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

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

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!

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