Nevada mom gains a baby, drops the weight

Babies bring so much into new mothers' lives -- joy, love, and sometimes, extra weight. And as Grace Iubelt knows, that weight is often hard to lose.

Grace had never been happy with her weight, but it wasn't until after she gave birth that it truly became a problem. No matter what she did, Grace couldn't shake the baby weight, even though she considered her diet healthy.

Then Grace crossed paths with an old friend who didn't recognize her. Why? Because she now weighed a whopping 186 pounds. The encounter ignited Grace's motivation to drop the weight.

So in November 2006, Grace joined her local Sparks, Nev., L A Weight Loss center. Her personal weight loss counselor taught her the trick to successful weight loss: It isn't just what you eat, it's how much you eat.

Grace spread out her meals of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and other proteins into little meals throughout the day to keep her metabolism working. And to keep her sweet tooth satisfied, Grace indulged in a daily dose of chocolate L A Lite bars.

Grace couldn't believe how well it worked. The pounds just seemed to melt away. She now weighs 151 pounds, and is working towards her weight loss goal of 127 pounds!!

Since losing the weight, Grace has gained a tremendous amount of energy. She does activities she used to be too tired for, such as going to the park or zoo with her daughter. She even went snowboarding for the first time in seven years, and is planning a rafting trip.

For Grace, this extra energy to keep up with her daughter is the best thing about losing weight. And the compliments from people aren't too bad, either. She feels like she can do anything. Congratulations, Grace! Keep up the good work!

Here's Grace at 186 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 151 pounds. That's one hot mama!



FAST FACTS

Name: Grace Iubelt
Hometown: Sparks, Nev.
Age: 24
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 186 pounds
Goal weight: 127 pounds
Current weight: 151 pounds
Program start date: November 2006

Favorite food: Pasta.

Biggest temptation: Fatty snacks.

Biggest motivator: Being able to buy smaller clothes, and feeling better.

Biggest obstacle: Going through so many life changes.

Old eating philosophy: Eating too much food.

New eating philosophy: Eating the right amounts of everything.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good, and knowing that she looks good, too.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat every couple of hours to keep your metabolism going.

Cathy Lewis catches a case of happiness

The flu isn't the only thing getting passed around lately. So is a case of happiness, thanks to Cathy Lewis.

Cathy was always on the heavier side, but it wasn't until adulthood that she began seriously packing on the pounds. She loved fried food, and covered everything in gobs of dressings and sauces. And to finish off every meal, Cathy needed something sweet. She was a regular customer at her local bakery.

Cathy's weight gradually increased each year. She didn't notice that as her weight went up, her self-esteem went down. And as it did, she also began to lose her outgoing personality.

One holiday season, however, Cathy felt particularly out of sorts. She was depressed, and felt unattractive. So she made a New Year's resolution to lose weight.

Cathy joined her local Lawrenceville, Ga., L A Weight Loss center in January 2005. Her personal weight loss counselor worked with her to adjust her eating habits. Cathy learned that what she was eating was more important than how much she was eating.

She cut out her fast food indulgences and limited her baked goods intake, while adding fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water to her diet. She found that the foods that were great for her, tasted great too.

Cathy couldn't believe how fast the weight came off, and neither could her friends and coworkers. After two years on the program, she's lost 104 pounds! And she feels like her entire life has changed.

Cathy has gained a tremendous amount of self-confidence, which made a positive impact on her personal and professional life. She realized that before, she loved herself despite how she looked. Now, she loves herself AND how she looks.

Cathy has regained her swagger, and is loving every second of her newfound life. In fact, Cathy's happiness is so contagious, she's convinced 12 of her friends and family members to give L A Weight Loss a try. Way to go, Cathy!

Here's Cathy before she started her weight loss journey:



And here she is today, 104 pounds lighter:



FAST FACTS

Name: Cathy Lewis
Hometown: Atlanta
Age: 37
Height: 5'8"

Total weight loss: 104 pounds
Goal weight loss: 104 pounds
Program start date: October 2005

Favorite food: Salad.

Biggest temptation: French fries.

Biggest motivator: Being happier.

Biggest obstacle: Getting over mental plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Eating everything that tasted good.

New eating philosophy: Eating everything that tastes good and is good for her.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting a second chance at life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Start off your day with a balanced meal to keep you on track for the rest of the day.

Busy N.C. student earns straight A's in Eating Well 101

Classes, work, social activities, sports, and extracurriculars make students some of the busiest people around. And with so much time devoted to other commitments, sometimes they forget to take care of themselves. Nicole Testa found herself in that exact situation not long ago.

Weight had been a problem for Nicole most of her life. She grew up in a typical Italian family with a deep love for Italian food. Besides her love of pasta, Nicole also had a sweet tooth, and constantly snacked on chips and sodas.

Although she had no health complications due to her weight, Nicole suffered emotionally. She never wanted to go out, and always walked with her head down. Worse, she constantly wondered what people thought of her, and worried if they didn't like her appearance, they wouldn't want to get to know her inside.

Nicole wanted to lose weight, but didn't know how. It was difficult to find a program that fit in with studying at University of North Carolina, and waitressing at a local restaurant. She tried a number of diets, with no results.

But then when a friend successfully lose weight with L A Weight Loss, Nicole decided to try the plan too. She joined her local Mooresville, N.C., center in March 2006, where she began working one-on-one with a weight loss counselor.

Her counselor helped her integrate more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water into her diet. Nicole also cut back on carbs and sweets, and slashed soda completely.

Nicole learned the secret of portion control, too. And her counselor helped her stick to her plan, even when she was surrounded by food at work. Plus, L A Weight Loss's flexible schedule worked for Nicole, fitting her busy lifestyle of classes and work.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Nicole has lost 120 pounds, and is bearing down on her goal of losing 150 pounds! People's compliments and support -- not to mention her increased health and energy -- motivate her to keep losing weight.

Nicole's confidence has also skyrocketed. She feels her personality, relationships, and outlook have all dramatically improved. And she loves going to the mall, where she can shop in more stores.

Best of all, Nicole counts losing weight as one of her greatest accomplishments. She now walks around with her head held high. Way to go, Nicole!

Here's Nicole before learning L A Weight Loss's lessons:



And here she is today, looking GREAT!



FAST FACTS

Name: Nicole Testa
Hometown: Mooresville, N.C.
Age: 20
Height: 5'7"

Total weight loss: 120 pounds
Goal weight loss: 150 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream and sweets.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the weight on the scale drop, and receiving compliments from people who haven't seen her in a while.

Biggest obstacle: Getting over stress and frustration.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything, anywhere, any time.

New eating philosophy: Eating smaller portions with more fruits and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Being happier and feeling better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stick with your one-on-one counseling because the counselors are there to keep you on track, answer questions, and give support.

Race car driver speeds to weight loss finish

Race car drivers are known for three things: speed, determination, and focus. For driver Trent Seidel, those qualities also come in handy when losing weight.

Weight wasn't always a problem for Trent. As a teenager, he was regularly active. But once he got older, his lifestyle slowed, and he found himself working out less.

