worn out the possibilities of fad dieting, she decided to try something different: L A Weight Loss.

Mandi joined her local center and worked with the personal weight loss counselors to adjust her eating regime. She started eating fresh and frozen vegetables, and salads. She cut out cakes and ice cream, and instead turned to L A Lite bars when her sweet cravings struck.

She also ate several smaller meals throughout the day to keep her metabolism up, and hunger pangs down.

Whenever she hit a trouble spot, her L A Weight Loss counselors gave her tips to get through it, and motivated her to keep going. In just 25 weeks, Mandi lost 50 pounds!

Now weighing 160 pounds, Mandi is full of energy. She plays with her sons without getting tired and enjoys swimming. She also feels more confident and likes to get out and socialize!

And who could blame her, now that she's looking great in her trendy new wardrobe? Mandi loves shopping for her slender size 8 figure, and showing off her cute outfits.

But she's not keeping the simple way to weight loss success a secret. She inspired her family to eat healthier, too. At holidays and gatherings, the table is topped with grilled chicken, vegetable trays, and fresh fruit!

Through it all, Mandi learned not to be afraid to try something new. Joining L A Weight Loss and changing her eating habits for the better was her ticket to a healthy new life!

Great job, Mandi! Keep up the fantastic work!

This is the before Mandi, at 210 pounds:



And this is the new Mandi, glowing with health at 160 pounds. Way to go, Mandi!



FAST FACTS

Name: Mandi Lerma
Hometown: Thornton, Colo.
Age: 29
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 210 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: August 2007

Favorite food: Ice cream and cookies.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Having her L A Weight Loss counselors by her side throughout her weight loss journey.

Biggest obstacle: Watching her husband enjoy whatever foods he likes.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything that was fast and easy.

New eating philosophy: Having smaller, freshly prepared meals.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself and having more energy to spend with her kids.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat smaller meals more often during the day to keep you going.