Cheyenne Luken receives the gift of good health

Gifts come in large and small packages. Some are expensive, some are free, and some, such as good health, are priceless. Just ask Cheyenne Luken.

Cheyenne experimented with dieting throughout her life, but never had a real problem with her weight until her two pregnancies. That's when she lost care and control of her eating habits, routinely eating whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

By 2006, Cheyenne weighed 257 pounds. She was uncomfortable in public, and often skipped company parties and other social events.

Cheyenne knew it was time to get healthy. Her sister had experienced success on L A Weight Loss, so Cheyenne decided to give it a try.

As a combined birthday and Christmas gift, Cheyenne asked her husband for a membership to L A Weight Loss. So on Jan. 1, 2007, she started her weight loss journey at her local Lawrenceville, Ga., center.

Cheyenne worked with the personal weight loss counselors, who taught her how to eat right. She cut out most sweets and fast foods, and replaced them with lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and plenty of water.

She also learned the importance of portion control. But Cheyenne didn't deprive herself of the sweet treats she loves. Whenever she needed something sugary to snack on, she reached for an L A Lite bar.

One year later, Cheyenne is 77 pounds lighter! At 180 pounds, she's getting close to her goal weight of 145 pounds.

Cheyenne feels life has greatly improved since she's lost weight. She's not uncomfortable to be seen in public anymore, and never misses a social event. She also ditched her frumpy clothes for more fashionable styles, and can even fit into her daughter's clothes.

Cheyenne's weight loss journey gave her a gift that she'll appreciate for the rest of her life -- the gift of good health. Way to go, Cheyenne! Keep up the good work!

Here's Cheyenne in 2006 at 257 pounds:



And here she is today at 180 pounds. Great job, Cheyenne!



FAST FACTS

Name: Cheyenne Luken
Hometown: Flowery Branch, Ga.
Age: 38
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 257 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 180 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Chili.

Biggest temptation: Fast food.

Biggest motivator: Seeing results.

Biggest obstacle: Staying committed.

Old eating philosophy: Eating what she wanted, when she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Sticking to proper portion sizes.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking better in her clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Try L A Lite bars for a sweet treat.

Minn. mom's New Year's resolution comes full circle

Now that Christmas is behind us, one thing on everyone's mind (besides paying credit card bills) is a New Year's resolution.

It's no surprise that the most common resolution is to shape up and lose weight. And if you ask Angie Vesey, that's the best commitment you can make to yourself.

Weight wasn't a problem for Angie until after she gave birth to her two children, and gained 30 pounds during each pregnancy. After that, her metabolism slowed, and her weight gain became a slippery slope.

Angie gradually put on pounds over the years, reaching 156 pounds by December 2006. After a number of failed New Year's resolutions to lose weight, the Minnesota mom decided 2007 would be the year she got serious, and carried out her plan to drop the pounds.

Angie looked into her options, and decided L A Weight Loss would fit perfectly into her life. She joined the Eagan, Minn., L A Weight Loss center in the first week of 2007.

There, Angie was paired with a one-on-one weight loss counselor who helped get her diet in check by adding more fruits, vegetables, and water. Angie also opted for lean meats and protein, instead of fattier red meats. Most importantly, she learned portion control.

It's been nearly a year since Angie joined L A Weight Loss, and she couldn't be happier. She's reached her goal weight of 131 pounds, shaving off a total of 25 pounds!

Since losing weight, Angie's energy has increased. She now enjoys swimming and biking to stay fit. And her new energy motivates her to improve her fitness routine by doing new activities.

Plus, Angie feels good in a two-piece bathing suit. Dressing up is now a treat, not a chore. Best of all, Angie feels great!! Her confidence is high, and she's no longer embarrassed about feeling heavy.

Way to go, Angie! What a difference a year makes!

Here's Angie one year ago at 156 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 131 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Angie Vesey
Hometown: Apple Valley, Minn.
Age: 39
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 156 pounds
Goal weight: 131 pounds
Current weight: 131 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Biggest motivator: Slimming down for a trip to St. Thomas.

Biggest obstacle: Choosing the right foods when cooking and eating out.

Old eating philosophy: Wanting it, and eating it.

New eating philosophy: Thinking about what she's eating.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better and looking better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods, eat throughout the day, and drink plenty of water.

A merry update with Donna Gaddy

One month ago we introduced you to Donna Gaddy, a Georgia woman taking the first steps of her weight loss journey. With the help of L A Weight Loss, Donna is determined to drop 179 pounds, and get healthy.