Each year, the numbers on the scale crept higher. Trent's bad eating habits didn't help. He rarely ate breakfast, and was guilty of late night snacking. Fruit meant a glass of orange juice, while the only vegetable he ate came in the form of carrot cake.

Before long, Trent hit 268 pounds. He suffered from sleep apnea, and rarely got a good night's sleep. He also underwent two surgeries for varicose veins, where his extra weight made his leg swollen and uncomfortable.

Despite his weight, Trent was an avid race car driver. His determination in the driver's seat had helped him succeed in business and life before. Now, Trent decided to focus this energy on dropping the pounds.

In November 2006, Trent joined his local Saskatoon L A Weight Loss center. He paired up with a personal weight loss counselor, Lindee, and learned how to turn his diet from heavy to healthy.

He replaced fried and fatty foods with fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water. Lindee taught him the importance of portion control, and held him accountable for his diet decisions. Trent also enjoyed L A Lite bars and supplements.

After one year on the program, Trent lost 59 pounds. He's now at 210 pounds -- only 10 pounds away from his weight loss goal!

For Trent, the best part about being thinner is feeling as good as he looks. He can participate in activities he hasn't done since his teenage years, such as running, doing sit-ups, and lifting weights. No wonder he feels 16 again!

Plus, his confidence has skyrocketed, and he appreciates his health and happiness all the more. Trent's story proves that with the right amount of determination, anything is possible. And with his weight goal so close, the checkered flag is in sight. Race to the finish line, Trent!

Here's Trent at 269 pounds:



And here he is today, looking great at 210 pounds. Great work, Trent! Keep it up!



But wait, check out his ride. This is what I call a good-lookin' car!



FAST FACTS

Name: Trent Seidel
Hometown: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Age: 42
Height: 5'11"

Starting weight: 269 pounds
Goal weight: 200 pounds
Current weight: 210 pounds
Program start date: November 2006

Favorite food: Steak.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from his wife.

Biggest obstacle: Shaking all of his bad eating habits.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever tastes good.

New eating philosophy: Eating wisely and reading labels.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to do much more.

Best weight loss secret learned: Use and maintain your metabolism.

Follow Donna Gaddy's weight loss journey

Here at L A Weight Loss, we have the opportunity to meet many different people. In fact, people are often quite different the last time they walk out of our centers, than from the day they first walked in.

But it's not every day we meet someone like Donna Gaddy. Few people we've come across are more determined to lose weight than she is. Because for Donna, losing weight means regaining her health in a major way.

Years of poor eating habits resulted in serious weight gain. Each of Donna's pregnancies left her heavier than before, and none of the programs or diets she tried helped her drop the pounds. Before she knew it, Donna hit 339 pounds.

She knew if she didn't shape up, her life could be in danger. So Donna, her sister Alora, and friend Dawn joined L A Weight Loss in October, determined to shed the pounds together.

With guidance from their one-on-one weight loss counselors, and constant support from each other, the women have adjusted their diets, learned about nutrition, and are already beginning to see results.

So in honor of Donna's grit, we're taking every step of her weight loss journey with her. Every few weeks we'll post updates, pictures, and videos of her progress. We hope being there for the ups and downs of Donna's challenge will inspire you as much as Donna has inspired us!

So without further ado, here's her first video. Check it out now, because she won't look this way for long!



And here's a photo of Donna today at 339 pounds as she sets off on her own "Biggest Loser" contest:



FAST FACTS

Name: Donna Gaddy
Hometown: Stockbridge, Ga.
Age: 48
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 339 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: October 2007

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest motivator: Being unable to go places or do things because of her weight.

Biggest obstacle: Cooking a healthy meal instead of going out to eat.

Old eating philosophy: Eating out all the time.

New eating philosophy: Eating more fruits and vegetables, and less fried and fast foods.

Biggest reason for joining L A Weight Loss: To drop the weight once and for all, and get healthy.

My L A Weight Loss Diary turns 1!

We couldn't let November slip by without celebrating a special birthday -- ours! This month marks the one year anniversary for our blog.

That's right, it's been one year of chronicling the weight loss journeys of people across the U.S. and Canada. One year of sharing their struggles and successes. And one year of inspiring more people to lose weight and get healthy.

We've come a long way since Nov. 2006, when we profiled Jim Barker, our first success story. Since then, we've showcased 210 women and men who also achieved their healthy goals with L A Weight Loss.

Among them are our People Magazine stars, Janene Campbell and Mandy Muniz, who were featured in the publication's January "Half Their Size" issue. Janene went from 371 to 164 pounds, and Mandy from 293 to 126 pounds.

And who could forget our farmer from Wisconsin, Greg Thompson, who lost 235 pounds, the most of anyone featured on the blog! Thanks to his personal weight loss counselor and portion control education, he's well on his way to his 240-pound goal weight -- a far cry from his original 508.

You've gotten up close and personal to these and other men and women through podcast interviews. We've also shared recipes, cooking tips, and expert nutritional advice to help keep your plates low on fat and calories and high on nutrition and taste.

Speaking of which, we introduced Controltrim on the blog last month, the new L A Weight Loss product that helps you feel full and eat less.

And we launched the first-ever Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge last week, where 10 Atlanta women are striving to meet their weight loss goals in six months, and take home the grand prize of $1,000 shopping spree and program reimbursement.

But this birthday wouldn't be complete without giving a big THANKS to you, our loyal readers! You cheer on these women and men, and keep them inspired and motivated to reach their weight loss goals. So please, keep it coming!

Plus, feel free to tell us your favorite story from the hundreds we've shared. What made you laugh? Cry? Or motivate you to start your own weight loss journey? And if you've already reached your goal weight, check in and let us know how you're doing! We love to hear from all our readers!

Media, you're welcome to join the conversation too! As always, if you're interested in interviewing anyone we've featured on the blog or learning more about L A Weight Loss, just contact Jackie Zima at Jackie@GregoryFCA.com, 610-642-8253, or 215-534-2973 (mobile).

In the meantime, we'll be busy talking to more people who've found success with L A Weight Loss. 'Til next time!

P.S. We'll be taking our holiday break the remainder of the week, and will return Monday the 26th. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Iere Collins falls off the weight gain wagon

Growing up is difficult enough without tacking on sudden weight gain in the middle of adolescence, and things certainly don't get easier. Just ask Iere-Anne Collins.

Weight was a problem for her during most of her life. When she was 12 years old, she had a tumor removed from one of her ovaries. The drastic physical change made her gain 40 pounds following surgery.

From there, it only got worse. Her family, most of whom were also overweight, didn't encourage healthy eating habits. Instead, fast food, fried food, and take-out were daily staples of Iere's diet. She ate too many carbohydrates, drank too much soda, and rarely incorporated fruits and vegetables into her meals.

The more weight Iere gained, the more depressed she became. And the more depressed she became, the more she ate. Iere was caught in a vicious weight-gain cycle that continued into her twenties.

Iere's weight exacerbated her asthma, and walking up the steps was difficult. She suffered from high blood pressure, joint pain, and two herniated discs in her back. Her weight also put her at risk for diabetes, which runs in her family.

