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.