50-year-old golden after shedding the pounds

Turning 50 is a milestone for many people. But for Sandra Scott, it was more than a mark of time. It was her deadline to fit into her old clothes.

Sandra never struggled with her weight until well into adulthood. A new medication she took to treat a chemical imbalance threw her metabolism out of whack, and her weight suffered as a result.

After sporting a 130-pound figure throughout her life, it was a shock for Sandra to suddenly shoot up to 194 pounds. As her weight increased, her happiness and confidence decreased.

She couldn't wear cute clothes anymore, and she was self-conscious in public. Sandra tried a number of diets on her own, but nothing did the trick. With her 50th birthday approaching, Sandra had had enough of wearing excess pounds. She needed to find a way to lose weight for good.

Her answer came in September 2006, when she discovered L A Weight Loss. Sandra heard about L A Weight Loss's one-on-one counseling, and thought it would work for her. She was paired up with a weight loss counselor who helped her revamp her diet.

Sandra realized that many of her weight loss woes were caused by the type of foods she ate. Processed foods, for example, were especially difficult for her body to metabolize.

Sandra replaced them with fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and chicken. She also cut back on red meat, fried foods, and fatty dessert intake. Water washed down every meal.

It worked. After a year and a half on the L A Weight Loss program, Sandra lost 56 pounds, just in time for her 50th birthday!

But that's not all. Her 30th wedding anniversary is around the corner too. To celebrate, Sharon and her husband Allan are taking a Mediterranean cruise. She can't wait to wear a new, cute bathing suit!

Sandra is living a healthier life at her goal weight of 138 pounds. She has more energy than ever before, and uses it on her new exercise regime. She also enjoys hiking and shopping for stylish clothes and smaller sizes.

Losing weight has also made Sandra look and feel 15 years younger. Now when she tells people she's 50, no one believes her. Now that's golden!

Best of all, Sharon has her happiness back. Her confidence is way up, and she loves getting up in the morning knowing that she looks good. Way to go, Sharon! We're proud of you!

Here's Sharon at 194 pounds:



And here she is looking incredible at her new weight of 138 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Sandra Scott
Hometown: Welland, Ontario
Age: 50
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 194 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 138 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Eggplant parmesan.

Biggest temptation: Desserts.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to get back into her old wardrobe.

Biggest obstacle: Saying no to the availability of food while traveling.

Old eating philosophy: Eating too many carbs, desserts, and fried foods.

New eating philosophy: Including salad, fresh fruits, fish, and chicken into her meals.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining self esteem and feeling like herself again.

Best weight loss secret learned: Lowering your sodium intake can help you lose weight.