Since committing herself to eating right, Donna has lost 22 pounds, and currently weighs 317 pounds. Here's Donna in her second video, looking slimmer already!



Stay tuned as we post updates of Donna, and watch her disappear!

Nikki Robinson finds her happy number

Eighty-six is a semiprime, a nontotient, a noncototient, a happy number, and a self number. It appears in the Padovan sequence, right after 37, 49, and 65. And it's the amount of weight Nikki Robinson plans to lose with L A Weight Loss.

Nikki struggled with her weight her entire life. Throughout childhood, she kept active with a variety of sports. But high school and beyond saw Nikki's lifestyle significantly slow, and her weight gradually climb.

By the time she was 21, Nikki weighed a hefty 250 pounds. She was pre-diabetic, and on medication for high blood pressure. Worse, Nikki couldn't do many of the things girls her age were doing, because she didn't have the confidence to flirt with boys or wear cute clothes. And she felt sluggish all the time.

Nikki knew she was too young for such burdensome health problems, and became determined to lose weight. She tried other diets, but didn't learn about balanced eating, and never felt accountable for what she ate.

Then in April 2006, Nikki joined her local Morristown, Tenn., L A Weight Loss center. There, she was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor, who helped slim down her diet. Nikki learned about proper portion sizes, and added fruits, vegetables, and lean meats to her meals.

It wasn't long before she started dropping weight. In fact, Nikki's already lost 51 pounds. And that puts her at 193 -- only 28 pounds from her weight loss goal of 165!

The support has been fantastic. Nikki's family and friends have backed her the entire way, and celebrate all of her weight loss milestones with her.

Watching Nikki succeed has motivated her younger sister to join L A Weight Loss, too! And the compliments from guys haven't been too bad, either. ;-)

Plus, Nikki's energy is soaring. She feels like an entirely different person. Her health has improved, and she's off all of her medications.

Best of all, Nikki feels good about herself. And she knows that as her weight keeps dropping, life will only get better. Eighty-six certainly is a happy number -- Nikki's happy number. Keep up the good work!

Here's Nikki at 250 pounds:



And here she is today, looking much slimmer at 165 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Nikki Robinson
Hometown: Morristown, Tenn.
Age: 21
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 251 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 193 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Biggest motivator: Getting compliments from friends and family.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting temptation.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Sticking to proper portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Enjoying all the new attention.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you're committed to losing weight, it will happen!

Ann Brafford shops smarter to slim down

Grocery shopping is usually a chore. It's time-consuming to find what you want, and frustrating to battle the crowds. But it was worse for Ann Brafford. It made her gain weight.

When Ann went grocery shopping, she grabbed whatever looked good without thinking about nutrition. She avoided the fresh vegetables and fruits, and instead hit the snacks and processed foods aisles.

When she got home, she cooked the foods without paying attention to the amount of fat or salt she was adding. And when she ate them, portion size was out the door.

At 283 pounds, Ann was destroying her health. She had high cholesterol and blood pressure, asthma, and a thyroid condition. She was on medication to treat them all.

Ann was sluggish, and hated that she couldn't keep up with her grandson. Finding clothes she liked was nearly impossible. And after every annual checkup, Ann dreaded the phone call from her doctor saying her lab reports had worsened.

At 57 years old, she realized she needed to do something about her weight now. Her only other options: be miserable for the rest of her life, or die early of a heart attack. So Ann decided to join L A Weight Loss.

Working with her personal weight loss counselors, Ann learned how to purchase healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, or frozen dinners when she was in a hurry. She also learned how to order the right meals at restaurants, so she wouldn't break her weight loss plan.

The counselors were helpful and encouraging, and showed her how to cook meals from the L A Lite cookbook. Ann's family also motivated her to stay on track. With her eating in check and support system under her wings, the weight started to come off.

After 70 weeks on the L A Weight Loss plan, Ann lost 147 pounds, and now weighs 136! She went from a size 28 to a size 8.

Even better, Ann is off all her cholesterol and asthma medications. She has renewed energy, and can keep up her five-year-old grandson to the point where he says he's tired.

Best of all, Ann learned what and how much to eat. She eats anywhere, anytime, while still maintaining her weight.

Ann's family can't believe the difference they see in her. She and her loved ones are thrilled with her success, and so are we! Way to go, Ann! Keep up the great work!

This is Ann before L A Weight Loss, at 236 pounds:



And here she is today, 147 pounds slimmer. Wow, great job, Ann!



