Marilyn Adams finds the journey as rewarding as the destination

Starting a challenge can be just as rewarding as the end result. That's exactly how Marilyn Adams felt when she set her eyes on the goal of losing weight, and did it.

Marilyn was heavy for most of her life. But she was able to manage her weight fluctuations until she became pregnant with her first child. She gained 35 pounds, and never lost it.

Marilyn's unhealthy diet and sugary binges kept her weight soaring. By the time she reached her 50's, she weighed 255 pounds.

Marilyn's extra weight literally weighed her down -- emotionally and physically. She was embarrassed in public. She always felt like people were staring at her, leading to her low self esteem.

Marilyn's legs were always aching, and it was difficult for her to walk. When a friend needed a walker just to get around, Marilyn realized she was on the same path to a poor quality of life.

So she made up her mind to get healthy. She had tried dieting before, but without success. When her daughter signed up for L A Weight Loss, Marilyn felt the program's structure was exactly what she needed to gain control of her life too.

In February 2006, she joined her local Baton Rouge, La., L A Weight Loss center. She worked closely with her one-on-one weight loss counselor, who showed her the errors of her eating ways.

Marilyn cut back on fatty foods, starches, and sweets. She added more fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water to her diet. Marilyn now loves making delicious salads that fill her up.

She also enjoys snacking on L A Lite bars, and makes sure she's getting all the nutrients she needs by taking daily multivitamins and fish oil.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Marilyn lost 95 pounds! She flew past her goal weight of 178 pounds, and currently weighs 160 pounds. Marilyn is finding life is so much better in a smaller size.

Her confidence has greatly improved, and she's no longer in physical pain. Marilyn can get on the floor and play with her grandchildren, and walk up and down stairs without getting winded.

Marilyn is a happier, healthier person today. Having accomplished her challenge of losing weight, she now feels like she can take on anything. Way to go, Marilyn!

Here's Marilyn at 255 pounds:



And here she is today at a fabulously healthy 160 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Marilyn Adams
Hometown: Baton Rouge, La.
Age: 56
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 255 pounds
Goal weight: 178 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Reaching her goal.

Biggest obstacle: Eating the right things during holidays and get-togethers.

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

New eating philosophy: Avoiding the wrong kinds of food.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better physically.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stop eating sweets.