Courtney and Sharla together on screen again

Since losing weight, half-their-sizers Courtney Dawson and Sharla Pincock haven't stopped talking about it. They've shared their amazing weight loss stories on radio, in newspapers, on television, and (of course) on our blog.

I showed you Sharla's commercial last week, and now we're debuting their joint commercial below. Enjoy!

Vegetarian cooking delights

Many people are interested in eating vegetarian, but there's always the concern for getting enough protein. For people trying to lose weight, this is especially important when balancing meals and staying on a healthy eating track.

So I pulled two vegetarian recipes from the L A Lite cookbook that are completely meatless, but have the protein necessary to maintain a healthy diet. If you're not looking to go vegetarian, they're still tasty, low-cal meals that can suit any weight loss plan. Pass them along to friends and family too!

Mediterranean Pasta
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp. diced onion
1/3 cup thinly sliced zucchini
1/2 tomato, diced
1 tsp. flour
1/4 cup skim milk
1/8 tsp. dried oregano
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/3 cup cooked pasta
1 oz. lite feta cheese
4 kalamata olives, halved
nonfat cooking spray

Coat medium skillet with nonfat cooking spray. Saute garlic and onion over medium heat for one minute. Add zucchini and tomato; cook until zucchini is tender. Sprinkle flour into zucchini mixture and mix well.

Stir in milk, oregano, and tomato paste; heat to a simmer.

Toss in pasta. Top with cheese and olives.

Servings: 1



Eggplant Parmigiana

1/2 cup lite tomato sauce
1 small tomato, diced
1/2 cup water
1 tsp. dried onion
1 tsp. garlic powder
dash of dried parsley flakes
dash of lite salt
dash of oregano
freshly ground pepper
1/2 eggplant, sliced
1/2 cup egg substitute
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
4 oz. part-skim, shredded mozzarella cheese
nonfat cooking spray

In small saucepan, combine tomato sauce, diced tomato, water, dried onion, garlic powder, parsley flakes, salt oregano, and pepper. Heat to a simmer and set aside.

Dip eggplant slices into egg, then into bread crumbs.

Coat skillet with nonfat cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Lightly brown each side of eggplant.

Coat casserole dish with nonfat cooking spray. Arrange half of the eggplant slices in a single layer in casserole dish. Top with half of tomato sauce, sprinkle with 2 oz. of the cheese. Repeat process with remaining eggplant, sauce, and cheese.

Bake, uncovered, in a 400 degree oven for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Servings: 2



Looking for more ideas? Try the tofu and vegetarian stir-fry, vegetarian pepper quesadillas, and tofu manicotti. All are in the L A Lite Cookbook, which is available at any L A Weight Loss center.

Our monthly catch-up with Donna Gaddy

The past two months have done Donna Gaddy well. She's now 40 pounds lighter since beginning the L A Weight Loss program in October.

At 299 pounds, Donna has lost two dress sizes. And best of all, her grandson can wrap his arms all the way around her for the first time ever.

That's no small feat. Since we last spoke with her, Donna hurt her knee and was on crutches. But that didn't stop her from keeping up with her L A Weight Loss program. Way to go, Donna!

Take a look at her video, and stay tuned for another update this time next month.

Stacie Guines finds a friend in weight loss

A person is lucky to have a true friend who will support her through good times and bad. Or, in Stacie Guines's case, through weight loss.

Stacie was overweight her entire life. Her mother cooked healthy meals, but Stacie never learned how to eat in moderation. Though her family tried to help her, she kept piling on the portions.

As she got older, Stacie ate out more often. Fast food became a staple in her diet. Breakfast consisted of donuts or pastries. Lunch was chicken nuggets, fries, and soda. And dinner was more of the same. To top it off, Stacie always had a glass of juice in her hand, and drank about a liter and a half of Kool-Aid a day.

Stacie never weighed herself, so she had no idea how heavy she was until she had a routine physical. The results were sobering. She weighed 340 pounds, had high blood pressure, and was at an increased risk for diabetes.

Stacie tried losing weight a few ways, but nothing worked. She knew that without support, it was going to be a difficult journey. So her friend Felicion took on the challenge with her.

In July 2005, they signed up at their local Chattanooga, Tenn., L A Weight Loss center, and were paired with a personal weight loss counselor.

Stacie learned how to incorporate healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meats into her meals; and greatly reduced her fried-food addiction. Stacie also replaced Kool-Aid with water.

In addition to monitoring what she ate and drank, Stacie learned the importance of watching how much she consumed. Her counselor measured out a proper portion for her, and Stacie stuck with it.

Stacie and Felicion supported each other throughout their weight loss experiences, and it wasn't long before they started reaping the rewards. When Stacie saw how quickly the weight came off, she continued to reset her weight loss goal lower.

Stacie's now 186 pounds thinner, weighing 154 pounds! Felicion is doing great too!

Life is much better for Stacie. She has more energy than ever before. Not only is walking never a problem, but Stacie can also run up to five miles without stopping.

She loves shopping for new clothes too. She looks good, and she knows it! Stacie and Felicion plan on supporting each other all the way to the weight loss finish line. And at the rate they're going, it won't be long! Way to go, Stacie!

Here's Stacie in 2005 at 340 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 154 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Stacie Guines
Hometown: Chattanooga, Tenn.
Age: 26
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 340 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 154 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Chicken.

