Elizabeth Stetar goes from couch potato to 5k runner

Some people consider themselves born to run. Others would never lace up a pair of running shoes. Elizabeth Stetar never imagined she'd be lining up at the starting line of road races, but these days, nothing stands between her and the finish line.

Before she got there though, she struggled with weight. While the rest of her family was thin, Elizabeth found herself packing on more pounds each year.

She was teased for her weight as a kid. It stung every time she was called "fat." In high school, Elizabeth was athletic despite her weight, and participated in tennis, soccer, and basketball.

But once she was in college, long nights and unhealthy foods caused Elizabeth to gain more weight than ever before. Her diet consisted of fried foods, fast foods, fatty snacks and desserts, and practically no fruits or vegetables.

Not only was Elizabeth unhappy with the way she looked, she felt unhealthy too. She was tired all the time, and couldn't participate in sports she played when she was younger.

Before her wedding, she tried dieting, but she couldn't shed the pounds. Slipping into her size 24 wedding dress, Elizabeth knew she needed to get healthy.

So in March 2007, she joined her local Louisville, Ky., L A Weight Loss center. When she first stepped on the scale, she was horrified to see that she weighed 279 pounds.

Elizabeth was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, Stefani, who helped her get her diet under control. Together they mapped out a weight loss plan that fit easily into Elizabeth's lifestyle.

Elizabeth cut back on her intake of fast and fried foods, and she and her husband stopped eating out as often. And she added fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, and water to her diet.

Soon the pounds started melting away. But as they did, Elizabeth noticed a lump on her neck. Doctors discovered the she had a mass on her thyroid that needed to be removed.

Thankfully, the mass was benign. Elizabeth's doctors gave her medication to regulate her thyroid, and got it under control. Best of all, once her thyroid was regulated, Elizabeth's energy skyrocketed.

With all of her new-found energy, Elizabeth began exercising like never before. She started running 40 minutes, three to four times a week. She never imagined she would be the type of person who was able to run races, but she signed up for local 5ks anyway, and enjoyed them. She also started playing soccer and dancing.

Exercise and eating right has paid off. Elizabeth has lost 100 pounds! At her new weight of 179 pounds, she's getting closer every day to her weight loss goal of 150 pounds.

Elizabeth is happier than ever before. Besides her escalating energy, her confidence has dramatically increased. Best of all, Elizabeth knows she's now going to live a longer, healthier life. Way to go, Elizabeth! We're so happy for you!

Here's Elizabeth at 279 pounds:



And here she is, 100 pounds lighter at 179 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Elizabeth Stetar
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Age: 24
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 279 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 179 pounds
Program start date: March 2007

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Being surrounded by people with unhealthy lunches at work.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the numbers on the scale get lower each week.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting temptation, and making herself eat something healthy.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on burgers, fries, pizza, pastas, and ice cream.

New eating philosophy: Planning meals that include salads, fish, fruits, and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling more confident and feeling her age.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drinking lots of water can help you lose weight.