Glenna Vandergon's weighting time is over

It's nice to think we'll be healthy forever. But for most of us, something inevitably arises that reminds us to take better care of ourselves. For Glenna Vandergon, that something was being diagnosed as pre-diabetic.

Glenna struggled with her weight as a child. She was an active kid, but filled up on empty calories and not enough fruits and vegetables.

She took these habits into adulthood. Glenna's mother was overweight, and Glenna knew she was on the same path to a lifetime of obesity.

At 270 pounds in her 50s, Glenna was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. She already had arthritis and high blood pressure, and if she didn't take better care of herself -- and fast -- she would soon open the door to even more health problems.

She had no time to spare. Glenna tried dieting. She was able to lose weight, but then discovered one of her thyroid glands wasn't working. And just like that, she gained all of her weight back. No matter how hard she tried, Glenna couldn't shed the weight again.

Then in June 2007, she decided to try L A Weight Loss. Glenna joined her local Eagan Prairie, Minn., L A Weight Loss center, and was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor. Her counselor taught her the ABCs of a healthy lifestyle. Glenna realized that not only what she was eating, but when she was eating was contributing to her weight gain.

Glenna portioned her food into smaller meals throughout the day, starting with a good breakfast. She cut back on starches, carbs, and fried foods, and boosted her daily intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and water.

Since joining L A Weight loss, Glenna's lost 76 pounds! Now at 194, she's getting closer to her goal weight of 150 everyday. But she notices the benefits of healthy eating in more areas of her life than just weight.

Glenna has more stamina, lower blood pressure, reduced arthritis, and higher self confidence. By incorporating walking and a stationary bike into her daily routine, Glenna is now able to make it around the block and then some. Most days she walks over a mile.

To stay on track, Glenna says the support of her husband and family has been a huge help. And as her 40th anniversary approaches, Glenna has high hopes for fitting into her wedding dress -- a personal goal she set at the beginning of her weight loss journey.

Great job, Glenna! Looks like a healthier life "a-weights!"

Here's Glenna in 2007 at 270 pounds:

And here she is in 2008, happy at 194 pounds:

FAST FACTS:

Name: Glenna Vandergon
Hometown: Chaska, Minn.
Age: 57
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 270 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 194 pounds
Program start date: June, 2007

Favorite food: Tilapia.

Biggest temptation: Having to go in the kitchen and cook.

Biggest motivator: The way her husband looks at her.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past the everyday temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating the right foods at the right times, in the right portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling her husband wrap his arms all the way around her.

Best weight loss secret learned: Just because you're on a diet, doesn't mean you're going to go hungry.

Breakfast is for champions

It can be hard to wake up in the morning with time to spare for a meal. But breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all. So don't forget about it! It's been proven that those who eat a healthy breakfast every day are more likely to be of normal weight or more successful on a weight loss regimen.

To start the day off right, be sure to include whole-grain cereals, low-fat milk, and fresh fruit in your breakfast. If you're not convinced why, here are some of breakfast's benefits:

1. Boosts metabolism. Eating breakfast gets your metabolism running right away, which helps you shed weight the whole day. You'll also have extra energy for the day.

2. Can be simple. Breakfast doesn't have to be a three-course meal planned out the night before. It can be as simple as a couple of hardboiled eggs or a bowl of high fiber cereal with low-fat milk and an apple as you walk out the door.

3. Turns back the clock. Breakfast intake declines with age, while weight increases with age. Is there a link? People who eat a healthy breakfast are shown to have a lower body mass index (BMI), and be in better overall health than those who skip breakfast. Keep yourself young with a yogurt and fruit in the morning.

4. Supplies important nutrients when you need them most. If planned correctly, breakfast can be a great source of calcium, Vitamin D, B-Vitamins, and other commonly fortified nutrients. Breakfast is also a great opportunity to boost your daily fiber intake, which holds its own host of health benefits.

You can bet I never skip breakfast, and hopefully now, you won't either! Stay tuned for more healthy tips from L A Weight Loss!

Alora Gaddy wins grand prize in Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge

Alora Gaddy's life is much peachier today. She's been crowned winner of the first-ever Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge! CONGRATS, ALORA!

The competition challenged 10 Atlanta women to reach their goal weight in six months by following the L A Weight Loss program, and incorporating Controltrim into their menu plan. Controltrim is a U.S.D.A.-developed powder made of 100 percent oat bran used to replace fat in desserts, dressings, and other foods and recipes.

Alora went from 188 to 148 pounds, and size 16 to 8, to claim the grand prize: a $1,000 shopping spree for a new, slimmer wardrobe. Here she is receiving her prize:



Doesn't she look stunning? Check out her before and after photos too.

