North Dakota mom makes sure her future's slim

There's a lot of care that goes into having a child. And every mom knows that care takes a lot of work. Amanda O'Connor wanted to take that basic baby care one step further, but knew she needed to lose weight to do it.

Amanda had been overweight her entire life. She came from a family of eaters, and knew the health risks associated with being overweight because she saw them first hand. Luckily, Amanda had always been healthy, so never had a driving motivation to slim down.

After the birth of her first baby however, Amanda wanted to able to move around easier than she could at 197 pounds. She needed more energy, and wanted to be able to chase around her son, without the health risks her parents had dealt with.

Amanda had tried dieting in the past, but couldn't keep the weight off. In September 2007, she signed up at her local Minot, N.D., L A Weight Loss center. Her one-on-one weight loss counselor taught her everything she needed to know about losing weight and keeping it off.

Amanda added more fruits and vegetables into her diet, which had been a bit scarce before. She also added more lean meats and proteins, and cut back on her sodium intake.

But adjusting her diet wasn't enough for Amanda. She was serious about losing weight and getting in shape. Now, every day she spends some quality time on the treadmill. And when the weather's fine, she takes her morning workouts to the streets.

After one year on the L A Weight Loss program, Amanda has dropped 55 pounds, and currently weighs 142 pounds. Amanda has had so much success on the program, she even motivated a friend to join L A Weight Loss as well. And I'm happy to report, her friend is doing great too.

Now that she's reached her goal weight, life is much easier for Amanda. Shopping is no longer a hassle. And she had no problem fitting into cute clothes.

Best of all, Amanda has the energy and stamina she needs to keep up with her young son. And she knows she's done everything she can to stay healthy for him in the long term.

Plus, she enjoys the extra time she can spend with her husband walking the dog and pushing the stroller. Even better, her relationship with her husband has even improved, as he never hesitates to tell her how beautiful she looks.

Way to go, Amanda! We're thrilled!

Here's Amanda on her wedding day at 197 pounds:



And here she is today, looking happy and healthy at 142 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Amanda O'Connor
Hometown: Sawyer, N.D.
Age: 28
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 197 pounds
Goal weight: 142 pounds
Current weight: 142 pounds
Program start date: September 2007

Favorite food: Chicken alfredo.

Biggest temptation: Pasta.

Biggest motivator: Looking at old pictures.

Biggest obstacle: Getting up and getting on the treadmill in the beginning.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever, whenever, especially if she was bored.

New eating philosophy: Stay busy, and only eating when she needs to.

Best thing about losing weight: Fitting into smaller clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Get help. Don't do it alone.