Arianna Chavez on TODAY

Last month, we caught up with Arianna Chavez, and she was doing great. But we have even more good news! The TODAY show heard about Arianna's amazing weight loss story, and recently featured her on the show during their Joy Fit Club segment.

TODAY viewers across the country were captivated by Arianna's success with eating well and exercising, and thousands of men and women cheered her on from their living rooms. Congratulations, Arianna! We're so proud of you!

Weight loss isn't just about the food

Most people don't realize that choosing healthy foods isn't the only way to lose weight. Often, a few simple routine changes can get you on your way to a healthier lifestyle and a slimmer waistline. Below are a few tips to get you healthy, without involving food.

Get some sleep. People who get even three more hours of sleep a week are more likely to weigh less. That's only 25 minutes a night. Try getting in to bed a half hour earlier than usual to sleep off the pounds.

Slow things down. It actually takes about 15 minutes for your brain to register a feeling of fullness. If you've already eaten your entire meal in that time period, you might not even realize that you overate, until it's too late!

Keep the good stuff out. You're more likely to go for a healthy snack when you're hungry if you've got that bowl of fruit sitting on the counter or the yogurt in front of the fridge. Make sure you're keeping the unhealthy snacks out of sight.

Don't overestimate. Many people believe they're more active then they truly are. To keep track and see if you're getting enough exercise, get a pedometer and see if you are truly getting the 10,000 daily recommended steps.

Make more me time. It's proven that people who eat together in large groups tend to consume more calories. Try having a healthy snack before you head to the party or happy hour to minimize what you take in.

Keep an eye on your roomie. Studies show people who live with someone overweight or obese are more likely to become that way themselves. Make sure you and your roommate are on the same path to health to keep each other on track.

Buy it big. People who wear tight clothing are more likely to feel like they've put on a few extra pounds. The feeling of failure when you work so hard tends to lead to unhealthy emotional eating. Make sure to buy reasonably sized clothing for the perfect fit.

Get in the sun. Obesity has been linked to those with low vitamin D. You don't want to be overexposed to the sun, but a mere 20 minutes of sunshine a day can greatly increase your levels of vitamin D.

Arizona mom breaks the weight gain chain

Many men and women don't realize they need to lose weight until the suffer the actual physical effects of obesity, such as high blood pressure, sore joints, or diabetes. Terrie Lemesh, however, was relatively healthy; it was her mother's weight-related health problems that really inspired her to get healthy.

Terrie ran a childcare program from her home, which was detrimental to her diet. Every time she fed the kids, she ate too, whether it was macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, or snacks. Then she'd have dinner on top of that.

At 227 pounds, Terrie had trouble keeping up with her kids. Her knees ached and she had shin splints. Her mother was overweight, and had suffered from a heart attack at an early age. Terrie knew she should get healthy before it was too late.

She wanted to lose weight, but wasn't sure how. Terrie dieted for months without results. Her doctor suggested she choose one diet, and stick with it.

So Terrie decided to give L A Weight Loss a try. She joined her local Avondale, Ariz., L A Weight Loss center and was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor, Cindy.

Cindy taught Terrie the ABC's of dieting success, and what she should and should not be eating. Terrie added lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to her diet, which she rarely ate before. She also added lean meats and other important proteins.

Terrie now resists the urge to grab a forkful of macaroni and cheese, and instead waits for her own dinner of whole wheat pasta. When she craves a sweet treat, she grabs an L A Lite bar, which satisfies her chocolate need.

It wasn't long before Terrie's weight started to drop, and her energy started to rise. Since she was getting around easier, she started exercising. Now, Terrie enjoys biking, hiking, and going to the gym.

Most of all, she enjoys all the new time she can spend with her family. Terrie also loves being able to shop in any store she wants. And for the first time in over a decade, she can fit into all the cute clothes.

After a year and half on the program, Terrie now weighs 140 pounds. Her self esteem has sky rocketed, and she's healthier than she's been in years. Terrie wants to be healthy for life, and is proud that she broke the family weight gain chain. Way to go, Terrie! We're proud of you!

Here's Terrie at 227 pounds with her husband:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 140 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Terrie Lemesh
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Age: 36
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 227 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 87 pounds
Program start date: March 2007

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Fitting into smaller clothes.

Biggest obstacle: Getting out and working out.

Old eating philosophy: Overeating.

New eating philosophy: Becoming a health nut.

Best thing about losing weight: Being healthy, buying the clothes she wants, and having more family time.

Best weight loss secret learned: Watch what you're eating even with healthy food. Keep track of everything.

Steer clear of detox diets

What do you do when you want to lose weight, and you want to lose it fast? Unfortunately, many women and men turn to crash detox diets, but inevitably do more harm than good.