FAST FACTS

Name: Ann Brafford
Age: 57
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 283 pounds
Goal weight: 136 pounds
Current weight: 136 pounds

Biggest temptation: Buying whatever is convenient at the grocery store.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from her L A Weight Loss counselors.

Biggest obstacle: Cutting down her portions.

Old eating philosophy: Eating without thinking.

New eating philosophy: Knowing what and how to eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling energetic and excited about life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Losing weight is simple when you know how to shop.

Delicious holiday dinners, minus the fat

Last week I posted some handy tips to help dieters through the tempting holiday eating season. To follow up, I decided to share some recipes for holiday dinners that are mouthwateringly delicious, and completely low in fat.

I combed my cookbook, and chose two of my favorite meals. The first is filet mignon topped with a savory mushroom and wine sauce, and balsamic new roasted potatoes on the side. And the other is glazed ham with wild rice pilaf.

These recipes are sure to have you and your loved ones asking for more, without adding more to your waistlines!

Filet Mignon with Mushroom and Wine Sauce

4 filet mignon steaks (4 oz. each)
1/3 cup chopped green onion
1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed
1 1/2 cups red wine, divided
1 small (10-12 fl. oz.) can low-sodium beef consommé, undiluted
Freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. dried thyme
Nonfat cooking spray

Coat a skillet with nonfat cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add onions and mushrooms. Sauté for four minutes. Add 1 cup red wine and 3/4 cup consommé; cook for five minutes, stirring frequently. Remove the mushrooms with a slotted spoon; place in a bowl. Increase heat to high; cook wine mixture until reduced to ½ cup, about five minutes. Add reduction to mushrooms; set aside.

Wipe pan with paper towel. Sprinkle steaks with pepper. Coat skillet again with nonfat cooking spray, and heat over high heat. Add steaks. Cook three minutes on each side. Reduce heat to medium-low; continue to cook another two to four minutes, or until desired level of doneness.

Combine soy sauce with corn starch. Add 1/2 cup wine and remaining consommé to skillet; scrape bottom of skillet to loosen brown bits. Bring to a boil, cook one minute. Add mushroom mixture, cornstarch mixture, and dried thyme to skillet; bring to a boil, and cook one minute, stirring. Serve sauce over steaks.

Servings: 4



Balsamic Roasted New Potatoes

2 pounds new potatoes, quartered
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Dash of lite salt
Nonfat cooking spray

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coat large cast iron skillet with nonfat cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and seasonings. Heat thoroughly. Remove skillet from heat; place in oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. Add vinegar, and toss well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast, uncovered, six more minutes. Serve immediately.

Servings: 10



Glazed Ham

2 pound ham
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 cup apricot halves in lite syrup
3 Tbsp. no-sugar-added apricot preserves
1/2 tsp. whole ground cloves

Trim all visible fat from ham. Place ham in baking pan. Rub Dijon mustard all over ham. Pour apricot halves and juice over ham. Dot cloves throughout ham, gently pressing into flesh. Cook ham in oven according to package directions.

To prepare glaze, place preserves in small dish. Place in microwave 10-20 seconds, until preserves begin to melt. During last 30 minutes of cooking, brush ham with warm glaze. Continue to brush ham every 10 minutes until cooked through. Preserves may need to be re-heated, as needed, before basting. Allow to rest five minutes before slicing.

Servings: 8



Wild Rice Pilaf

1 1/4 cups water
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups uncooked wild rice
1 Tbsp. lite margarine
3 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
3/4 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp. lite salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Nonfat cooking spray

Bring water and broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add wild rice; cover, reduce heat, and simmer one hour or until tender. Drain any excess liquid. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Melt margarine in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; sauté until tender. Remove from heat; stir in parsley and next four ingredients. Combine rice and mushroom mixture in a two-quart casserole, coated with nonfat cooking spray. Cover and bake for 25 minutes.

Servings: 8

Wade Susee makes a lifelong commitment to weight loss

Ask women the No. 1 thing they think men lack, and they might tell you commitment. But Wade Susse is one man who proves women wrong. He made a commitment to lose weight, and he's sticking to it.

Wade had never been thin, but it wasn't until after college that weight became a problem. He always ate fast food, never ate breakfast, and drank tons of soda. No matter what he was consuming, Wade's favorite flavor was fried.

While sports kept him active during his youth, he became sedentary as an adult. That, coupled with his bad eating habits, resulted in serious weight gain.

At 360 pounds, Wade found almost everything to be a struggle. The extra weight put a major strain on his body. Wade couldn't walk up the stairs without losing his breath, or sleep on his back. His joints constantly ached. His blood pressure was high. And he constantly sweated in warm weather.