Biggest temptation: Fast food.

Biggest motivator: Seeing how quickly the weight came off.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting temptation.

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

New eating philosophy: Being aware of what she's eating, and having the willpower to say no.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more self-confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stick to the proper portions.

Sharla Pincock stars in her own commercial

This month, Sharla Pincock trekked all around the country to share her amazing weight loss story with everyone from Ellen DeGeneres to the Today Show. And now, she's the star in her own L A Weight Loss commercial!

Check it out!

Husband and wife pair up for double the weight loss

A marriage bonds two people together for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. When Christa and Justin Erp said their vows, they had no idea they'd stick so closely to those words by becoming inspirations for each other and models of good health.

Christa and Justin had been overweight since childhood. Their bad eating habits and fast food fixes followed them into adulthood, and so did the extra pounds. After their wedding in 2003, their bad eating habits combined, and they each gained an additional 30 pounds.

They rarely cooked meals at home. Most dinners were eaten at Mexican, pizza, and burger joints. And everything was smothered in calorie-laden sauces and dressings. Even their drinks were high in calories.

By 2005, Christa weighed 267 pounds. Justin weighed 408 pounds. Their weight made it difficult to be active, so nights out usually didn't extend much farther than their local movie theater. They couldn't shop at regular stores, settling instead for less stylish garb at stores that carried their sizes.

On Jan. 1, 2006, Christa and Justin had enough. They went to their local Burnsville, Minn., L A Weight Loss center and signed up. They knew that this challenge would be easier as a team.

Christa and Justin worked with their personal weight loss counselor, who taught them the ins and outs of healthy living. They learned that dropping the pounds meant dropping most of their fast food habits.

Justin took over most of the cooking responsibilities, and prepared meals with lean meats and vegetables. Their grill was in use year-round. Snacks usually centered around fruit, and they drank plenty of water throughout the day.

When Christa and Justin went out to eat -- usually only one or two times a week -- they knew which smart choices to make to stick with their healthy lifestyle change. They still ate the foods they loved, but learned how to eat them in the proper portions.

In a year, Christa lost 109 pounds, and currently weighs 158 pounds. And Justin weighs 297 pounds, down 111 pounds from his starting weight. Since dropping the pounds, life has gotten much better for the weight loss duo.

They've become more active, enjoying everything from walking their dogs to working out at the gym. Their couch potato days are definitely behind them. They can also shop wherever they want, and don't have to worry about not fitting into clothes.

Christa and Justin have definitely taken every step to make sure they'll be together in health. Way to go, you two!

Here are the love birds at 267 and 408 pounds:



And here they are today, collectively 220 pounds lighter, at 158 and 297 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Christa Erp
Hometown: Burnsville, Minn.
Age: 30
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 267 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 158 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Pizza and ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Trying on smaller sizes at the store after losing weight.

Biggest obstacle: Eating right when not eating at home.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever tasted good.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with grilled chicken, vegetables, and fruits.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling confident with who she is.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can eat your favorite foods and still lose weight.



Name: Justin Erp
Hometown: Burnsville, Minn.
Age: 29
Height: 6'2"

Starting weight: 408 pounds
Goal weight: 225 pounds
Current weight: 297 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Grilled chicken.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight with Christa.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Eating too much of the wrong foods.

New eating philosophy: Eating everything in proper portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Knowing how much weight loss has changed his life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Fruit is a great snack that also helps you lose weight.

Best secrets from our "biggest losers"

We recently tracked down 11 of our "biggest losers" on the blog -- people who've lost over 100 pounds -- to find out their favorite weight loss secrets.

From portion control to finding the right foods, these successful losers share what helped them drop the pounds -- more than 2,000 pounds in total, to be exact. But these points of advice aren't just for the obese. We selected them because they're helpful for anyone trying to lose weight!

Sharla Pincock, lost 150 pounds: Eat more often throughout the day. Breakfast is the most important meal.

Tena Evans, lost 173 pounds: You can still eat out at restaurants while losing weight, just make the right decisions.

Arianna Chavez, lost 154 pounds: Drink lots of water! It really helps and can make a big difference.

Ben Shanahan, lost 130 pounds: You can eat anything and still lose weight. It’s all about portion control and making smart choices. For example, have veggie pizza instead of pizza with meat toppings.

Becky Harrold, lost 120 pounds: If you stick to the correct portions, you can still eat the foods you love. It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle change.

Connie Thone, lost 220 pounds: Keep variety in your diet.

John Lay, lost 160 pounds: It’s all about adding exercise to your life.

Kathy Kersting, lost 108 pounds: Use little mental tricks to dissuade yourself from eating bad foods throughout the day, like whether the person from work who made those brownies washed their hands.

LuAnn Zipp, lost 150 pounds: Moderation is the key to everything.

Margaret Mondragon, lost 188 pounds: By adding more fruit to your diet, you'll lose weight, and enjoy a sweet snack.

Michelle Dumas, lost 200 pounds: Don’t eat carbs at night.

Ohio student learns weight loss for life

Many girls hope for a Sweet Sixteen party on their 16th birthdays. All Priscah Musinde wanted was a new body.

Priscah was overweight her entire life. She was a chubby baby, and got heavier each year. By the time she was 16, Priscah weighed 312 pounds.

