Horse farmer reigns in unhealthy eating

With all of the physical work farmers do, you'd probably imagine they're in good shape. But that wasn't the case for Floyd Pepper. As a horse farmer, Floyd was so busy taking care of his animals, that he lost sight of taking care of his health.

Floyd's weight steadily increased throughout his life. He had always been active on his South Carolina farm, but it didn't counteract his unhealthy eating habits. He often chowed down on fried chicken, burgers, and chili.

Everyday activities became difficult for Floyd. He had high blood pressure, and was at risk for diabetes. Worse, Floyd lost the energy needed to maintain the farm, and his work suffered because of it.

At 320 pounds, Floyd was very lethargic, and he figured something was seriously wrong with his health. But he denied that the issue was his weight, until things got worse.

He could barely lift bags of feed, and his horse struggled to carry him on long trail rides. Floyd realized he needed to drop the pounds.

Floyd tried dieting, even to the point where he'd starve himself. But he couldn't shed the weight. He was considering gastric bypass surgery when a friend told him about L A Weight Loss. Desperate to lose weight, Floyd decided to give it a shot. He joined his local Easley, S.C., L A Weight Loss center, and was paired with a personal weight loss counselor.

His counselor taught him the healthy way to lose weight, without starving himself. Floyd added more fruits and vegetables to his diet, and learned many delicious ways to grill his food instead of frying it.

He also incorporated L A Weight Loss supplements into his diet, and treated himself to L A Lite bars to curb his sweet cravings. Floyd also learned the importance of portion control.

It wasn't long before Floyd saw the results of his new diet plan. After one year on the program, he's lost 82 pounds. At 238 pounds, Floyd is only 18 pounds away from his weight loss goal.

Now in the homestretch of his weight loss journey, Floyd is realizing the overwhelming physical benefits of losing weight. He has more energy than he's had in years, and his farm work is fun again. Floyd's blood pressure and blood sugars have dropped to healthy levels.

Floyd is now enjoying activities that he's been unable to do for years, such as water sports. He can also go on longer trail rides with his horse, and tries to run every day.

Floyd loves that he can get out of bed in the morning pain-free, and do the things he loves. His son and girlfriend are happy he's taken the steps to better health -- and so is his horse! ;)

Floyd is so happy about his weight loss, he tells everyone he knows about it. He's motivated a few friends to join the program too. Way to go, Floyd! Keep up the great work!

Here's Floyd at 320 pounds:



And here he is today, looking and feeling 15 years younger at 238 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Floyd Pepper
Hometown: Easley, S.C.
Age: 46
Height: 6'

Starting weight: 320 pounds
Goal weight: 220 pounds
Current weight: 238 pounds
Program start date: February 2007

Favorite food: BBQ ribs.

Biggest temptation: Beer.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the results.

Biggest obstacle: Sticking to his meal plan while on trail rides.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on whatever he wanted, then trying to lose weight by starving himself.

New eating philosophy: Eating more to lose more.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining his life back.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eating well involves both healthy portions and healthy foods.