Worse, whenever Wade flew, he had to spend extra money for first class because he couldn't fit in coach -- and he still needed a seat belt extension. He liked to golf, but couldn't walk the course.

And he didn't like going out to stylish and crowded places with his friends because maneuvering tight spaces was too difficult, not to mention embarrassing.

Wade's moment of awakening came in 2006, when he went on a trip to Las Vegas with his older brother. His brother was also overweight, and had diabetes. It was difficult for them to get around the hotels and casinos, and sitting down to play cards was uncomfortable.

That's when Wade realized he needed to get serious about losing weight. A friend suggested L A Weight Loss after experiencing success, and Wade decided to give it a try.

In March 2006, Wade joined his local Edina, Minn., L A Weight Loss Center. He worked with one-on-one counselors to adjust his diet.

Wade cut out his daily fast and fried food trips, and added plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water. He learned to enjoy foods he once avoided, such as vegetables. He also eliminated salt, caffeine, and beer from his menu, and reduced his carbohydrate intake.

By changing his diet, Wade changed his life. He lost 177 pounds, passing his weight loss goal. He now clocks in at 183 pounds!

Wade loves that he can still eat hamburgers and steaks, just in moderation. He realizes that no matter how healthy the food is, portion size is crucial.

Wade's energy is through the roof -- and so is his confidence! He can do things he couldn't before, such as fly coach, cross his legs, and exercise. He can easily fit into crowded places, and he's more comfortable overall.

The best part about losing weight is feeling better about himself. Wade's much more positive and outgoing. He loves meeting people, and enjoys going on dates.

Above all, Wade learned that losing weight is a commitment. It's not as simple as just showing up. You have to stick with it, and stay focused. And this is one commitment Wade plans on keeping for the rest of his life.

Way to go, Wade! You looks fantastic!

Here's Wade at 360 pounds:



And here he is today, looking hot at 183 pounds. Wow! Congrats, Wade!



FAST FACTS

Name: Wade Susee
Hometown: Richfield, Minn.
Age: 31
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 360 pounds
Goal weight: 185 pounds
Current weight: 183 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Watching his weight drop every time he went to the center.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting the temptation to go out and party.

Old eating philosophy: Eating too much fast food.

New eating philosophy: Eating as healthy as possible, and avoiding fried and fast food.

Best thing about losing weight: Dating more often.

Best weight loss secret learned: No matter what you're eating, portion control is crucial.

Checking in with our Controltrim Challenge contestants

It's been a month since our 10 Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge contestants started whittling away the weight. How much have they lost? Who's leading the race? Let's find out!

After running the numbers, Susie Powell is ahead of the pack, with a nine-pound weight loss. Now at 215 pounds, she's looking forward to becoming a better role model for her daughter, and impressing her boyfriend with her new figure when he returns home from Iraq.

But Alora Gaddy is close behind, now eight pounds lighter at 180. She's already accustomed to her new eating plan, which includes healthy foods and portion control.

Also dropping eight pounds is Theresa Conklin, who was motivated to join the challenge after a discouraging shopping trip for her son's wedding. Now weighing 174, she's well on her way to looking fabulous for any special occasion!

And the total weight loss between all 10 women? Forty-five pounds! Congrats, ladies! Keep up the great work!

Remember to check back soon to see who our "biggest loser" is!

Here's a shot of Alora today, eight pounds lighter, now at 180 pounds:



And here's Theresa at 174, also minus eight pounds:

Minn. mom becomes mini mom

Losing weight doesn't just change your eating habits, it changes your life. For Jess Zacharias, life changed dramatically for the better.

Jess was never thin. She had bad eating habits, and rarely exercised. And after two pregnancies, she lost control completely.

Her weight soared to 217 pounds. She developed kidney and gall bladder stones, was constantly winded, and had high blood pressure. Jess was also embarrassed to be seen in public, and felt ugly compared to girls who weighed less.

In 2006, Jess was asked to be a bridesmaid in her sister-in-law's wedding. When she went to the dress fitting though, she realized she was "the heavy one."

Then and there, Jess decided to take control of her weight. So she joined her local St. Paul Park, Minn., L A Weight Loss center.

Jess worked with the center's one-on-one weight loss counselors, who offered her tips and tricks to revamp her diet and lifestyle. She added plenty of fruits, vegetables, and chicken to her diet. Jess also started making smarter snacking choices. Instead of chips, she reached for rice cakes or yogurt.