Priscah had low self-esteem, and her social life suffered because of it. She never went to dances in high school, and didn't like to socialize.

Priscah knew that losing weight would change her life, and was determined to drop the pounds before entering college. So in September 2003, she joined the Pickerton, Ohio, L A Weight Loss center.

Personal weight loss counselor Carmlee met with Priscah during one-on-one weight loss sessions. She learned how to properly control her portion sizes, and the right foods to eat at the right times.

Priscah soon began to reduce her weight by eliminating most of the fried foods, sodas, red meats, and high-calorie desserts from her diet; and adding fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water.

She reached her goal weight of 160 pounds in 2006 -- half her size! Since then, Priscah's self-esteem has risen incredibly. She's a happier, more social person, and has more energy than ever before, which she burns off by exercising.

Priscah's success has motivated others to join L A Weight Loss, too. Her older sister Felicia has lost 90 pounds on the program, and her best friend has lost 20 pounds.

Just as she thought, losing weight has changed Priscah's life. L A Weight Loss not only taught Priscah how to eat correctly, but also how to love herself. She's so glad she challenged herself to lose weight now, while she's young, so she has plenty of time to enjoy being thin! Congrats, Priscah!

Here's 16-year-old Priscah at 312 pounds:



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



FAST FACTS

Name: Priscah Musinde
Hometown: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Age: 20
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 312 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: September 2003

Favorite food: Cereal.

Biggest temptation: Desserts.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight to feel better about herself.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything, any time.

New eating philosophy: Eating to live.

Best thing about losing weight: Increasing her self-esteem and shopping for new clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Know your purpose and why you're doing what you're doing.

Warm up this winter with some delicious soup

The sky is gray. The days are short. The weather is cold. So what better way to warm up your body -- and keep your waistline small -- than with a tasty bowl of soup from the L A Lite cookbook? Here are two easy-to-follow recipes we know you'll enjoy.

French Onion Soup

1/2 cup raw white onion slices
1 packet low-sodium beef bouillon
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. lite salt
6 Melba toast rounds
1 oz. reduced-fat or part skim cheese or mozzarella
freshly ground pepper, to taste
dash of parsley
nonfat cooking spray

Saute onions in skillet with nonfat cooking spray. Add beef bouillon to the onions. Add water, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and onion powder. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer 10-15 minutes. Remove bay leaf.

Place soup in a bowl. Top with Melba toast. Sprinkle cheese over Melba toast. Microwave soup until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

Servings: 1



Cream of Chicken and Rice Soup

5 oz. chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp. finely minced onion
8 oz. skim milk
1 L A Lite Cream of Chicken soup mix
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/4 cup cooked brown rice
freshly ground pepper, to taste
nonfat cooking spray

In a small sauce pan sprayed with nonfat cooking spray, saute chicken and onion. Add milk and soup into saucepan or Dutch oven; stir until blended. Add broccoli; simmer for 10 minutes. Add cooked rice. Heat through. Season to taste with pepper.

Servings: 1

An update from the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge

It's been a month since the last time we checked in with our 10 Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge women, and the race is really heating up.

This month's front-runners are Alora Gaddy and Theresa Conklin. They're leading the weight-loss pack with 13 pounds apiece since the race's start.

That puts Alora's current weight at 175 pounds -- down 5 pounds from the last update. And Theresa currently weighs 171 pounds -- also down 5 pounds. Talk about neck and neck!

Then we have Susie Powell, who's close behind with a total weight loss of 12 pounds. And just two pounds behind her is Kari Conkle, now 10 pounds lighter.

Together, all 10 women have lost a total of 73 pounds. Way to go, ladies! Keep up the great work. And readers, keep checking in each month to see the results of the challenge. It's getting exciting!

Here's Alora Gaddy today, 13 pounds lighter than her starting weight two months ago:

Phys ed teacher perfects what she preaches

Physical education teachers are expected to be experts in fitness and health. But Kelly Ludwig found that teaching phys ed in Appleton, Wisc., wasn't enough to keep her active or healthy.

Kelly never payed much attention to her weight. She ate whatever was convenient -- usually fast and fried foods. And she didn't think about portion control. Cleaning her plate was never a problem.

At 270 pounds, Kelly had a hard time finding clothes she liked and that fit. Her self-esteem was low. Despite being a physical education teacher, she lacked energy to be active herself.

When Kelly turned 32, she remembered that was the age her father had been when he suffered a massive heart attack due to his weight. Kelly realized she was following the same road.

So in August 2005, Kelly joined the Appleton East L A Weight Loss center. Her personal weight loss counselors taught her how to incorporate important foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into her diet. Kelly also learned the key to her new, healthy diet -- portion control -- and completely cut out fast food.

Kelly received constant support and accountability from her counselors. To keep herself on track, she visited the center three times a week.

Her dedication payed off. Since joining L A Weight Loss, Kelly has lost 105 pounds! She now weighs 165 pounds, and is only 15 pounds away from her weight loss goal of 150. Great job, Kelly!

Life has gotten easier for Kelly since she dropped the weight. Her relationships have improved, she's more confident and outgoing, and her activity level has greatly increased.

Kelly's doing things now that she never could have done before, such as running 5ks and triathlons. And when she isn't running, biking, or swimming, Kelly's walking, skating, or lifting weights. In fact, she has so much energy she can't sit still these days.