The contestants weighed in once a week at their local L A Weight Loss centers, maintained a daily diary of meals, and incorporated Controltrim into their menu plans. The contestants also met with their L A Weight Loss personal counselor three times a week for one-on-one nutritional advice, custom meal planning, and supportive counseling.

Alora had originally decided to join the L A Weight Loss program when her sister-in-law Donna joined. The two did everything together and knew they would be successful if they had each other to lean on.

The final decision to join came when Alora realized she was about to hit the 200-pound mark and could no longer play with her grandkids the way she used to.

"Alora's success shows that healthy weight loss can be as simple as following a customized meal plan that incorporates portion control and personalized counseling into your lifestyle," said Sarah Landreyou, Center Manager at L A Weight Loss and Alora Gaddy’s personal counselor throughout the challenge.

By optionally adding Controltrim to L A Weight Loss's approach to menu planning, Alora steadily lost weight at a comfortable pace, without having to sacrifice her favorite foods or make drastic lifestyle changes. She's a role model for any woman who wants to regain control over their weight and their life."

Texas mom gets Ph.D. in weight loss

Getting a Ph.D. is a full-time job. So is raising a family. Put those two together, and it's hard to make time for anything else, like caring for your health. Just ask Ruby Wiley-Rendon.

Ruby had been athletic for most of her young life. Once she entered college, however, her sports participation dipped and her weight spiked.

After giving birth to her first child, she ballooned to 212 pounds. She tried a number of diet tricks and fads, but nothing kept the weight off. She was constantly yo-yoing.

By the time Ruby gave birth to her second child, she was frustrated with the weight loss game. She tried exercising, but not even that could reduce her weight. And as a full-time mom and graduate student, she didn't have time to waste on gimmicks.

Then, while shopping for clothes with her mom, Ruby couldn't fit into her usual size 18. Staring into the mirror and holding a pair of size 20 pants, Ruby knew once and for all that she needed to get healthy.

A friend in her Ph.D. program suggested L A Weight Loss. In June 2007, Ruby decided to give it a try. She joined her local Lubbock, Texas, L A Weight Loss center, and was matched up with a personal weight loss counselor, who helped her learn the ins and outs of healthy eating.

Ruby gave up her usual diet of super-sized fast foods, fried foods, starches, and sodas. She replaced it with grilled meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Ruby loved that she could still eat many of her favorite foods, simply by enjoying them in moderation. For example, if she had a small piece fried chicken for lunch, she had a salad for dinner.

It wasn't long before the pounds started melting away. By September of that year, Ruby lost 45 pounds. And that only motivated her to lose more. It's been one year since Ruby joined L A Weight Loss, and she's lost a total of 102 pounds and now weighs 110 pounds.

Ruby's success has motivated others to join L A Weight Loss too, including her mother and husband. Now, Ruby weighs in with her mom every other week to keep her spirits and weight loss ambitions high.

Since losing weight, Ruby enjoys the little things in life so much more. Getting in and out of the car is no longer difficult like it was before. She loves shopping for cute clothes more than ever. This past March, Ruby wore a bathing suit for the first time in nine years! Way to go, Ruby!

Here's Ruby in 2007 at 212 pounds:



And here she is today looking fit and fabulous at 110:



FAST FACTS

Name: Ruby Wiley-Rendon
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
Age: 28
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 212 pounds
Goal weight: 115 pounds
Current weight: 110 pounds
Program start date: October 2007

Favorite food: Mexican

Biggest temptation: Restaurant food.

Biggest motivator: Weighing in at the center each week.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding carbs.

Old eating philosophy: Eating fried foods and starches every day.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with grilled chicken, salad, fruits, and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling young again.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still lose weight while eating out at restaurants.

Curb your cravings at work

I know it can be a struggle sitting at a desk all day, especially with the beautiful weather right outside your window. I’ve tried to make it a little easier on you by putting together some tips to get you through the day -- with snacks.

During the work day, people often look for a quick and easy (and usually unhealthy) fix for their cravings. Foods high in carbohydrates and empty calories are often abundant and easy to find, such as vending machine pretzels, snack cakes, birthday lunches, take-out food, and candy from the desk of the person next door are common office downfalls.

But the secret is to plan ahead, and bring foods that pack more nutrition per bite!

1. Planning is key. You don’t go to meetings unprepared, and you shouldn't go to work unprepared either. Part of that means taking some time to plan snacks that increase your energy and reduce your waistline.

2. Trade in your simple carbs for more complex carbs. Fiber is important for overall health and can help curb hunger. A baggie with a cup of high fiber breakfast cereal is a great snacking option if you like to graze. Try the new All Bran with Strawberries. It’s a step away from boring bran flakes and provides 8 grams of fiber per serving.

3. Make protein a priority. Make your own merger by combining protein with carbohydrates. Combining protein and carbs helps keeps blood sugars more stable and can also provide increased satisfaction and satiety. Below I have provided some great combo ideas.