Since joining L A Weight Loss in Nov. 2006, Jess has shed 61 pounds. She passed her weight loss goal of 160 pounds, and now weighs in at 156!

Jess hasn't just changed her diet, she's changed her entire life. She can do things now she couldn't before, such as wear cute clothes. Jess no longer tries to hide her body, and enjoys swimming in public pools.

The best part about losing weight is the confidence she's gained. She's no longer shy, and loves going out to meet old friends -- many of whom don't even recognize her. She's smaller now than she was in high school!

Jess's success has even inspired others to join L A Weight Loss. Her cousin and mom's best friend are now on the program, too. Congrats, Jess! We knew you could do it!

Here's Jess at 217 pounds, shortly before she joined L A Weight Loss:



And here she is today, at a slender 156 pounds. You look fantastic, Jess!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jess Zacharias
Hometown: St. Paul Park, Minn.
Age: 29
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 217 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 156 pounds
Program start date: November 2006

Favorite food: Chicken breast.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Getting encouraging responses from everyone.

Biggest obstacle: Eating out and still eating healthy.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Making healthier choices.

Best thing about losing weight: Seeing people's reactions.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's not a diet, it's a healthy lifestyle.

Michelle Mann finds comfort in a smaller size

People commonly turn to blankets, teddy bears, and food for comfort. But eating for comfort is usually a request to gain weight. That's a lesson Michelle Mann learned the hard way.

Michelle struggled with her weight for most of her life. She grew up in a tumultuous home, and whenever she experienced family trouble, she ate to comfort herself.

Michelle's unhappiness only increased the heavier she became. She was caught in a weight gain cycle she didn't know how to escape. Her three pregnancies only made it worse. In fact, her weight increased so much she developed gestational diabetes.

At 277 pounds, Michelle knew she needed to lose weight for her health, or she would risk not seeing her children grow up. She tried a number of diets, but nothing helped her lose weight. In October 2003, Michelle decided to give L A Weight Loss a try.

She was paired with a personal weight loss counselor at her local Lenoir, N.C., L A Weight Loss center, who taught her how to properly balance her meals.

Michelle increased her intake of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and split them into small meals throughout the day. She also curbed her sweets cravings with L A Lite bars. The best part: Michelle never went hungry.

By sticking to her L A Weight Loss plan, Michelle lost 117 pounds. She weighs 160 pounds -- only 10 pounds away from her weight loss goal!

Since losing weight, Michelle's happiness has dramatically increased. Her personal relationships have improved, and she no longer feels self-conscious.

She loves shopping too, and can walk into any store and find clothes that fit her. In fact, much to the dismay of her husband, shopping is her favorite new pastime!

Plus, Michelle is more energetic than ever before, and has the stamina to keep up with her three young girls. Best of all, she knows she'll be around to watch them grow up -- and there's no greater comfort than that. Great job, Michelle!

Here's Michelle weighing 277 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 160 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Michelle Mann
Hometown: Lenoir, N.C.
Age: 25
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 277 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: October 2003

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Being able to spend time with her children.

Biggest obstacle: Getting frustrated when she hit a plateau.

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

New eating philosophy: Not eating when she's not hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Being healthy and buying new clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Portion sizes are key!

Trim your tree -- and waistline -- this holiday season

Most Americans pack on five to eight pounds every year during the holidays. Baked goods, butter-laden side dishes, breads, and fatty main courses can make it hard to control your weight during the holidays.

But don't throw away Santa's cookies just yet. It's easy to maintain your weight -- and the holiday spirit -- with a little planning. To help, I've put together my top 10 tips for staying on track this holiday season.

1. During holiday dinners, choose white meat versus dark meat chicken or turkey. White meat is lower in calories and fat. Compare 150 calories and 9 grams of fat in white meat, to 210 calories and 17 grams of fat in dark meat.

2. Maintain your normal exercise routine. Continuing to exercise during the holidays will help burn extra calories you might be consuming at holiday parties. If you can't get to the gym, fit in an after-dinner walk, or power walk around the mall while doing holiday shopping.

3. Don't skip meals. Many people think skipping a meal will afford them the ability to eat more at parties or special occasions. But skipping meals will make you hungrier, and more likely to overeat later.

4. Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day. Water helps you feel full, and can combat the bloating and water weight gain caused by salty foods offered at many parties.

5. Position yourself away from the food table. Staying in another room might prevent you from mindlessly picking at appetizers and finger foods. On Christmas, visit the buffet table only once. A typical Christmas dinner packs a whopping 3,550 calories, and that's if you stick with reasonable portions.