Best of all, she feels good about herself. It's great to walk into any clothing store and find something she likes and that fits her well. Shopping is fun!

Kelly feels like her entire life has changed. She is much happier and healthier. And as her school's new poster girl for health and fitness, she definitely fits the role of a phys ed teacher. Way to go, Kelly!

Here's Kelly at 270 pounds before she began her weight loss program:



And here she is today, the picture of physical fitness at 165 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Kelly Ludwig
Hometown: Appleton, Wisc.
Age: 32
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 270 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 165 pounds
Program start date: August 2005

Favorite food: Fruit.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Seeing her clothing sizes shrink.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to stay on track and not giving in to temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was most convenient.

New eating philosophy: Maintaining proper portion control.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining energy.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stick with the correct portions.

Gabe Guillen's beef cutback that cut his belt

Futbol (soccer), telenovelas (soap operas), and muralism (murals) are core elements of Hispanic culture. But if you asked Gabe Guillen of Texas which one was most important to his family, he'd tell you none of the above. That's because his answer was food.

Fajitas, enchiladas, beans, rice, and nachos were daily staples of Gabe's diet. Portions were large and multiple, and everything was served with beef. When he wasn't chowing down on chimichangas, Gabe was grabbing fast food.

It's no surprise Gabe was overweight, as were most members of his family. His weight steadily increased from high school, and so did his health problems. Gabe suffered from high blood pressure and the headaches that accompanied it.

Worse, he was always trying to catch his breath, and simple activities like grocery shopping became heavy burdens. He didn't like being so overweight, and was embarrassed that he couldn't bend over at work. He tried to hide his waistline by letting his shirt hang out.

Finally, at 388 pounds, Gabe got serious. He was ready to lose weight. Gabe joined his local Lubbock, Texas, L A Weight Loss center in July 2006, and was set up with a personal weight loss counselor. He visited the center every week for his one-on-one weight loss sessions, and learned how to eat right while still eating what he loves.

He cut back on red meat, and replaced much of the beef with chicken. Gabe also added fruits and vegetables to his meals, and drank plenty of water throughout the day. Most importantly, he learned about portion control.

It wasn't long before Gabe's weight began to drop. Since he joined L A Weight Loss, Gabe has lost 171 pounds. He sailed past his goal weight of 250 pounds to an end weight of 217 pounds. Way to go, Gabe!

Life has gotten much easier. Gabe's health has improved, his headaches are gone, and he's off his blood pressure medication. Plus, Gabe loves being able to do the little things, such as bending down to tie his own shoes. And you won't find this Texan hiding his waistline anymore. He loves wearing belts.

Even better, Gabe's energy has skyrocketed. He's joined a gym, and enjoys playing racquetball with friends and running on the treadmill with his wife, who has also benefited from Gabe's L A Weight Loss program. His good eating habits rubbed off on her, and she's lost 50 pounds!

Greg feels that losing weight has changed his entire life. He's happy, healthier, and knows he'll be around for his two children and three grandchildren for a long time. Congrats, Gabe!

Here's Gabe, fully immersed in the Hispanic culture at 388 pounds:



And here he is today showing off his new waistline at a happy, healthy 217 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Gabe Guillen
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
Age: 41
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 388 pounds
Goal weight: 250 pounds
Current weight: 217 pounds
Program start date: July 2006

Favorite food: Mexican food.

Biggest temptation: Buffalo wings.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the weight drop off quickly each week.

Biggest obstacle: Getting used to eating the right way and staying focused.

Old eating philosophy: Constantly eating fajitas, enchiladas, nachos, and McDonald's.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with grilled chicken, broccoli, or carrots and salads.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to wear a belt and tuck in his shirts.

Best weight loss secret learned: The right foods and portions will keep the weight off for life.

New life blossoms for Monique Bloomfield

Life is all about the little things -- a smile, a warm cup of tea, a sunny summer day. And if you ask Monique Bloomfield, she'll tell you it's the little things that made losing weight worth it.

Weight was never a problem for Monique until she reached her 40s. That's when her activity level and metabolism slowed, but her eating did not. Monique didn't think about what she was eating, only whether it tasted good.

By her mid-50s, she weighed 166 pounds. That was too much weight for her 5'1" inch frame to support. Monique suffered from knee pain whenever she walked up the stairs, and couldn't bend down to paint her toes or play with her dog. She also had high cholesterol, and was on medication for high blood pressure.

But it wasn't until Monique saw a picture of herself on vacation that she started seriously considering losing weight. She knew she needed more support than any self-help book could offer, and found L A Weight Loss to be an ideal fit.

Each week, Monique went to a one-on-one weight loss counseling session at the Nepean, Ottawa, L A Weight Loss center. Her counselors taught her how to make healthy choices.

For Monique, it all came down to planning her meals and thinking about what she was eating before putting it in her mouth. She added more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water to her diet, and eliminated many greasy, fried, and sweet foods.

It wasn't long before Monique's weight began to drop. As the numbers on the scale decreased, her energy level increased. Everyday activities became easier, and she no longer needed a nap to make it through the day.

Since joining L A Weight Loss in March 2006, Monique has lost 37 pounds! She's inched past her weight loss goal of 130 pounds, currently weighing 129.