Then Iere moved to Indiana for college, where she landed in the hospital multiple times for shortness of breath and overheating. She was carrying too much weight for her lungs to bear.

The last time Iere was released from the hospital, she decided she wasn't going to live that way any more. She tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. Finally, in February 2005, she joined her local Winnepeg, Manitoba, L A Weight Loss Center.

Iere was paired with a personal weight loss counselor who helped her make adjust her diet. She split her three large meals into six smaller meals daily. She increased her intake of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water, and cut out her fried food affinity. And she learned the most important weight loss tip of all: portion control.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Iere has dropped 108 pounds! At 171 pounds, she's only six pounds away from her weight loss goal of 165 pounds.

Iere's entire life has changed. Almost all of her medical problems have subsided. She can now do things she never could before, such as running and working out at the gym. And she has plenty of energy to take care of her one-year-old son.

Iere's self-esteem has dramatically increased too. Now she loves herself inside and out. She enjoys shopping, and can fit into cute clothes she would have never dreamed of wearing two years ago.

Iere's weight loss success story inspired her aunt to join L A Weight Loss too. Way to go, Iere! We're proud of you, and best of luck to your aunt!

Here's Iere at 279 pounds:



And here she is today, looking great at 171 pounds. Great job, Iere!



FAST FACTS

Name: Iere-Anne Collins
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Age: 24
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 279 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 171 pounds
Program start date: February 2005

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Asian food.

Biggest motivator: Staying active for her one-year-old son.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting the temptation to get take-out.

Old eating philosophy: Eating for emotional comfort.

New eating philosophy: Eating as healthy as possible because you are what you eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling free.

Best weight loss secret learned: Break up your meals into more frequent, smaller portions.

Add delicious and nutritious to your Thanksgiving menu

As the bowls of mashed potatoes, baskets of buttery biscuits, and plates of pumpkin pie make their way to your Thanksgiving table this week, it's easy to let your healthy eating habits fall to the wayside.

But they don't have to. Here are some recipes that will add flavor to your meal, without adding inches to your waistline. With these easy-to-follow tips for delicious and nutritious holiday options, you can make the turkey will be the only thing at the table noted for its perfect plumpness.

Raspberry Turkey Delight

5 oz. ground white meat turkey breast, formed into patty
1 cup fresh mushroom slices
1/2 medium green pepper, chopped
5 whole green onions
3 oz. white zinfandel wine (optional)
1 tbsp. fat-free raspberry vinaigrette
Nonfat cooking spray

Coat pan with nonfat cooking spray. Sauté mushrooms, green peppers, and whole green onions. Remove from pan and set aside. Place turkey patty in skillet, and brown each side. Return vegetables to pan. Pour wine into pan, simmer another five minutes, or until turkey is cooked through. Serve hot. Drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette before serving.



Pineapple Stuffing

8 slices of lite bread
2 cups canned, crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup egg substitute
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 cup lite margarine
Nonfat cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Dice bread into 1-inch cubes. In medium bowl, mix bread and pineapple. Add egg to moisten bread. Mix in cinnamon and ginger. Melt margarine in small microwave-safe bowl. Pour half of the melted margarine over bread mixture and mix well. Coat 8-inch square baking pan with nonfat cooking spray. Spread bread mixture evenly in the pan. Pour remaining margarine over stuffing. Bake 15 minutes. Center of the dish will be firm when done.

Follow 10 Atlanta women racing to lose!

Fried chicken, grits, and hush puppies are hallmarks of Southern cooking, but they aren't too kind to your figure.

And they certainly haven't been kind to these 10 Atlanta women: Alora Gaddy, Dawn Fleming, Kari Conkle, Susie Powell, Sharie Rhea, Matilda Tuma, Theresa Conklin, Tina Tucker, Thelia Stevens, and Pamela Kennard-Hil. That's why they weigh a cumulative 1,979 pounds.

Now they're determined to whittle away a total of 504 pounds for good -- but in an unusual fashion. They're participating in the first-ever Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge, sponsored by L A Weight Loss.

Starting today, these women will be on the L A Weight Loss plan, and competing against each other -- and the calendar -- to achieve their weight loss goals in six months.

The reward? Women who meet their goal weight by May 16, 2008, will be reimbursed for the program fee, and one grand prize winner will win a $1,000 new wardrobe shopping spree. (Mama needs a new pair of shoes ... or 20!)

During the challenge, the women will meet with their personal L A Weight Loss counselor three times a week to learn healthy eating habits and stay on their weight loss track. They'll also weigh-in once a week at the center, write their meals down in their daily diary, and use Controltrim in their everyday cooking.

Want to meet the women? Click here to read their stories and see their photos before they transform their bodies!

We'll be following their journeys by posting monthly updates on their progress. So be sure to check back here or bookmark this link.

Media interested in interviewing these women or learning more about the Atlanta Weight Loss Challenge can contact Jackie Zima at Jackie@GregoryFCA.com, 610-642-8253 ext. 138, or 215-534-2973 (mobile).

Good luck to all our participants! See you at the starting line!

Pamela Kennard-Hil to start anew in Atlanta

Weight gain is not discriminatory. Even people you think would be in great shape can carry excess pounds. Take Pamela Kennard-Hil, a physical therapist who started struggling with her weight two and a half years ago.

That was when her firefighter husband died suddenly on the job, and Pamela decided to start over. She and her four sons moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta, where Pamela's best friend lived.

But the transition didn't go well. The stress of losing her husband and trying to raise four kids wore Pamela down. She turned to food for comfort, eating mostly potatoes, french fries, fried fish, and fast food. Her weight increased to 201 pounds.

With high blood pressure and low energy, Pamela knew she needed to change her life. So when she heard about L A Weight Loss and the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge, she jumped at the opportunity to shed 50 pounds for good.

Pamela is determined to become a healthier person, and a better role model for her sons and patients. And once she reaches her goal weight with this challenge, she plans on tackling another: the ING Georgia Marathon on March 30, 2008.

Here's Pamela now at 201 pounds, soon to slim down!



FAST FACTS

Name: Pamela Kennard-Hil
Hometown: Atlanta
Age: 47
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 201 pounds
Goal weight: 151 pounds

Favorite foods: Fried fish and chicken.

Biggest temptation: French fries.

Biggest motivator: Having her kids by her side.

Current eating philosophy: Filling up on fried food.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To become a better mother and physical therapist.

Tina Tucker out to improve life in a smaller size

A self-titled "carboholic," Tina Tucker fills up on white bread, cake, chocolate, and other sweets. Now weighing 224 pounds, Tina has low self-esteem. She feels her larger size diminishes her credibility in her job as a banker.

Her husband, Lynn, has asked her to lose weight for years. She's tried following popular diet programs and taking weight loss pills to drop the pounds, but nothing has worked.

Enough is enough. Tina wants to get healthy, and regain her confidence. And she wants Lynn to look at her the way he did when they married 15 years ago.

Tina is aiming to lose 54 pounds on the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge, and show herself and Lynn the beautiful woman inside! Once she's reached her goal, she hopes she can inspire other overweight people to shed the pounds, too.