I sat down with Sandra Maltzman, who told me all about the dangers of detox diets, and what you can do to shed weight the healthy way.

Update: Mandy Muniz still going strong with her weight loss success

When we last checked in with Mandy Muniz, she had shed a remarkable 157 pounds. Mandy came to L A Weight Loss in April 2005, and said she wanted to lose 100 pounds. Well, three years and 157 pounds later, Mandy weighs a healthy 126 pounds, and couldn't be happier.

Her weight loss success landed her in People Magazine's yearly "Half Their Size" issue and on EXTRA. And we're happy to report her healthy diet hasn't faded with the publicity. Mandy's still eating great and looking even better.

Congratulations, Mandy. Keep up the great work!

Carol Faulkner slims down with wedding weight inspiration

Many brides-to-be use their upcoming weddings as motivation to slim down and get in shape. Thirty-two years after her wedding, Carol Faulkner used her wedding pictures as motivation to do just that.

Carol will be the first to admit that she wasn't taking care of herself for the past 20 years. As a teacher, she was always on her feet. By the time she got home each night, she was too tired to think about a well-balanced meal, let alone do anything active. She usually napped, then grabbed something quick and easy for dinner.

It seemed like overnight, Carol was suddenly dealing with the health issues that came with being overweight. She never had enough energy, and her blood pressure was high.

On the day of her 32nd wedding anniversary, Carol was flipping through old pictures of her wedding. She was 214 pounds, and couldn't believe how much weight she put on since her wedding day, when she fit into a size 6. Then and there she decided to get healthy.

Carol joined her local Columbus, Miss., L A Weight Loss center the very next day. She was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor, Chleo, who taught her the ins and outs of healthy eating.

Carol cut way back on her fried food and sweets intake, and increased her servings of fruits, vegetables, and fish. As a way to stay accountable for everything she ate, Carol kept a food journal. Writing down everything she ate kept her motivated and on track. Even Chleo was impressed with how meticulous Carol was with her journal.

Before she knew it, the weight started to melt away. After losing just 12 pounds, Carol's blood pressure dropped to normal levels. Her renewed health motivated her to keep losing. And a total of 92 pounds later, Carol is healthier than she's been in 20 years.

Carol's friends and family have been completely supportive during her entire weight loss process, especially her husband and daughter. Her husband is ecstatic about her progress, and her daughter loves telling her how small she is.

At 122 pounds, Carol's energy has gone way up. Instead of coming home and napping, she now goes for walks, and does yoga twice a week. Carol enjoys her new walking routine so much, she's even training to walk a marathon this year!

For Carol, the best part about losing almost 100 pounds is her improved health. But she certainly doesn't mind all the compliments on her new look either! Plus, she feels like she gets more respect from strangers when she's out in public. Way to go, Carol! You look fantastic!

Here's Carol at 214 pounds:



And here she is today, looking happier and healthier at 122 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Carol Faulkner
Hometown: Vernon, Ala.
Age: 58
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 214 pounds
Goal weight: 125 pounds
Current weight: 122 pounds
Program start date: May 2007

Favorite food: Grilled salmon.

Biggest temptation: Homemade deserts.

Biggest motivator: Watching the scale drop every week.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Grazing all day, and eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating only when she's hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Staying healthy and her new self image.

Best weight loss secret learned: Write down what you eat because it keeps your accountable.

Going green -- with your vegetables, that is

Do you know what your suggested daily intake of vegetables is? Do you know what you're nutritionally missing out on if you don't get your servings? Sandra Maltzman joins us today to tell us a little bit about the importance of your daily intake of greens. I know I'll be spending a little bit more time in the vegetable aisle from now on!

Update: Courtney Dawson is going strong

Courtney Dawson has had a lot of exciting publicity since shedding 166 pounds on the L A Weight Loss program. This Louisiana native has jet-setted across the country to be featured on the cover of People Magazine and NBC's Today Show to tell everyone about her weight loss success.

Now that the dust has settled since her big public debut, Courtney has stayed strong. Everything is going great for Courtney, and she couldn't be happier with her new weight and new life.

Here's Courtney today, looking as fantastic as ever at 168 pounds:

Shelli Ziegler finds happiness in a smaller size

Happy is as happy does. But Shelli Ziegler found that no matter what she was doing, she wasn't entirely happy. That's because worries about being overweight kept her self-esteem low.

Shelli was overweight for most of her life, and her eating habits were always to blame. She led a relatively active lifestyle, but she couldn't say no to the convenience of a fast food lunch or fried dinner. Plus, she rarely ate the right amount of fruits or vegetables.