Monique appreciates the little things she can do now, such as getting on the floor to play with her dog, crossing her legs, and walking up the steps without getting winded.

And Monique is looking as good as she feels these days. Shopping for smaller sizes fun, not to mention constant motivation to stay healthy. Monique's family is proud of the progress she's made, and so are we. Way to go, Monique!

Here's Monique at 166 pounds:



And here she is today, looking great at 129 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Monique Bloomfield
Hometown: Pemptbille, Ontario
Age: 57
Height: 5'1"

Starting weight: 166 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 129 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Sugar pie.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Fitting into smaller-sized clothes.

Biggest obstacle: Making herself go to the center every week.

Old eating philosophy: Not thinking about what she was eating.

New eating philosophy: Maintaining control and a healthy balance.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining lots of energy!

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink plenty of water and eat often to keep your metabolism going.

Becky Hallstrom finds herself the perfect pair

Certain things go together. Tables and chairs. Razors and shaving cream. And for Becky Hallstrom, TV and junk food.

Growing up, Becky constantly parked herself in front of the TV, nibbling on snacks for hours at a time. This sedentary childhood led to an overweight adulthood, barring a brief period when she was able to slim down.

However, it wasn't long before Becky's weight began creeping back up. Her old eating habits never truly died, and Becky found herself dining on fried and fatty foods more frequently.

Soon, Becky was tipping the scales at 278 pounds. Her weight slowed her down and made her short of breath. She couldn't keep up with her three kids. Becky felt depressed too, and though she was on anti-depressants, nothing made her happy about her weight.

This led Becky to avoid mirrors and scales -- a habit that caught up with her when she saw pictures of herself on vacation, and was shocked by her size. But she reached her breaking point when a man approached her in the grocery store and mistook her for his sister, who was "big, just like you."

Becky tried countless diets, yet nothing taught her how to eat healthy foods properly. She needed a realistic plan to teach her accountability, and enable her to lose weight and keep it off for life.

When Becky discovered L A Weight Loss in December 2005, it seemed different than the fad diets she had tried. So she joined her local Forest Lake, Minn., center to give it her best shot.

There, she was paired with a personal weight loss counselor who taught her everything she needed to know about a healthy diet. Out were the deep fried dinners and high calorie snacks in front of the TV. In were lean meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Most importantly, Becky learned about portion control. She put an end to eating until she felt sick, and learned how to say no when she became comfortably full. Becky was surprised at how much better this made her feel.

Since beginning her weight loss program, Becky has dropped 108 pounds! She can now shop in any store for cute clothes. And while getting dressed used to be a chore, Becky now finds picking out new clothes each morning is fun again.

Her waistline isn't the only thing that's changed. Her relationships with everyone in her life have improved, and she feels like she can handle any problem.

Plus, Becky's energy level is way up -- so high, in fact, that she ran two marathons this past summer! And she's completely off the anti-depressants, making her feel like she's finally the happy person she was meant to be.

Best of all, Becky's success has inspired her mom and a few friends to join L A Weight Loss too. That's team work, ladies!

Now if you ask Becky about things that go together, she'll say weight loss and happiness. Way to go, Becky!

Here's Becky at 278 pounds in 2005:



Here she is today, looking fit and fantastic at 170 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Becky Hallstrom
Hometown: Mora, Minn.
Age: 37
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 278 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 170 pounds
Program start date: December 2005

Favorite food: Seafood.

Biggest temptation: Cheesecake.

Biggest motivator: Going to weekly meetings.

Biggest obstacle: Not eating while watching TV.

Old eating philosophy: Comforting herself with food.

New eating philosophy: Being kinder to herself, and choosing healthy foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good about herself.

Best weight loss secret learned: Endorphins from exercise are addicting.

A successful update from Lisa McNeil

In December, we introduced you to Lisa McNeil, the Atlanta woman stepping up to the big challenge of losing more than half of her weight. At 350 pounds, Lisa set a goal of reaching 150 pounds by November 2009.

Well, it's almost one month later, and Lisa has already dropped eight pounds. By choosing smarter foods and sticking to proper portion sizes, she's sure to experience success throughout her weight loss journey. Keep up the great work, Lisa!

Here's Lisa today at 342 pounds:



And here she is in her second video. Check it out!

Cassandra White breaks life-long bad habits for a longer life

Many tendencies developed in childhood stick for life, such as a love of reading, an affinity for athletics, or a propensity for biting your nails. Unfortunately for Cassandra White, her childhood habits centered around bad eating habits.

Growing up, Cassandra had a relatively healthy diet, but not healthy amounts. She often overate, helping herself to double and triple portions at each meal. Worse, she routinely snacked on junk food.

Cassandra's bad eating habits worsened when she reached adulthood. Pizza, burgers, and hot rings were commonly piled on her dinner plate. Snacks consisted of chips and other greasy grabs. And her pregnancy with son CJ didn't help, adding another 60 pounds.

Cassandra was worried about her health. She had no prior complications, but knew if she continued on this path, it wouldn't be long before serious problems such as heart disease and diabetes caught up with her. Worse, taking care of CJ was wearing her out, and her self-esteem was low.

The new mom tried a number of different diets and appetite suppressants. Nothing worked. Her bad eating habits lived on. So when Cassandra celebrated her 35th birthday, she weighed 276 pounds, and keeping up with 2-year-old CJ was almost impossible.

