Get a heart-healthy life without skipping a beat

According to recent estimates by the American Heart Association, one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure. But because there are no symptoms, up to a third of these people don't know they have what doctors have dubbed "the silent killer."

I interviewed L A Weight Loss's Sandra Maltzman to learn more about high blood pressure, and to get some quick tips on leading a heart-healthy life.

Five months and 50 pounds down with Donna Gaddy

Donna Gaddy has lost an amazing 50 pounds in only five months, and we couldn't be happier for her here at L A Weight Loss! Donna has followed the program, and listened to her counselors so well that she’s losing an average of 10 pounds a month.

Not to mention, Donna had knee surgery this past month, and still kept losing. A little surgery couldn’t keep her down! Donna made sure she started exercising by getting on the bike, treadmill, and even started weight training! Way to go Donna, keep it up!

Here's what Donna has to think about her incredible weight loss:

50-year-old golden after shedding the pounds

Turning 50 is a milestone for many people. But for Sandra Scott, it was more than a mark of time. It was her deadline to fit into her old clothes.

Sandra never struggled with her weight until well into adulthood. A new medication she took to treat a chemical imbalance threw her metabolism out of whack, and her weight suffered as a result.

After sporting a 130-pound figure throughout her life, it was a shock for Sandra to suddenly shoot up to 194 pounds. As her weight increased, her happiness and confidence decreased.

She couldn't wear cute clothes anymore, and she was self-conscious in public. Sandra tried a number of diets on her own, but nothing did the trick. With her 50th birthday approaching, Sandra had had enough of wearing excess pounds. She needed to find a way to lose weight for good.

Her answer came in September 2006, when she discovered L A Weight Loss. Sandra heard about L A Weight Loss's one-on-one counseling, and thought it would work for her. She was paired up with a weight loss counselor who helped her revamp her diet.

Sandra realized that many of her weight loss woes were caused by the type of foods she ate. Processed foods, for example, were especially difficult for her body to metabolize.

Sandra replaced them with fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and chicken. She also cut back on red meat, fried foods, and fatty dessert intake. Water washed down every meal.

It worked. After a year and a half on the L A Weight Loss program, Sandra lost 56 pounds, just in time for her 50th birthday!

But that's not all. Her 30th wedding anniversary is around the corner too. To celebrate, Sharon and her husband Allan are taking a Mediterranean cruise. She can't wait to wear a new, cute bathing suit!

Sandra is living a healthier life at her goal weight of 138 pounds. She has more energy than ever before, and uses it on her new exercise regime. She also enjoys hiking and shopping for stylish clothes and smaller sizes.

Losing weight has also made Sandra look and feel 15 years younger. