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!