That's when Cassandra became determined to drop the weight, get in shape, and set a good example for her son. In August 2006, she joined her local Raleigh, N.C., L A Weight Loss center, where she was paired up with her personal weight loss counselor, Rhonda.

Rhonda helped Cassandra incorporate healthier foods such as lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and water into her diet. She also taught her about the importance of portion control. Cassandra cut out most fried or fast foods and high-calorie snacks, and replaced them with grilled chicken and fish, salads, and plenty of vegetables.

Since last August, Cassandra has lost a remarkable 99 pounds! Her entire outlook on life has changed. Her appearance is no longer an issue, as she never worries about what people think when she's out in public. She loves being able to walk into any store and find a cute outfit. And last summer, Cassandra sported a bikini on the beach for the first time ever.

With her weight worries gone, Cassandra focuses on the important things in life, such as her marriage and her family. And at 177 pounds, she no longer fears the health problems that accompany obesity. Cassandra knows she's done everything she can to ensure a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Best of all, Cassandra's energy is through the roof. She exercises for 60 minutes at least six times per week, and keeping up with CJ is no longer a problem. In fact, it's not uncommon for CJ to run out of steam before Cassandra even gets tired!

Now, all of Cassandra's bad eating habits have been replaced with good ones. And lucky for CJ, his good eating habits have begun in childhood. Hopefully they'll stick with him as well as they're now sticking with his mom. Way to go, Cassandra!

Here's Cassandra at 276 pounds:



And here she is today, at a stunning 177 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Cassandra White
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Age: 41
Height: 6'1"

Starting weight: 276 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 177 pounds
Program start date: August 2006

Favorite food: Cheese.

Biggest temptation: Buffalo wings.

Biggest motivator: Trying on new clothes and fitting into a smaller size.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to eat the right foods at the right time.

Old eating philosophy: Routinely munching on chips, buffalo wings, cheeseburgers, pizza, and cookies.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with grilled chicken and fish, salad, and green and raw vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling healthier and gaining self-confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: Losing weight can make you feel younger and more attractive.

Favorite recipes, from Sharla Pincock's table to yours

Sharla Pincock has been one busy woman recently. It's only the second week in January, and she's already appeared on the cover of People magazine for slimming down to half her size, and shared her incredible weight loss journey with the Today Show.

Now Sharla's sharing one of her favorite Controltrim recipes with us: melt-in-your-mouth crab cakes served with tarter sauce. Enjoy!

Crab cakes

2 tsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. minced onion
1 Tbsp. minced celery
1 Tbsp. minced green pepper
2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp. yellow or Dijon mustard
2 tsp. minced parsley
2 tsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. Controltrim mayonnaise (see recipe below)
2 slices light bread, crumbled
1 lb. crab meat, picked over
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup bread crumbs
Nonfat cooking spray

Heat the oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onion, celery, and green pepper; cook over medium heat until softened, approximately 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and allow to cool.

In a bowl, combine the Old Bay seasoning, mustard, parsley, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and crumbled bread. Fold in the crab, being careful not to break up the large clumps. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Form the crab into cakes, 4 oz. each. Dredge the crab cakes in bread crumbs, and then refrigerate until chilled, approximately 1 hour.

Spray a large skillet with non-stick pan spray. Brown the crab cakes on both sides over medium heat. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and tarter sauce (see recipe below).

Servings: 4
Serving size: 1 cake
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes



Controltrim Mayonnaise

1 cup light mayonnaise
3/4 cup Controltrim paste
Salt to taste

Whisk together the mayonnaise and paste until completely blended. Season to taste with salt if desired. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.

Servings: 19
Serving Size: 1 1/2 Tbsp.
Prep time: 5 minutes



Tartar Sauce

1/2 cup Controltrim mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. minced dill pickle
1 tsp. minced parsley
1 tsp. lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of sugar substitute

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, stirring well to blend. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.

Servings: 5
Serving Size: 2 Tbsp.
Prep time: 5 minutes

Catching up with our favorite farmer

Ever since Greg Thompson joined L A Weight Loss exactly two years ago, we've been following his progress, and cheering him on to his weight loss goal.

Why has Greg's weight loss been so remarkable? Because in two years' time, Greg has lost 246 pounds. When he first joined us at 508 pounds, he was struggling to do simple daily tasks. Now, at 262 pounds, Greg says he jumps out of bed in the morning, ready for anything.

The ability to get up and go is extremely important for this Wisconsin farmer, who needs all the energy he can get to run his two farms. And on top of the farm work, Greg has been fitting in time to exercise every day.

Greg's social life is transformed too. He goes to more parties, and has no problem being out in public. Greg feels like a million bucks. That's pretty incredible for a man who, two years ago, wasn't sure he'd live another day.

Now, Greg is just eight pounds away from his weight loss goal of 254. With his healthy diet of grilled chicken and fish, vegetables, fruit, yogurt, and other wholesome alternatives, it won't be long before Greg is celebrating his weight loss victory. Keep up the great work, Greg!

Here's Greg looking better than ever at 262 pounds:

From blog, to magazine cover, to TV, these ladies do it all

The new year is off to a great start for Courtney Dawson of Louisiana and Sharla Pincock of Idaho. After slimming down to half their size on the L A Weight Loss program, they caught the attention of People magazine's editors.