Here's Tina at 224 pounds, before she undergoes her transformation:



FAST FACTS

Name: Tina Tucker
Hometown: Camp Creek, Ga.
Age: 35
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 224 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds

Favorite food: Carbs.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to regain her self-esteem.

Current eating philosophy: Loading up on white breads and sweets.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To feel better about herself and strengthen her marriage.

Thelia Stevens wants a new weight for her new job

It's important to make a good first impression when starting a new job. But Thelia Stevens knows how tough that can be when you're overweight.

Theila has struggled with her weight for most of her life. After having two kids, her problem worsened. And she'll be the first to admit her eating habits aren't healthy. In fact, if it's fried, she'll eat it.

After years of eating badly and not exercising, Thelia is ready for a change. She'll soon be switching careers from teaching to human resources, and wants to be sure she gives off a great first impression that reflects her personality, not her size.

For Thelia, looking professional is just as important as acting professional. That's why she hopes to shed 60 pounds on the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge!

Here's Thelia today at 213 pounds as she sets out on her weight loss challenge:



FAST FACTS

Name: Thelia Stevens
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Age: 43
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 213 pounds
Goal weight: 153 pounds

Favorite food: Shrimp.

Biggest temptation: Fried food.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to give a better first impression.

Current eating philosophy: Eating anything home-cooked, especially Southern or fried food.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To look more professional as she changes careers.

Alora Gaddy determined to nix her fast food fix

Many people have a weight limit in their mind. If they ever reach that number, they know it's time to start shedding the pounds.

For Alora Gaddy, that number is 200. And at 188, she's almost there. She owes her weight gain to years of piling extra helpings on her plat,e and hitting the fast food drive-thru. She rarely eats fruits and vegetables, and can't give up her favorite snack -- chips and salsa.

The extra weight has caused Alora's blood pressure and cholesterol to rise. She has trouble keeping up with her three grandchildren, and is frustrated when she can't find clothes that fit her.

She's tried popular diet plans, but wasn't comfortable in group counseling sessions. She quickly lost interest and fell back to her old eating habits.

Now she's determined to lose 50 pounds once and for all through the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge. Alora wants to gain the energy to run after her grandkids, and the good health to live a longer life.

This is Alora now, clocking in at 188. Good luck in the challenge!



FAST FACTS

Name: Alora Gaddy
Hometown: Conyers, Ga.
Age: 50
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 188 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Chips and salsa.

Biggest motivator: Getting encouragement from her kids.

Current eating philosophy: Loving food and eating whatever she wants.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To lose weight for her health and grandchildren.

Theresa Conklin trades good cooking for good looking

If there's one thing most Italians have in common, it's love for Italian food. But that affection has Theresa Conklin's scale tipping.

Theresa eats out often, and indulges in sweets, starches, and plenty of Italian food. She usually treats herself to a glass of wine at dinner. And whenever she eats a healthy salad, she tops it with high-fat options from the salad bar.

At 182 pounds, Theresa recently had an unsuccessful dress-shopping experience for her son's wedding. She wasn't happy with the way dresses fit or looked, and she knew it was time for a change.

She signed up for L A Weight Loss, then joined the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge. She hopes to drop 40 pounds, just in time for the wedding!

Take a look at the 182-pound Theresa now before she starts disappearing!



FAST FACTS

Name: Theresa Conklin
Hometown: Dacula, Ga.
Age: 46
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 182 pounds
Goal weight: 142 pounds

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Wine.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to get down to the weight on her driver's license.

Current eating philosophy: Indulging in Italian food.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To get healthy and show off her new body at her son's wedding.

Matilda Tuma finds motivation to lower the scale

People often deny they have weight problems. Matilda Tuma denied hers for so long, she weighed 198 pounds before she realized she needed to lose weight.

Matilda gained baby weight with each of her three children. Eating unhealthy foods didn't help. Instead, she tried to control her calorie intake by eating only once a day.

Matilda thought no diet program could bring her weight back down. But Matilda joined L A Weight Loss, determined to shed 50 pounds.

Now she thinks the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge is be the perfect way to keep her eyes on the prize (a $1,000 shopping spree and full program reimbursement), and her motivation on track.

Here's Matilda today at 198 pounds. Best of luck!



FAST FACTS

Name: Matilda Tuma
Hometown: Dallas, Ga.
Age: 37
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 198 pounds
Goal weight: 148 pounds

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Getting encouragement from her friends.

Current eating philosophy: Eating only once a day.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To gain motivation to drop the weight.

Susie Powell prepares to give real hero's welcome

Motivation to lose weight can come in many forms. For Susie Powell, it's an American solider.

She met him online, and has kept in touch with him as he serves in Iraq. He's due to come home soon, and she wants to look her best when they meet for the first time. That means dropping the excess weight she's put on throughout her life.

At 224 pounds, Susie regularly eats fried food, carbs, and candy. Fruit and vegetables seldom make their way to her plate. She tries to exercise, but just isn't seeing results.

Her solution: the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge, where she aims to lose 60 pounds. She hopes that by the end, she'll be able to sport a bikini like her friends, and show her solider she can "be all she can be" too!

Here is Susie today, at 224 pounds. She's ready to melt away the pounds!



FAST FACTS

Name: Susie Powell
Hometown: McDonough, Ga.
Age: 47
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 224 pounds
Goal weight: 164 pounds

Favorite food: Shrimp.

Biggest temptation: None. Her willpower is strong!

Biggest motivator: Wanting to be as fit as her girlfriends.

Current eating philosophy: Indulging in fried foods and candy.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To finally get rid of the weight.

Sharie Rhea aims to lose 40 for the grandkids

Just because you're a grandmother, doesn't mean you have to take it easy. Sharie Rhea certainly doesn't want to.

The 48-year-old grandmother of two has struggled with weight her entire life, and yo-yo dieted since she was 12. Sharie loves to eat, though her menu of choice is fast food, not protein or fresh vegetables and fruit.

At 171 pounds, Sharie still has energy, but she's not happy with her looks or how she feels inside. She wants her body to match her bubbly personality. And she wants to keep pace with her grandchildren and see them grow up.

That means dropping 40 pounds by competing in the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge. She hopes she'll finally gain the accountability to lose weight and keep it off.

This is the 171-pound Sharie before she shrinks:



FAST FACTS

Name: Sharie Rhea
Hometown: Milton, Ga.
Age: 48
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 171 pounds
Goal weight: 131 pounds

Favorite food: Steak and a loaded baked potato.

Biggest temptation: Cocktails.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to improve her health and looks.

Current eating philosophy: Eating at fast-food restaurants.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To look younger and be there for her grandkids.

Kari Conkle ready to help herself to a smaller size

There are many common reasons people gain weight. One we often hear at L A Weight Loss is when mothers dedicate so much of themselves to care for their families, they don't have time or energy left to care for themselves. Kari Conkle shares that story.

Kari's 17-year-old daughter Katie was named Miss Georgia Teen U.S.A. in 2005. Kari traveled often, and devoted so much effort to her daughter's care that she forgot about herself. She didn't pay attention to her diet, overloaded on carbs, and dined on comfort foods.