6. Don't try to cut out high-fat holiday favorites like eggnog and candied sweet potatoes. Instead, allow yourself a small taste of your favorite holiday treats, and fill the rest of your plate with lower-fat choices, such as apples, cranberry dishes, baked squash, pumpkin, breads, and pastas.

7. Eat something before going to an event serving alcohol. The effects of alcohol are felt much more quickly on an empty stomach, and can lead to overeating and overdrinking. Try drinking one glass of water between alcoholic beverages.

8. Offer to bring a favorite low-calorie dish to holiday parties. That way, you know there will be at least one "healthy" item available.

9. Center entertainment on non-food events. These can include going ice-skating, renting a holiday movie, building a snowman, or singing carols.

10. Focus your attention on the people gathered at holiday celebrations. They're the real reason for the occasion, after all. And focus on your personal weight loss journey, too, so that come New Year's Eve, you can have extra cause for celebration.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Texas mom finds ingredients for weight loss success

The recipe for weight gain is easy. Consume sweets, starches, carbs, and grease. Repeat. Unfortunately, as Carla Lowery discovered, the recipe for weight loss takes a bit more effort.

Weight was always an issue for Carla. She grew up in a household with overweight parents, and picked up bad eating habits early on. Her daily meals were centered around starches and carbs. And she frequently snacked on chips and cookies.

When she gave birth to her children, she packed on more weight than ever before. She weighed 259 pounds, and wasn't happy.

Carla had little energy, and lacked self-confidence. A friend suggested she try L A Weight Loss. After experiencing little success on other diets, Carla decided to give it a go.

She worked diligently with one-on-one counselors to get her diet in check. Carla added more fruits, vegetables, water, and lean meats to her menu, and cut back on the starches. She learned how to eat healthy, without giving up what she loved.

Carla also learned that eating multiple smaller meals throughout the day was smarter than eating three large meals. Portion control was key.

Smaller meals and more fresh food was Carla's recipe for success. Since joining L A Weight Loss in July 2004, she's lost 100 pounds! She now weighs 159, and is close to her weight loss goal of 140 pounds.

Carla's energy is through the roof. She started riding horses, and now rides daily -- a great workout. Her confidence has greatly improved, and she can walk into any clothing store and find something in her size.

Carla's relationships are better, too. Her husband respects her dedication to getting healthy, and is proud of all she's accomplished. And she's passed her good eating habits to her kids, who realize how important healthy eating is.

Carla learned the recipe for weight loss success wasn't as difficult as she thought, and it was definitely worth it! Way to go, Carla!

Here's Carla at 259 pounds:



And here she is 100 pounds later, at 159 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Carla Lowery
Hometown: Avalene, Texas
Age: 48
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 259 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 159 pounds
Program start date: July 2004

Favorite food: Chicken and salad.

Biggest temptation: Cookies.

Biggest motivator: Fitting into smaller clothes.

Biggest obstacle: Being at parties where there are a lot of temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating smaller portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself.

Best weight loss secret learned: Learn to believe in yourself.

Greetings from the blog's newest contributor

Hi everyone! My name is Jennifer Boyer, and I'm the Senior Director of Communications and Programs for L A Weight Loss. I'll be chiming in here on the blog to give you important nutrition information, tasty recipes, and handy weight loss tips.

I'm a registered dietician, and have experience in adult weight management with a specialization in diabetes. So I have an artillery of practical advice to help you shed inches from your waistline -- and keep it that way.

When I'm not blogging, I develop training programs and materials for our L A Weight Loss counselors. I also train them so they can provide the best advice and guidance to you. (For more background info on me, check out my profile on the right.)

Stay tuned for my first official post, coming soon. I promise it'll be delicious!

Georgia man ends weighty family tradition

Hair color, skin complexion, and height all run in families. Unfortunately for Joe Bellino, being overweight runs in his family, too.

Though Joe's parents were heavy, Joe didn't have a problem with his weight until his 30s and 40s. That's when his bad eating habits, lack of exercise, and genes caught up with him, pushing him to 294 pounds.

As Joe's weight increased, so did his blood pressure. He also had high cholesterol, and suffered from back, knee, and joint pain. And he always felt tired and out of breath.

Worse, Joe had enjoyed being a softball umpire for years, but found his weight made it much more difficult. He knew if he didn't lose weight, he would have to retire his umpire helmet forever.

Joe didn't think he could do it alone, so he signed up at his local Conyers, Ga., L A Weight Loss center. There, he worked with several one-on-one counselors who coached him through his weight loss journey.