* 1 to 2 Tbsp. of reduced fat or all-natural nut butter spread on apple wedges

* Two hardboiled eggs with baby carrots. They're finger friendly when you can’t get away from your desk.

* Two or three Laughing Cow Reduced Fat cheese wedges pressed on a Multigrain, reduced-calorie English muffin. A great combo of calcium and fiber and my personal favorite!

* Cheese wedges can also be pressed into the spine of celery for a refreshing snack.

* Homemade trail mix with whole almonds, shredded wheat, and raisins. Sweet and crunchy!

* A cup of low-fat yogurt with fresh or frozen blueberries. If you prepare this at home to enjoy in the office, frozen berries keep yogurt cold on your travels and defrost with added juice that blends with the yogurt for a calcium-packed treat.

* Roll it up! Reduced fat cold cuts with a slice of cheese roll up quickly and are ready to go.

* Single serve reduced fat cottage cheese with added pineapple. Quick, easy, and high in protein and calcium. Enjoy with a few reduced fat wheat crackers for an added crunch.

For more fun snack recipes, pick up the L A Lite cookbook at your local center and check back later for more helpful tips to keep you on track!

Two recipes for your July 4th BBQ party

The summer is here and grills are being fired up! There's no doubt that summertime is a meat lover’s delight with steaks, burgers, and hot dogs galore at every barbecue.

To keep things healthy, we've picked out some of our favorite meat recipes to feed the craving. The best part of these recipes is that you can add any vegetable to kick your meal up a notch.

Beef Dijon

4 oz beef flank steak
1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
5 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup water
1/2 packet low-sodium beef bouillon
1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 Tbsp. flour
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 cup fresh asparagus spears
Nonfat cooking spray

Rub pepper on both sides of the steak.

Broil steak, 3 inches from heat, for 6 minutes. Turn steak over and brown for 6-8 more minutes. Keep warm, allowing to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Coat skillet with nonfat cooking spray. Combine mushrooms, green onion, half the water, and beef bouillon; cook until mushrooms are tender.

Mix the remaining water and steak. Add to pan. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Mix yogurt, flour, and mustard. Stir into mushroom mixture. Cool and stir until thickened.

Cook asparagus by microwaving or steaming.

Thinly slice steak against the grain. Arrange steak slices and asparagus on dinner plate. Serve with sauce.



Mushroom and Swiss Burger

Hamburger patty
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 green onion, sliced
2 oz reduced-fat Swiss cheese
Nonfat cooking spray

Coat small skillet with nonfat cooking spray.

Place mushrooms, garlic powder, and onion in skillet and sauté over medium heat until mushrooms are fully cooked.

Place mushrooms on top of burger.

Place cheese on burger and place on grill or under broiler to melt cheese.



For more healthy L A Weight Loss summer recipes, visit your local center and pick up a copy of the L A Lite cookbook.

Gadzooks! Donna Gaddy's lost again!

Donna Gaddy is back with another weight loss update, just in time for summer! Donna faced a few challenges last month, such as not being able to exercise after undergoing surgery, but she still managed to stay on track. She's lost a total of 55 pounds, and hopes to ramp up her exercise routine this month to drop even more during the summer months ahead. Way to go Donna!

Camille and Brady Orchard grow thin together

Camille and Brady Orchard took two different paths to get there, but the Idaho Falls, Idaho, couple both wound up in the same unhealthy place -- obesity.

For Camille, weight problems began when she had the first of the couple's four children. She gained 60 pounds with their first child, and a little bit more with each one after that. Eventually, her weight ballooned to 203 pounds.

Even more frustrating for Camille -- her entire family was thin. Camille had tried dieting in the past, even taking dangerous medications, but she never learned how to make a clean break from her unhealthy eating habits.

Brady gained weight consistently through college. When he graduated, he was up to 240 pounds. Brady's first job kept him in the office, stuck behind a computer for long hours. When he had time to eat, it was usually soda, candy, and other junk food.

Brady was heavy, but didn't know he had health problems until he was rejected for a blood drive. It turned out he was on the path to diabetes, and was forced to take a smorgasbord of prescription medications to control it.

The couple was spent. They couldn't stand being overweight any longer. They remembered something their friends had told them about: L A Weight Loss. They lost weight on the program, and were keeping it off.

So in February 2007, Camille and Brady went to their local Idaho Falls, Idaho, L A Weight Loss center and received one-on-one counseling to shed the pounds together. They learned about the healthy alternatives to their favorite foods, and how reducing portions sizes can reduce their clothes sizes, too.

Today, Brady and Camille have cut out the fast food, and grill or cook with the crock pot instead of frying. They're also drinking more water than ever before.

Brady's not a big vegetable guy, but he's working more greens into every portion. Breakfasts are filled with yogurt, pineapple, cottage cheese, and sometimes a protein bar for balance.