But now her daughter is in college, and Kari is ready to care for herself. At 188 pounds, Kari's blood pressure is higher than it should be, and her joints are sore from carrying around extra weight.

Kari tried dieting a few times, but couldn't find a program that worked for her. Then she found L A Weight Loss. Now Kari is taking her weight loss one step further by entering the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge.

She's excited for the challenge, and thinks it will keep her motivated throughout her weight loss journey. Her goal is to get down to 148 pounds. Good luck, Kari!

Here's Kari now at 188 pounds -- but hopefully not for long!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kari Conkle
Hometown: Hampton, Ga.
Age: 44
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 188 pounds
Goal weight: 148 pounds

Favorite food: Peanut butter.

Biggest temptation: All the baked goods her students bring in to elementary school.

Biggest motivator: Looking at a school picture of herself that she barely recognizes.

Current eating philosophy: Eating carbs and comfort food.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To take care of herself for the first time in years.

Dawn Fleming ready to drop 60 for the Aloha state

Many people losing weight have a reward waiting for them when they reach their goal. For some, it's a new wardrobe. For others, improved self-esteem. For Dawn Fleming, it's a dream vacation to Hawaii.

Years of eating fast food, fried foods, and not enough fruits and vegetables had Dawn's weight on the rise. But she's reached her breaking point: 190 pounds.

In addition to lack of energy, Dawn suffers from high blood pressure and depression. Her doctor has warned her she desperately needs to lose weight.

Dawn is determined to shed 60 pounds on the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge. What's her driving motivation, besides her quest for a healthier body? Her husband has promised to put away $100 for every pound that Dawn loses.

That will make $7,000 when she reaches her goal weight of 130 pounds. And they're planning to use that money for a trip to Hawaii!

Here's Dawn now, officially weighing in at 190 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Dawn Fleming
Hometown: Conyers, Ga.
Age: 54
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 190 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds

Favorite food: Lobster.

Biggest temptation: Baked potatoes with sour cream.

Biggest motivator: Buying smaller clothes, her health, and Hawaii!

Current eating philosophy: Putting butter on everything.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To get healthy.

UPDATE: Tena Evans reaches her ideal weight for an ideal life

Here at L A Weight Loss, we have the opportunity to see people laugh, cry, and be inspired every day. Most rewarding, though, is seeing the joy expressed when someone reaches their goal weight. Recently, Tena Evans experienced that joy.

Tena has had quite a weight loss journey. She had struggled with her weight for over 20 years when she joined L A Weight Loss in 2005. At the time, her health and happiness were far from ideal.

But Tena found the support she needed at her Fresno, Calif. center to transform her diet and her life. In fact, when we last checked on her, she weighed 163 pounds -- 155 pounds lighter than her original weight of 318 pounds! Wow!

Since then, Tena shed the last 5 pounds to reach her goal of 158 pounds! She has tons of energy, and enjoys walking outdoors with her girlfriends and riding her bike. We're so happy for you, Tena! Congratulations!

Here's Tena at 158 pounds, 160 pounds smaller than when she first walked into L A Weight Loss:

Cory Thomas follows golden weight loss rule

California is the Golden State, but if you're an overweight resident, you're probably not feeling so radiant. Meet Cory Thomas.

Cory started packing on the pounds in her 20s. Between school and work, there was little time to eat healthy or exercise. Often, she'd grab a burger, fries, and soda for meals; and snacked on chips and candy.

Cory's unhealthy eating routine followed her into marriage and motherhood, where she topped out at 198 pounds.

She struggled to get out of bed in the morning, and lacked the energy to play with her two kids. She felt uncomfortable in public, and made excuses to not go out. Buying clothes was depressing.

But Cory didn't consider how much weight she packed on until three years ago. It wasn't until her son, looking at her wedding picture on the wall, asked her who the lady in the photo was.

Cory was shocked that her son didn't recognize her, and realized how serious her weight problem was. She needed to do something about her eating habits right away.

So she tried a few diet programs. Cory didn't like the first one, because she felt uneasy sharing her weight struggles in front of strangers. The second program was no better, because Cory had to cut out carbs and eat more protein, which made her concerned about her cholesterol.

Then she learned about L A Weight Loss's one-on-one counseling and portion control. It sounded like the right plan for her, and she signed up.

She worked with personal weight loss counselor Sandra at the Oceanside, Calif., center to modify her eating habits. Cory added more vegetables, fruit, and chicken to her diet, while minimizing fried foods.

She liked to start her day with a bowl of oatmeal accompanied by a smoothie with mango, non-fat yogurt, and skim milk. She had L A Lite bars for snacks, and plenty of water throughout the day.

The result was a 180-degree flip. Cory dropped 51 pounds, and now weights 147! She has a more positive outlook on life, and can't wait to start her day. Shopping for clothes is fun again, as plus-sized clothes are a thing of the past.

Cory motivated her dad to join L A Weight Loss, too. He's lost 30 pounds! But that's not all she can impart to others struggling to lose weight. She says the secret is to stick with your L A Weight Loss plan and let it work for you. The counselors are your compass!

And it looks she's discovered the gold! Way to go, Cory!

Here's Cory before, at 198 pounds:



And here she is now, glowing at 147! Great job, Cory!



FAST FACTS

Name: Cory Thomas
Hometown: Oceanside, Calif.
Age: 36
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 198 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: February 2005

Favorite food: Mexican food.

Biggest temptation: Cheesecake.

Biggest motivator: Starting the program and not wanting to let herself down.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to stay on track while her husband is fighting in Iraq.

Old eating philosophy: Eating without thinking.

New eating philosophy: Learning how to eat healthy while fitting her favorite foods into her plan.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself.

Best weight loss secret learned: Freeze some L A Lite bars and take them with you! They help when you're going out.

Utah mom lets blocks fall to happier, healthier life

Life is like dominoes. One block falls and hits another, which hits another, which hits another. Pretty soon a whole line of blocks is falling one after another, creating an exciting, sometimes beautiful piece of moving art. Cause and effect. Just like life.

When Kandi Manzanares's dominoes fell, the result was a much smaller, much happier woman. Kandi was overweight most of her adult life. When she married her husband at age 18, the stress of a new life in a new home resulted in a lot of comfort eating.

She gradually gained weight throughout the years. Each of Kandi's three pregnancies left her significantly larger than before, too. In fact, she gained weight so quickly with each baby, it worried her doctors. By the time she had her third baby, Kandi was tipping the scales at 223 pounds.

Her diet was anything but healthy. Fast food was a staple. Fruits and vegetables were never included, and she rarely cooked dinner for the family. And Kandi often overloaded on breads and sweets.

Her body felt the effects of carrying around too much weight. She was on medication for high blood pressure, and she suffered from constant back pain. Besides her physical problems, Kandi was depressed. She hated meeting new people and going to new places. She simply didn't want to be seen.

But Kandi wasn't the only person affected by her bad eating habits. When her family doctor diagnosed high cholesterol in her 11-year-old daughter, Kandi's first domino fell. She knew she needed to get everyone healthy.

Kandi tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. She needed a program that would teach her about nutrition, and give her valuable lessons to take away -- not pre-packaged foods and embarrassing group meetings.