Joe learned the importance of portion control, and ate small meals throughout the day to keep his metabolism working. He also incorporated more fruits, vegetables, water, and lean meats into his diet. And to satisfy his sweet tooth, Joe snacked on L A Lite bars.

After less than a year on the program, Joe lost 60 pounds, and now weighs 234 pounds! Since losing weight, he enjoys buying new clothes, because he doesn't have to order from catalogs that carry extra large sizes.

Almost all of his medical problems have subsided as well. And Joe feels even closer to his wife, as they enjoy cooking together from the L A Lite cookbook. In fact, following Joe's good example helped her shed a few pounds, too!

But for Joe, the best part about losing weight is all the new energy he has. He's more active than he's been in years, and doesn't have to worry about hanging up his umpire helmet any time soon.

Obesity might run in Joe's family, but he found the secret to breaking the trend. Way to go, Joe!

Here's Joe at 294 pounds:



Here he is today, 60 pounds lighter, at 234 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Joe Bellino
Hometown: Covington, Ga.
Age: 55
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 294 pounds
Goal weight: 234 pounds
Current weight: 234 pounds
Program start date: December 2006

Favorite food: Sweets.

Biggest temptation: Eating out too often.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from his wife.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding sweets.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything he wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating balanced meals and drinking more water.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about himself.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat smaller meals throughout the day, and don't starve yourself.

Olivia Standridge breaks out of the box

Imagine living in a box, watching life take place around you, but not being able to take part in it. That image was Olivia Standridge's reality.

Olivia can't remember a time she wasn't overweight. She struggled with obesity throughout childhood. Never asked to dances or dates, Olivia felt like she was watching life pass, and never participating.

Life didn't get any easier as an adult. Olivia hated buying plus-sized clothes. And she suffered from low self-esteem. The worst moment was when she went to an amusement park and couldn't fit on the roller coaster. Olivia was humiliated.

Yet healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables were rarely on Olivia's menu. Instead, she ate foods that were fatty and fried, and always helped herself to a sweet dessert.

After giving birth to her son, she reached an all-time high of 288 pounds. Olivia's doctors told her she needed to lose weight, or risk serious health complications. Olivia already suffered from dangerously high blood pressure, and had constant joint and back pain.

She wanted to follow their advice, but didn't know how. Olivia tried pills, powders, shakes, bars, and fad diets. Nothing helped her drop the pounds. Then Olivia's mom suggested L A Weight Loss. One of her friends had experienced success on the program, so Olivia decided to give it a try.

When she first went to her local Conway, Ark., L A Weight Loss center for a consultation, she was skeptical. But Olivia decided she couldn't afford to not give it her best shot.

Olivia was set up with personal weight loss counselors, who helped transform her diet. She learned important lessons, such as portion control, and discovered how to cook healthy meals.

For example, instead of frying chicken for dinner, Olivia baked it. She also incorporated more fruits, vegetables, water, and lean proteins into her meals.

While Olivia's counselors held her accountable for everything she ate, they never made her feel bad for slipping. They even helped her through tempting holiday eating times, and celebrated every milestone with her.

Since joining L A Weight Loss in July 2005, Olivia has lost 106 pounds! She's currently down to 182 pounds, and is close to her weight loss goal of 175 pounds.

Olivia is thrilled with the progress she's made. Her son can wrap his arms all the way around her for the first time. And they spend more time together because Olivia now has the energy to play with him without getting winded.

Plus, Olivia recently went to an amusement park and rode every ride she wanted, no problem. Best of all, she has incredible self-confidence, looks great, and feels even better.

Olivia's broken out of her box for good. Life no longer passes her by. You look fantastic, Olivia!

Here's Olivia at 288 pounds, before joining L A Weight Loss:



Here she is today, looking fabulous at 182 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Olivia Standridge
Hometown: Greenbrier, Ark.
Age: 32
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 288 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 182 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Experiencing success.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting the temptation to snack on sweets.

Old eating philosophy: Seeing it, wanting it, and eating it.

New eating philosophy: Eating everything in moderation.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling confident! Nothing is holding her back now.

Best weight loss secret learned: Once you know how to eat healthy, it's easy!

Linnea Lockwood doesn't stop at just one victory

Conquering the weight loss battle can be just the motivation to help you conquer life's other challenges. Just ask Linnea Lockwood. She used her weight loss success as a catalyst to take control of other aspects of her life.

Linnea struggled with her weight throughout her life. In her forties however, a series of unfortunate events sent Linnea's weight through the roof.