But Brady and Camille haven't changed just their diet. They're boosting their heart rates with consistent exercise. Camille is hitting the treadmill four to five days a week, and also works in crunches and bicep curls. Brady likes the bike better, and peddles 45 minutes, five days a week.

All the hard work is paying off for the Orchards. Brady's lost 81 pounds so far, and currently weighs 199 pounds. Camille has dropped 56, now weighing 147 pounds. Both have surpassed their goal weights. And while the couple's weight is steadily going down, their self confidence is soaring.

Camille says she's no longer embarrassed to play with her kids on the playground, or take them swimming. She loves buying new clothes to fit her new figure. Brady's off all of his medications and got a new job, which reduced his stress level quite a bit.

Best of all, the couple feels happier together now that they're 137 pounds lighter. The lessons they've learned with L A Weight Loss will stay with them forever, and the couple is setting a healthier example for their kids. Congrats, you two!

Here's Camille at 203 pounds:



And here she is today, at 147 pounds:



Here's Brady at his old 280 pounds:



And here he is is today at 199 pounds. Wow, looking great, guys!



FAST FACTS

Name: Camille Orchard
Hometown: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Age: 34
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 203 pounds
Goal weight: 148 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: February 2007

Favorite food: Tilapia and Halibut.

Biggest temptation: Eating chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Weighing in three times a week, and getting support from her husband.

Biggest obstacle: Making time for exercise and the kids.

Old eating philosophy: Living to eat.

New eating philosophy: Eating to live.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling more confident and happy.

Best weight loss secret learned: Sugar-free Jell-o and two tablespoons of fat-free Cool Whip is a great, no-guilt snack.



Name: Brady Orchard
Hometown: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Age: 34
Height: 5'11"

Starting weight: 280 pounds
Goal weight: 210 pounds
Current weight: 199 pounds
Program start date: February 2007

Favorite food: Mexican food.

Biggest temptation: Chops and salt.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthier every week with Camille by his side.

Biggest obstacle: Having snacks around.

Old eating philosophy: Satisfying his appetite immediately.

New eating philosophy: Thinking before he eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Knowing that he's added years to his life.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's all about the right portion sizes.

Get a moo-ve on for National Dairy Month

Did you know June is National Dairy Month? Did you also know that dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt contain nine essential nutrients that help you manage your weight and reduce your risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers?

I recently sat down with Sandra Maltzman, who gave me the full story on all that dairy has to offer, just in time to kick off National Dairy month. Listen in, and you'll learn that no matter how hot it is, milk is always a cool choice.

Monica King's weight loss featured in First For Women Magazine

When we first introduced you to Monica King in 2007, the Texas native was getting a new lease on life after losing 112 pounds with L A Weight Loss. Now others are starting to notice too. Monica's fantastic new figure will grace the pages of the June 9 edition of First For Women Magazine.

Monica's story is part of a larger piece on the importance of incorporating micronutrient-rich superfoods into meals. To see Monica in her stunning red dress, pick up a copy of the magazine on news shelves Monday.

Get your beach body ready

I know how daunting it can be to start a new exercise routine. So I’ve put together some tips perfect for anyone looking to get back on track, find a new routine, or tone up the muscles they already have. And with summer only weeks away, these tips should have your beach body ready in no time.

1. Set a Date. Mark it on your calendar. Give yourself a countdown to start exercising and stick to it.

2. Use the buddy system. Find a friend or family member to exercise with you. This will help keep you motivated and provide quality time to catch up with your loved ones.

3. Tip the balance. Exercising has so many health benefits, including weight management, heart health, increased energy, and more. Make a list of reasons why you should exercise and write down ways any obstacles in your way.

4. It’s the little things. Beginning an exercise program doesn’t have to mean training for a marathon. Start small with stretching exercises, a walk around the block, marching in place instead of sitting on the couch when watching TV, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

5. Variation is key. Not only will you get bored doing the same exercise all the time, your muscles will too. Change your routine to shock muscles and achieve long-term results.

6. Go Shopping. Motivation comes in many forms. A new exercise outfit and sneakers may be just what you need to get moving or stay motivated.

7. Choose good food. You need energy to exercise. Creating a balanced diet that is low in fat and high in fiber is ideal for optimal energy and long term weight management.

8. Keep track of your progress. Record your exercise activity, including duration and how you felt. You will be able to look back and see your improvements within weeks.

9. Be realistic. Exercise should be a priority, but life happens. Don’t give up. If you skip a day or two, it doesn’t mean your program is ruined. Grab your schedule and pencil in your exercise time.

10. Treat yourself. Make an appointment with an exercise specialist or athletic trainer. They can show you new exercises or, depending on your ability and experience, get you started with the basics. Knowing what equipment to use and the correct form will help you prevent injury and improve your skills.