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.