Then, in February 2006, Kandi discovered L A Weight Loss. She joined her local Draper, Utah, L A Weight Loss center, determined to lose weight and get healthy. There, Kandi was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor who helped her every step of the way.

Her counselor taught her how to re-vamp her diet. And as Kandi's diet improved, so did her family's. Soon the dominoes were falling. Kandi eliminated most of her family's fast food binges, and added fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water. Her whole family loved their new, healthier meals.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Kandi has lost 71 pounds! Weighing in at 152 pounds, she's only 2 pounds away from her goal. Losing weight has changed Kandi's life. She's off all her medications, and no longer has health problems.

Plus, Kandi's husband liked their new eating habits so much, he decided to join L A Weight Loss, too! The couple have now grown even closer thanks to their shared weight loss journey. They spend much more time together cooking healthy meals and going on walks.

Best of all: Kandi is much happier, and has energy to do much more. She volunteers at her children's school, plays with her kids in the yard, and still has energy to work out every day.

Now you see how one doctor's appointment led to the chain of events that made Kandi's entire family healthier, happier, and more active. Now that's a beautiful thing. Way to go, Kandi!

Here's Kandi at 223 pounds:



And here she is today looking fit and fabulous at 152 pounds!




FAST FACTS

Name: Kandi Manzanares
Hometown: West Jordan, Utah
Age: 36
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 223 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 152 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Homemade pizza with vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Bread and pastries.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy for her children.

Biggest obstacle: Visiting family and being around food.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was easiest.

New eating philosophy: Choosing what she eats carefully.

Best thing about losing weight: Receiving constant support from her counselors, and feeling better the smaller she became.

Best weight loss secret learned: Monitor portion size.

Texas couple team up for combined weight loss challenge

For a marriage to work, husbands and wives must work well together. And many couples work so well together, they adopt one another's habits, likes, and dislikes. That's a wonderful relationship -- unless, of course, you're talking about bad eating habits.

That's the problem Elsa and Carlos Cavazos faced. Married for 29 years, Elsa and Carlos did everything together. They started a home, raised their children, and shared everything ... including their unhealthy eating habits.

Elsa had never struggled with her weight before. She was small throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Plus, being constantly on the move with her young children kept her active.

But when Elsa reached her 30s and 40s, her lifestyle slowed down, and so did her metabolism. She was no longer chasing her children around the house, and her job at the U.S. Air Force training center sat her behind a desk all day.

Elsa's affinity for salty and high-calorie foods didn't help. She was the potato chip queen. She rarely cooked healthy meals, and ate fried foods and chips instead.

Her husband Carlos was in the same boat. He never worried about his weight when he was younger, but gradually gained pounds after their wedding. As the years stretched on, his waistline stretched out. Carlos always helped himself to multiple servings of everything Elsa cooked, which was usually Mexican food high in sodium and calories.

Their weights made them feel sluggish. Elsa and Carlos never had any energy to do anything together after work. Their clothes fit them uncomfortably, they were winded walking up their stairs, and they hated lugging around their extra pounds.

One year, Elsa and Carlos had appointments for their routine physicals around the same time. Elsa's cholesterol was dangerously high for someone her size. Carlos also had high cholesterol, and suffered from knee pain. He had a high level of liver enzymes as well, making him susceptible to diabetes later in life. Their doctors gave the same prescription: lose weight.

Elsa and Carlos decided their doctors were right. So in April 2006, they signed up at the San Antonio, Texas, L A Weight Loss center, determined to get healthy together. They worked with their personal weight loss counselors, and set goals for their ideal weights.

Elsa and Carlos learned valuable lessons from their counselors, who taught them the trick to a healthy diet, and the importance of portion control. They added fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats to their meals, and cut out starches.

Now, when Elsa cooked dinner, she included lots of vegetables, poultry, and fish. And the grocery cart was no longer filled with potato chips and other junk, unless Elsa was enjoying them in moderation.

And at the dinner table, Carlos no longer kept coming back for more. He stuck to proper portions, and ate multiple times throughout the day.

Before they knew it, the pounds starting dropping. Since joining L A Weight Loss, Elsa and Carlos have lost 83 pounds! Elsa went from 143 pounds to 117 pounds -- just two pounds away from her goal weight. And Carlos is weighing in at 208 pounds, compared to his original 265 pounds. He's also getting close to his goal of 185 pounds.

Their health problems have subsided, and they have much more energy. Neither Elsa nor Carlos feel sluggish at work anymore, and they still have energy left over when they get home. Plus, they love the compliments they receive from friends and family.

Even better, getting healthy is a family affair for the Cavazos. Thanks to Elsa's new cooking style, their children are enjoying the benefits of a healthy diet, too.

But for Elsa and Carlos, the best thing about losing weight is feeling closer to each other. Working together and losing weight as a team made their relationship stronger than ever. They loved the feeling of accomplishment, and used each other as motivation.

Elsa and Carlos still do everything together, but they've replaced their habit of sharing bad eating tendencies to sharing romantic evening walks. Just another benefit from their L A Weight Loss experience. Way to go, Elsa and Carlos! We're proud of you!

Here's Elsa at 143 pounds and Carlos at 265 pounds, before joining L A Weight Loss:



And here they are now at 117 pounds and 208 pounds. Looking good, kids!




FAST FACTS

Name: Elsa Cavazos
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Age: 48
Height: 5'1"

Starting weight: 143 pounds
Goal weight: 115 pounds
Current weight: 117 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Fried chicken.

Biggest temptation: Potato chips.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight with Carlos, and seeing the pounds come off.

Biggest obstacle: Staying within the plan and not cheating, and eating the right foods.

Old eating philosophy: Eating many fried food and carbs.

New eating philosophy: Eating grilled instead of fried, and loading up on vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Fitting into a size 4.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat potato chips and lose weight!



Name: Carlos Cavazos
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Age: 49
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 265 pounds
Goal weight: 185 pounds
Current weight: 208 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Everything on the dinner table.

Biggest temptation: More servings.

Biggest motivator: Watching Elsa lose weight, and hit her goal weight.

Biggest obstacle: Being tempted to have second servings.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything in sight.

New eating philosophy: Eating grilled chicken and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Watching his waistline shrink.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat the foods you love while you lose weight.

Bride-to-be says "I do" to weight loss

If you're getting married and need to shed weight, take heart. It's a common bride-to-be problem. But some solutions are easier than others, as Nicole Marto of Green Bay, Wis., discovered.

Nicole led an active lifestyle, frequently playing softball and rollerblading. But when she was away from the field and sidewalks, she indulged in fast food, pizza, red meat, salty snacks, and whatever else satisfied her taste buds.

The extra calories pushed her weight to 217 pounds. She often felt uncomfortable in groups, and she would never be seen in a bathing suit. Instead, she hid behind baggy, dull clothing.

Though her eating habits were lacking, her love life was quite the opposite. She became engaged in June 2005, and couldn't wait to tie the knot. But it wasn't long before a dark cloud dampened her spirits.

It happened the following month when a D.J. on her local country music station talked about his success losing weight on the L A Weight Loss plan.

