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.