At 223 pounds, she wasn't emotionally healthy either. Whenever Shelli was out in public, she felt like she was being judged. Her self-confidence was extremely low, and she assumed people thought less of her because of her weight.

After years of being unhappy with her appearance, Shelli decided to make a change. She had never successfully dieted before, so assumed it would be a long, hard battle. But then she found L A Weight Loss.

In October 2006, Shelli joined her local Eden Prairie, Minn., L A Weight Loss center. She was matched with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, who taught her about proper nutrition and portion sizes. Shelli realized that her diet was what was truly preventing her from being happy.

Thanks to her counselor, Shelli learned exactly what a healthy diet included. Now, she eats breakfast every day. And instead of eating large meals a few time a day, she eats smaller meals throughout the day. Shelli also cut back on her fried and fast food intake, and focuses on including fruits, vegetables, and lean meats into her daily meals.

With just a few diet adjustments, Shelli's weight started to decrease. And to speed up her weight loss process, she began exercising. Shelli exercises -- whether its walking, running, or lifting weights -- almost every day.

After less than two years on the program, Shelli's lost 79 pounds, and now weighs 144 pounds! Her confidence has greatly increased, and she's an overall happier person. She now has the energy to be more active with her son, which she didn't before.

Shelli feels like a much more active person. She loves going out and getting involved in everything she can now. And she doesn't hesitate to go out with her friends, because now she feels great about herself. And feeing great about herself reflects back on the way she feels about others. Everyone notices (and loves) the happier Shelli.

Way to go, Shelli!

Here's Shelli at 223 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fabulous at 144 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Michelle "Shelli" Ziegler
Hometown: Minnetonka, Minn.
Age: 31
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 223 pounds
Goal weight: 144 pounds
Current weight: 144 pounds
Program start date: October 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from family, friends, and co-workers.

Biggest obstacle: Getting passed the plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Seeing it and eating it.

New eating philosophy: Watching what she eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking and feeling so much better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Once you learn the amount of food to have and how to break it down, losing weight is easy.

Enter to win a chance to be an L A Weight Loss spokesperson

If you're an L A Weight Loss client and have reached your goal weight, now is your opportunity to Express Your Success with L A Weight Loss's very own star search competition! Whether you've lost 20 pounds or 200 pounds, we want to hear about it!

What do you need to do to enter?

We don't need to go to Hollywood to get our stars. You are our "celebrities!" So express yourself -- and do it in the most original, creative way you can think of.

To enter, record a 20-25 second "creative commercial" of yourself highlighting your weight loss success in an artistic, imaginative, and innovative way. Have fun and be expressive! Your home video might be our next national commercial.

Then, complete the Express Your Success 2009 Star Search Contest Application and the Before and After submission form. Include at least two full-length before photos and two full-length after photos of yourself that show a significant physical change. Just send those in with your commercial and that's it! We'll do the rest.

How will the winners be chosen?

L A Weight Loss will choose up to five winners based on the quality of their applications, creative video, and before and after photos. We'll announce the winners and award prizes by Nov. 1.

What do the L A Stars win?

Our lucky winners will each receive:

1. One week, all-expenses-paid trip to Puerto Rico to participate in a national television commercial and print photo shoot.
2. A professional hair, makeup, and wardrobe consultation.
3. An appearance in L A Weight Loss's national television and print advertising campaign.
4. A chance to work with our public relations agency for national magazine placement and national publicity exposure.

When is the deadline?

You have until Oct. 15 to get your completed video, application, and before and after photos to us. We can't wait to see your creative commercials and the fun ways you express your success.

Download the official Express Yourself application here.

To qualify for this contest, send all materials to:

L A Weight Loss Franchise Company
Attn: Lauren Knarr
747 Dresher Road
Suite 150
Horsham, PA 19044
lknarr@la-weightloss.com

Snacking smart

Late-night eating can be the downfall of many well-intentioned dieters. Whether the late-night munchies are out of habit, boredom, or actual hunger, they can result in the over ingestion of calories that tilt the scale in the wrong direction.

First, break the habit. Why are you eating? Are you really hungry or are you actually thirsty? A glass of water can sometimes curb that need to eat since thirst can be masked as hunger.

Second, change your patterns. Always snack while watching TV? Grab something each time you walk past the kitchen? Make a change and only allow yourself to eat while sitting at the dining table or before a certain time.

Lastly, what are you choosing? Do you find yourself with a bottomless bag of chips or with the ice cream container on your lap? Eating empty calories and high-fat foods before hitting the sack won't benefit you or the scale.