The women were selected among thousands of candidates across the country to be featured on the Jan. 14th cover of People's Half Their Size issue.

Courtney went from 334 pounds to 168 pounds. And Sharla dropped from 301 pounds to 150 pounds. Click here to check out their magazine cover debut. That's Sharla on the left, and Courtney on the right.

Also take a look at their profiles on People's Web site, where Courtney and Sharla share their incredible weight loss stories with America. Congratulations, ladies!

But the news didn't stop there. NBC's Today Show caught wind of their stories, and interviewed the women live this morning. What a whirlwind!

Stay tuned, as I'll be sharing Courtney and Sharla's experience with People and the Today Show. I can't wait to hear about their morning with Matt Lauer. ;)

Louisiana woman makes family history by breaking it

There's no question that obesity can run in families. Unfortunately for Courtney Dawson, her family was one of them.

Weight was an issue for Courtney's family for generations -- and the genes didn't skip her. All of the extra helpings of fried food and soda didn't help. By age 12, she tipped the scales at a whopping 180 pounds.

Being young and overweight wasn't easy. Classmates in her 6th grade class teased her when she couldn't fit in her desk. Boys told her she was pretty, but too heavy to date.

Nevertheless, Courtney learned to live with her weight, and continued her bad eating habits into adulthood. After giving birth to her second child, Kaleb, she tipped the scales at 334 pounds.

Courtney's blood pressure was through the roof. Doctors were concerned, and told her she needed to go on medication to lower it if she didn't lose weight immediately.

Motivated by the threat of medication, Courtney decided to lose weight on her own by exercising. She shed some pounds, but reached a plateau. She realized she couldn't do it alone.

So in May 2006, she joined her local Bossier City Louisiana L A Weight Loss center with her mother, who was also suffering from obesity and high blood pressure.

Courtney was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, and learned how make her diet as healthy as possible. She added fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water, and cut out many fried foods. She also learned the importance of portion control.

Courtney supplemented her weight loss by walking almost every day for 45 minutes at a local park, while her kids played at the playground. She also joined a gym where she took step aerobics classes and pilates, and did an hour of cardio a day, six times a week.

Now Courtney weighs 168 pounds -- half her size! The 31-year-old no longer suffers from high blood pressure or exhaustion. She can fit comfortably in movie theater seats and restaurant booths, and has energy to play with her kids in the park.

She is also shopping for her new size-10 figure, and glows from the inside out with pride of her accomplishment! She hopes she can start a new chapter in her family history -- one with healthy and slim figures! Great job, Courtney!

Here's Courtney at 334 pounds before she joined L A Weight Loss:



And here she is today, at a stunning 168 pounds. Looking great, Courtney!



FAST FACTS

Name: Courtney Dawson
Hometown: Princeton, La.
Age: 31
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 334 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 168 pounds
Program start date: May 2006

Favorite food: Cheeseburgers.

Biggest temptation: Fried foods.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting old eating habits.

Old eating philosophy: Eating out all the time, and feasting on fried and fast foods.

New eating philosophy: Preparing well-balanced meals at home.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking great and feeling even better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Portion control is everything.

Sharla Pincock loses the baby weight, five times over

Pregnancy comes with many challenges. But for Sharla Pincock, giving birth wasn’t the hard part. Losing the baby weight was.

As a stay-at-home mother of five, she suffered from post-partum depression, and turned to food for comfort. She didn’t have time to cook balanced meals, and filled up on quick fixes to satisfy her hunger.

High-calorie carbs such as bagels and breads were always in hand. By the beginning of 2006, Sharla tipped the scales at 301 pounds.

Her health wasn't the only thing compromised by her weight. Sharla didn’t have the energy to give her kids the time and attention they deserved. Instead of joining them on the playground, she sat on the bench and watched. And coaching her daughter's volleyball team was exhausting.

Sharla knew she had to lose weight and get her life back on track, or risk serious serious complications. She tried dropping the pounds by exercising on her treadmill at home and playing on a volleyball team once a week. But despite her best efforts, nothing seemed to work.

But then her friend, Cami, turned Sharla on to L A Weight Loss. Cami was on the program, and had dropped 80 pounds. Sharla’s mother was also on the L A Weight Loss plan, and had lost 40 pounds. Inspired by their success, Sharla decided to give the program a try.

In April, she joined the Rexburg, Idaho, center, and worked with her personal weight loss counselors to adjust her diet. She incorporated more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and proteins into her menu, and ate everything in moderation.

She also learned how to prepare healthy homemade meals and treats from her L A Lite cookbook. To round out her weight loss plan, Sharla exercised at home for 50 minutes three times a week on her stairstepper and treadmill.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Sharla has lost 150 pounds -- half her size! She now runs 5K marathons with ease, plays volleyball with gusto, and has no problem keeping up with her children. Sharla even hiked 14 miles up Table Rock Mountain last summer.

One of Sharla's favorite parts about losing weight is shopping for her new size 6 figure. Plus, she lost all of her baby weight and then some! She's slimmer now than she was when she got married. In fact, Sharla looks so good now, people have thought her husband was cheating on her with a new woman! ;)

Here's Sharla at 301 pounds:



And here she is now, looking absolutely fantastic at 150 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Sharla Pincock
Hometown: Sugar City, Idaho
Age: 33
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 301 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 150 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Steamed vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Brownie sundaes.