Nicole looked down at the sparkling diamond on her left hand. In a little more than a year, she'd be walking down the aisle. But at 217 pounds, would she be a beautiful bride?

Nicole didn't want to consider the negative. She resolved right then to lose enough weight to wear a size 6 wedding dress. And to do so, she'd join L A Weight Loss. Nicole called her local, Green Bay, Wis., center, and signed up that day.

She worked with her personal weight loss counselors, Carrie, Shannon, and Sarah, to develop a new eating routine. She incorporated more fish, vegetables, and fruit into her diet, while cutting back on fast food. L A Lite bars took care of her sweet cravings.

Nicole's counselors also taught her portion control. She knew just how much to eat to satisfy her hunger without over-indulging.

L A Weight Loss fit her lifestyle to a T. Amid planning her wedding (and two others she was standing in), juggling three jobs, and running a household, Nicole didn't have much time to devote to weight loss. But her counselors adapted the L A Weight Loss plan to her schedule, making it easy to drop the pounds.

After a year on the plan, Nicole shed 82 pounds, and reached her goal weight of 135 -- just in time for her wedding. She was so excited and happy to walk down the aisle in her size 6 dress, and say "I do" in front of family and friends.

Now happily married, Nicole continues to carry that energy with her. Even after working a nine-hour day, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband mowing the lawn and watering the flowers. And her husband loves to look at her even more ;)

She also recently sported a bikini for the first time in years, and loves wearing bright colors and tighter outfits. Overall, Nicole is more confident because she's discovered her true self. Nicole feels she's at the right weight, and can finally be herself: outgoing and vivacious!

But she isn't keeping her success a secret. She referred four people to the L A Weight Loss program, and they're all working toward their weight loss goals.

At her wedding, Nicole told her husband she would have and hold him forever. But there's something else she'll hold forever: the knowledge she gained about food and nutrition at L A Weight Loss. It's the key to helping her maintain her weight loss and healthy body for the rest of her life.

Way to go, Nicole! And good luck with your new marriage!

This is Nicole before, towing 217 pounds:



And this is Nicole after her transformation, now weighing 135. Wow, looking great, Nicole!



FAST FACTS

Name: Nicole Marto
Hometown: Green Bay, Wis.
Age: 24
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 217 pounds
Goal weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 135 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Italian.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Going to L A Weight Loss three times a week, and watching the number on the scale go down.

Biggest obstacle: None. Working with her counselors made losing weight. Simple!

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Balancing her diet with more more vegetables, fruits, and protein.

Best thing about losing weight: Having much more confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink plenty of water. It's your friend!

Junk-food junkie gets clean

Garbage in, garbage out.

These popular words might have started in the computer industry, but they hold true for eating, too. Consume unhealthy foods, develop unhealthy bodies.

Just ask Melissa Benavides. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, she followed a poor diet of high-calorie Mexican dishes, chips, cakes, and cookies. And she had a pudgy figure as a result.

After getting married, Melissa gained 60 pounds with each of her two pregnancies. She had to wear plus-sized clothes, and cried because she couldn't fit into nice outfits. Her confidence was low, and she always looked at thin women, wishing she was them.

Then her dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. The news struck Melissa hard. Her dad was in great shape. How could this happen to him?

It also made her take a good look at her own body's condition. At 240 pounds, Melissa was no poster child for health. She had asthma, and was always out of breath. Worse, her knees ached to support the extra weight, and she suffered from constant headaches.

Melissa thought, if her otherwise healthy dad could get cancer, what could happen to her? And what would happen to her kids? The thought launched Melissa into action. She joined her local Bandera, Texas, L A Weight Loss center to change her life.

There, she found a new weight loss family. Melissa worked one-on-one with her counselor Michelle, who taught her a healthy eating routine and guided her through the weight loss journey.

Melissa cut back on sweets, while occasionally enjoying Jell-O. She also learned how to nix chips and caloric Mexican food -- and not miss it.

That's because she discovered healthy foods that tasted even better, such as fruits and vegetables, grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, and salad. And she washed it all down with plenty of water.

L A Weight Loss was easier than other diets Melissa had tried because she didn't have to give up every food she loved. She just ate less of them. And the counselors never scolded her if she strayed. Instead, they helped her quickly get back on track.

Ten months later, Melissa is 100 pounds lighter, weighing in at 140! All of her health problems are improved, as she takes every opportunity to get out, socialize, and be active.

For instance, Melissa plays with her kids, running around and kicking the soccer ball. She and her family also like to go fishing, and she can enjoy it without feeling like she'll break the boat.

Friends and family are amazed at her transformation, and her husband is very proud of her. Melissa still cries when she tries on clothes, but now they're tears of joy ... because she's wearing a size 6!

Congratulations, Melissa! Keep it up!

This is junk-food junkie Melissa before at 240 pounds:



And here she is today, much healthier at 158! Way to go, Melissa!



FAST FACTS

Name: Melissa Benavides
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Age: 37
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 240 pounds
Goal weight: 120 pounds
Current weight: 140 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Salmon.

Biggest temptation: Tortillas and tacos.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from her dad and husband.

Biggest obstacle: Shedding the last few pounds.

Old eating philosophy: Indulging in junk food.

New eating philosophy: Being selective about what she eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more energy and a better outlook on life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Learn when to eat to keep your metabolism going.

Loretta Finnikin catches a case of inspiration

Inspiration is contagious. And often, once you catch it, you want to spread it. Take Loretta Finnikin.

Loretta was overweight her entire life. She packed her diet with junk snacks, sugary sodas, and huge portions of high-calorie foods. By the time she was an adult, Loretta weighed 241 pounds.

Loretta felt the effects of her extra weight. She was on medication for high blood pressure, and couldn't make it up the stairs without gasping for breath. She had constant headaches, and suffered from bouts of nausea.

Not only did Loretta suffer physical problems, she also felt emotional pain. She hated the way strangers treated her, and everywhere she turned it seemed someone was snickering.

Loretta tried a laundry list of fad diets and diet pills, but nothing to show for it. When Loretta turned 50 in 2005, she decided once and for all to lose weight.

Loretta was driving to pick up a fast food dinner when she passed her local Gardendale, Ala., L A Weight Loss center. She turned into the parking lot, and joined right then and there.

She was paired up with her personal weight loss counselor, Susan, who helped coach her through her toughest weight loss moments. Susan served as a constant source of inspiration for Loretta, and worked closely with her to transform her meals.

She cut out her usual daily diet of seven high-calorie sodas, fatty meats, fried foods, and sweets; and replaced it with fresh fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish, and water. Loretta watched everything she ate, and read product labels before foods hit her grocery cart.

She also learned portion control. Instead of a few large meals every day, Loretta paced herself, and broke them into six smaller meals. And she replaced her usual snack of chips or cake with fruit or an L A Lite bar.

By simply adjusting her diet, Loretta started seeing the pounds drop. And the more weight she lost, the more energy she gained. For the first time in her life, Loretta began exercising. She worked out at her local gym three to four times a week, and was thrilled with the results.