Here are some snacking suggestions when late-night hunger strikes:

For the sweet tooth

• Sugar-free chocolate pudding made with skim milk. This is a good source of calcium, and can also be frozen on a stick for a cool treat.
• Sugar-free Jell-O with blueberries or raspberries mixed in suspension. Blueberries and raspberries and high in fiber, which makes this more filling and the right portion to curb your sweet tooth.
• Sugar-free jam on a toasted whole-grain light English muffin.

For the crunch craver

• 100-calorie snack pack with a glass of skim milk. The snack packs are small and don't give you enough calcium. But if you include a little milk, you'll feel more satisfied and keep calories under control.
• Whole-grain crackers with two slices of reduced fat cheese. A good dose of fiber and calcium. Place on a plate and microwave for bite size crunchy treats.
• Skim milk with one sheet (four pieces) of low-fat graham crackers. Boost your calcium and satisfy the cookie monster inside.

For the long snacker

• Two to three cups of air popped or 97 percent fat-free popcorn. A filling snack that's high in fiber, and if eaten slowly, can last quite a while.
• One teaspoon natural peanut or almond butter spread over apple wedges. A small amount of nut butter can increase satiety.
• Cucumbers and red pepper sliced with fat-free dip. Vegetables are low-calorie, so you can have more and increase your snack satisfaction.

For the creamy coveter

• One teaspoon natural peanut or almond butter spread over apple wedges. Not only does it fill you up and last long, but it satisfies the need for cream.
• Six to eight ounces low-fat yogurt with one pretzel log. Use the pretzel instead of a spoon to slow your eating. Dip it in and enjoy each savory bite. Sweet and salty have always been a great pair.
• Two to three Laughing Cow Light Cheese pressed into spine of celery stalks. Calcium, protein, and fiber. Need I say more?

Mike Zoladkiewicz gives thanks for his new weight

Thanksgiving comes but once a year. But if you're a chronic over-eater, it could come every day. Just ask Mike Zoladkiewicz, who ate every meal until he was "Thanksgiving stuffed."

Mike had been a "big boy" his entire life. In second grade, his weight reached 100 pounds. By the time he was a senior in high school, he topped the scales at 300 pounds. And as college and post-college life rolled on, his weight continued to increase.

By his late twenties, Mike weighed 365 pounds. And his unhealthy diet kept his weight on the rise. He never monitored what he ate, and was constantly eating throughout the day. Plus, he was usually chowing down on fast and fried foods, which he ate until he was "Thanksgiving stuffed."

Mike was comfortable with his weight, and doctors always told him he was healthy as a horse. But at 6'4" and 365 pounds, he had trouble getting around. His ankles gave him trouble if he was walking for extended periods of time, and he never had the energy to get on the floor and play with his baby daughter or take her to the park.

Plus, shopping was always a hassle. Mike could only find clothes in big and tall stores, and never had many options. He wished he could just shop in regular clothing stores.

So when Mike heard about L A Weight Loss in November 2007, he decided to give it was time to give it a try. Mike joined his local Eggin, Minn., L A Weight Loss center and was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor.

Mike's counselor taught him how to incorporate healthy foods into his diet, without having to change his entire lifestyle. He can still eat the foods he loves, like pizza and beer, but he more closely monitors his portion sizes. Mike also incorporates fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water into his meals every day.

After nine months on the program, Mike has shed 94 pounds, and at 171 pounds, is well on his way to his goal weight of 365 pounds. Mike has been so successful, that he's even considering lowering his goal weight to 145 pounds.

Since dropping the pounds, Mike's entire approach to life has changed. He can exercise now, and has been regularly running 3 1/2 miles. And now he can shop at every store in the mall. He's never been able to do that before.

Best of all, Mike can spend more time playing with his daughter. He doesn't hesitate to get on the floor with her, and he loves taking her to the park and the pool.

Mike's weight loss has been an inspiration to those around him. He's received nothing but encouragement from his wife and family, and is so enthusiastic about the L A Weight Loss program, he finds himself talking about it constantly. Way to go, Mike! We're proud of you!

Here's Mike last year at 365 pounds:



And here he is today at a healthier 171 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Mike Zoladkiewicz
Hometown: Woodberry, Minn.
Age: 31
Height: 6'4"

Starting weight: 365 pounds
Goal weight: 265 pounds
Current weight: 271 pounds
Program start date: November 2007

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Keeping up with his daughter encouragement from his wife.

Biggest obstacle: Realizing he couldn't cheat the LAWL system, and keeping up the program while traveling.

Old eating philosophy: Eating until he was completely full.

New eating philosophy: Eating smaller portions more often.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting so many compliments.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink water like crazy, and don't ever skip breakfast!