Biggest motivator: Keeping up with her five children.

Biggest obstacle: Staying positive.

Old eating philosophy: Munching on tons of carbs.

New eating philosophy: Eating more vegetables, proteins, and dairy.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling more confident, and having more energy than ever before.

Best weight loss secret learned: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Cancer survivor fights for ultimate health

People are natural-born fighters. But it usually takes a challenge to bring out their fighting spirit.

Lynn Wiggins showed hers when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001. Fortunately, the doctors found and removed all of the cancer, and she won the battle. After her recovery, however, Lynn used the perseverance she learned in the hospital to get healthy in a new way -- by losing weight.

Lynn's weight fluctuated her entire life. She cooked potatoes almost every night, and always helped herself to second helpings of macaroni and cheese. Worse, Lynn often ate chicken and fish fried and covered in salt.

She tried dieting before she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but stopped when she started undergoing treatment. Even so, Lynn didn't feel out of place among her four sisters, all of whom were overweight.

Then her family began to slim down, and Lynn didn't like being the only one that was still overweight. So in October 2006, she joined her local Round Rock, Texas, L A Weight Loss center.

Using her niece's upcoming wedding as motivation, Lynn set her goals high. She was determined to drop from 197 pounds to 145 pounds. And her personal weight loss counselors taught her how to do it.

She cut back on fried foods, fast foods, and carbs. Instead of double helpings of potatoes and macaroni and cheese, Lynn ate the foods she loved in moderation, and added even more vegetables to her diet.

It didn't take long for the weight to drop. Lynn has lost a total of 37 pounds, and currently weighs 160 pounds!

While her weight is decreasing, her energy is increasing. Everything is easier for Lynn now, from walking up the steps, to tying her shoes, to playing with children. And she enjoys walking as much as possible.

For Lynn, the best part about losing weight is looking good and feeling even better. She fits into clothes she loves. And at 58 years old, Lynn feels healthier than she has in years. She can get up in front of crowds comfortably, and enjoys going out with friends and family.

Losing weight has truly improved Lynn's life. She looked fantastic with her family at the wedding!

Best of all, Lynn has proved that getting healthy is the most important thing to fight for. Way to go, Lynn! We're so proud of you!

Here's Lynn in 2006 at 197 pounds:



And here she is today, bearing down on her weight loss goal at 160 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Lynn Wiggins
Hometown: Round Rock, Texas
Age: 58
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight:197 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: October 2006

Favorite food: Fish and rice.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight for her niece's wedding.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting her family's eating habits.

Old eating philosophy: Eating huge servings of macaroni and cheese and potatoes almost every night.

New eating philosophy: Filling up on cereal, fish, and rice.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking better than she has in 20 years.

Best weight loss secret learned: Learn how to control your portions, and you'll still be able to eat your favorite foods.

Mother's motivation goes a long way in Texas

Parents want the world for their child. And many will do almost anything to make sure their children are happy and healthy, as Susan Hallman discovered when her mother helped her lose weight.

Susan's weight yo-yoed most of her life, becoming a serious problem when she hit her 40s. Her diet was far from healthy, as she always cleaned her plate when eating out. Worse, Susan never weighed herself, and was in denial about the dangers of her extra pounds.

In 2006, Susan reached 244 pounds. Lethargic and depressed, she had low self-esteem, and was embarrassed to be seen in public. It wasn't until her blood pressure registered off the charts at a doctor's exam that she realized just how unhealthy she was.

Susan realized she needed to lose weight. But with many failed diets behind her, she wasn't sure she could. Her family was worried, too. Susan's mother wanted nothing more than to see her daughter get healthy. Her solution: Jump into the fire together.

So mother and daughter both joined L A Weight Loss in Lubbock, Texas, so Mom could help Susan stay motivated and on track. In addition, Susan's personal weight loss counselors taught her the do's and don'ts of healthy eating.

For example, Susan added fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fish to her diet, and upped her daily water intake. She also learned the most important weight loss secret: portion control.

Now, one year after joining L A Weight Loss, Susan has lost 107 pounds! She still enjoys the foods she loves, but eats them in moderation. And when she needs a sweet treat, she grabs an L A Lite bar.

But that's not all that's changed. To her mom's joy, Susan is now much happier and healthier. Her relationships with her friends and family have improved, and she has the energy to play with her sons and jog almost every day.

Plus, Susan loves going shopping, and isn't embarrassed in public anymore. Her self-esteem is so improved, in fact, that she has the confidence to do anything and go anywhere.

Congrats, Susan! And thanks, Mom!

Here's Susan in 2006 weighing 244 pounds:



And here she is today, the picture of health and beauty at 137 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Susan Hallman
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
Age: 44
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 244 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 137 pounds
Program start date: December 2006

Favorite food: Salad.

Biggest temptation: Chips.

Biggest motivator: Challenging herself to lose more weight each week.

Biggest obstacle: Saying no to huge portions.

Old eating philosophy: Eating everything put on her plate.

New eating philosophy: Ordering healthy food to avoid temptation.

Best thing about losing weight: Enjoying being out with friends and family.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat the foods you enjoy, as long as you eat them in moderation.