After two years on L A Weight Loss, Loretta lost 99 pounds. At 142 pounds, she's only four pounds away from her weight loss goal! She can't believe that she can eat what she enjoys and still lose weight.

Loretta loves everything that comes with being thinner. The best part is shopping. While she used to frequent plus-size clothing stores, Loretta now shops anywhere she wants, and loves buying smaller, cuter clothes.

And the compliments she's been receiving have been great. Her family can't believe how much weight she's lost. She's off her blood pressure medication, and has said good-bye to her other weight-related health problems.

Loretta's self-confidence is through the roof. She is so motivated to stay healthy and be fit, she wants to tell the world, and inspire others to take control of their weight as well.

Way to go, Loretta! We're so proud of you! Keep up the good work!

Here's Loretta at her heaviest, 241 pounds:



And here she is today at 142 pounds. Wow!



FAST FACTS

Name: Loretta Finnikin
Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
Age: 53
Height: 5'0"

Starting weight: 241 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 142 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite foods: Macaroni and cheese, cornbread, collard greens, and soda.

Biggest temptation: Fried foods.

Biggest motivator: Being determined to break her family's history of bad health.

Biggest obstacle: Losing the weight and keeping it off.

Old eating philosophy: Piling on full plates, and eating everything.

New eating philosophy: Eating lean meats and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Having a whole new body, and fitting into a size 6.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat anything you want and lose weight!

Former model returns to the spotlight

Models depend on their bodies for their jobs. So what happens when their bodies are no longer the slender figures that got them in front of the cameras in the first place? Diana Rahn can tell you.

Diana was used to being thin and looking good. In fact, her career as a Playboy bunny in the 1970s depended on it. So when Diana married and had a baby in her 20s, she managed to stay fit as a fiddle.

Losing the baby weight after her second child was harder, but she still returned to her pre-baby weight. When, at age 45, she had her third child, losing weight was almost impossible.

With a slower metabolism, and three children to care for, Diana couldn't shed the baby weight. A healthy size 8 for years, Diana was struggling to squeeze into size 12. And she didn't like what she saw in the mirror.

Diana wasn't feeling her best, either. She had high cholesterol, and was on medication for high blood pressure. Worse, she was out of shape and always out of breath.

Still, Diana ate what her children ate, and thought that running around caring for them was all the exercise she needed. She couldn't understand why she wasn't dropping the pounds. Diana tried a number of diets and even joined a gym, but nothing worked.

Then she heard a story about a woman who lost weight for her high school reunion. The woman's secret: L A Weight Loss. Diana decided to give it a try. In 2005, she joined her local Madison, Wis., L A Weight Loss center, and was paired with a personal weight loss counselor.

For Diana, the one-on-one attention made all the difference. She added more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water to her diet. And she learned the most important weight loss key to success: portion control.

Diana's personal meetings also held her accountable for what she ate. She appreciated the focus she received during each session, and also credits her food diary with keeping her conscious of what she ate.

Before she knew it, the weight began to melt away. Diana lost 15 pounds, and reached her goal weight of 140! She looks better, feels better, and even fits into size 6 pants!

Diana loves that she can shop at name-brand stores for clothes. And she loves the way people treat her now that she's lost weight. Her own success has even inspired others to join L A Weight Loss.

In the meantime, Diana has big plans for her new body. She's been lifting weights and exercising so she can enter the L A Weight Loss LYCRA bikini contest. Even better, Diana is planning to submit photos to Playboy for a "30 years later" layout.

Once a bunny, always a bunny. And Diana has certainly earned her place in front of the camera. Way to go, Diana!

Here's Diana at 155 pounds:



And here she is now at 140 pounds:




FAST FACTS

Name: Diana Rahn
Hometown: Lodai, Wis.
Age: 50
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 155 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 140 pounds
Program start date: August 2005

Favorite food: Breads.

Biggest temptation: Carbs.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to fit into her size 8 and 10 clothes, and not wanting to fill her closet with larger sizes.

Biggest obstacle: Saying no to temptation.

Old eating philosophy: Eating large portions.

New eating philosophy: Eating correct portions of everything.

Best thing about losing weight: Receiving encouragement and compliments.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat the right portions, drink a lot of water, and exercise, and you WILL lose weight.

Tennessee grandmom smashes weight gain cycle

People often eat because they're unhappy -- and they're unhappy because they eat too much. That's exactly the vicious cycle Kathy Kegley found herself trapped in.

Kathy was overweight since childhood. A lifetime of bad eating habits, including consuming huge portions of unhealthy foods, left her struggling with her health and happiness. By the time she reached her 40s, Kathy tipped the scales at 279 pounds.

Her weight caused myriad health issues, and she was on medication for back and stomach pain, joint aches, nerve problems, and depression. Not to mention the fact that Kathy could barely get from the house to her car without losing her breath.

The worst part about being overweight was how others treated her. When out in public, people acted like she wasn't in the room. Kathy hated feeling lonely, and this only made her eat more.

She tried a number of diets throughout the years, but nothing worked for her. Kathy knew she needed to change her life. But when her insurance company denied her request for gastric bypass surgery, she was lost for a solution.

Then Kathy discovered L A Weight Loss in 2003. Feeling that it was her last chance to lose weight, Kathy joined her local Knoxville, Tenn., center, where she was paired up with one-on-one weight loss counselors.

Kathy worked closely with her counselors to stop her bad eating habits, and replace them with healthy alternatives. She cut down her consumption of red meat, macaroni and cheese, and fast food, while enjoying more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.

When Kathy hit a plateau, her counselors were right there to help her through it. Their constant encouragement kept Kathy focused and motivated. And whenever she needed a sweet treat, Kathy rewarded herself with an L A Lite bar.

Soon the pounds started to melting away. Kathy has dropped 121 pounds, and is just five pounds away from her goal weight of 153 pounds!

At her new size 8, Kathy can do she things she never dreamed of doing when she was overweight. She exercises five times a week, and still has energy to run around and play with her four grandchildren.

Kathy's health problems have become a thing of the past. She is off all of the medication she needed due to her extra weight, and all of her aches and pains are gone. Best of all, her relationships with the people she loves most are stronger. Her grandkids can wrap their arms around her for the first time!

People are in disbelief when they see pictures of Kathy before she joined L A Weight Loss. This is the smallest she has been since she was 12 years old. Kathy often has to look in the mirror to remind herself that she's no longer the 279-pound woman she used to be.

Most important, Kathy's learned that she no longer needs the comfort of food to make her happy. She can do that all by herself. Way to go, Kathy!

Here's Kathy at her heaviest, 279 pounds:



And here she is today looking fantastic at 158 pounds! Congrats, Kathy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kathy Kegley
Hometown: Lenorr City, Tenn.
Age: 48
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 279 pounds
Goal weight: 153 pounds
Current weight: 158 pounds
Program start date: December 2003

Favorite food: Grilled chicken.

Biggest temptation: Eating out.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from her counselors.

Biggest obstacle: Getting over her self-doubt.

Old eating philosophy: Eating huge portions.

New eating philosophy: Letting her mind control her meals, not her eyes.

Best thing about losing weight: Changing your diet changes your life.