In 1999, Linnea's husband suffered a serious accident at work. He required years of physical therapy and was unable to work, so Linnea became the sole supporter.

But her husband's personality changed as well. He became verbally abusive, and Linnea turned to food for comfort. As her self esteem plummeted, her weight escalated.

Linnea became a carbohydrate junkie. She piled her plate high with pizza, breads, baked goods, and pastas, and covered everything with heavy cheeses. Her biggest weakness was ice cream.

Then it got worse. Linnea's company lost its funding, and she and her department was laid off. She suddenly found herself in a crumbling marriage with no way to support herself. So Linnea turned to her hobby and passion of art, and became a jewelry designer.

Linnea also worked two other jobs to support herself and her husband. But at 240 pounds, her weight held her back. She was always uncomfortable, and had no self-confidence.

Worst of all, she felt invisible. People wouldn't hold doors for her, and avoided waiting on her when she was shopping. Plus, Linnea suffered from high blood pressure and hypoglycemia. She knew she was putting herself at risk for diabetes, and wanted to get healthy.

Linnea tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. Then motivated by the show Biggest Loser, Linnea decided to try something different. In November 2005, she joined her local Clayton, N.C., L A Weight Loss center.

At L A Weight Loss, Linnea found the accountability and camaraderie she needed. She worked with her one-on-one weight loss counselors to adjust her diet.

She cut down her carb intake, and added plenty of fruits and vegetables. Linnea gained an appreciation for the flavors of foods, and loves cooking L A Weight Loss recipes in her new pressure cooker.

Linnea's new diet helped melt away the pounds. After losing 83 pounds, she now weighs 157 pounds -- eight pounds lighter than her goal weight! She looks great and feels even better.

Linnea's best friend didn't even recognize her the last time they met. Her health issues have subsided, and she has more energy than ever. Linnea earned her real estate license, and is confident giving presentations in front of crowds.

Linnea's self-esteem is through the roof, and she's happy being herself. She loves shopping now, and has filled her closet with smaller sizes.

Linnea's new weight has given her the courage to start a new life, and she's off to a great start. Way to go, Linnea! We're so proud of you!

Here's Linnea at 240 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fabulous at 157 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Linnea Lockwood-Gambino
Hometown: Clayton, N.C.
Age: 49
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 240 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 157 pounds
Program start date: November 2005

Favorite food: Grilled chicken salad.

Biggest temptation: None -- nothing tastes as good as thin feels.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to lose weight for her 50th birthday.

Biggest obstacle: Hitting plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything she wanted, anytime she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Thinking twice before eating anything.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining better health and a new identity.

Best weight loss secret learned: There is a relationship between how much sodium you eat and how much sugar you crave.

Mary Thon rediscovers a familiar face

Mirrors show us what we look like. But imagine looking in the mirror one day, and not recognizing the face staring back at you. Mary Thon didn't have to imagine. She experienced it.

Mary started struggling with her weight after giving birth to three children. Suddenly she found herself inside a 233-pound body she barely recognized.

Mary didn't like the way she looked, and avoided situations that drew attention to her. But as a director of campus ministry at a Vermont college, Mary found this difficult, since she was constantly interacting with people.

When Mary celebrated her 40th birthday, she wanted to change, yet knew she couldn't do it alone. So Mary joined her local Burlington, Vt., L A Weight Loss center in July 2006, and found the support she needed to start losing weight.

Mary worked with her personal weight loss counselors, and incorporated new foods into her meals, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water. She could still eat the foods she loved, just in proper portions.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Mary has dropped 47 pounds, and is getting close to her weight loss goal of 165 pounds! She has more energy for her kids, and can play with them without losing her breath. It's helped her professionally, too. Mary is comfortable in her skin, and doesn't mind speaking in front of crowds.

Plus, she feels more control over her life, which makes her happy. Best of all, every time she looks in the mirror, she sees a smiling face she recognizes once again. Keep up the good work, Mary!

Here's Mary at 233 pounds:



Here she is today at 186 pounds. Way to go, Mary!



FAST FACTS

Name: Mary Thon
Hometown: Richmond, Vt.
Age: 40
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 233 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 186 pounds
Program start date: July 2006

Favorite food: Pasta.

Biggest temptation: Carbs.

Biggest motivator: Feeling healthy and liking the way she looks.

Biggest obstacle: Staying tough through her temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Constantly thinking about food.

New eating philosophy: Planning ahead and making the right choices.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself, and seeing people's reactions.

Best weight loss secret learned: When you understand how food works, you can eat and still lose weight.