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.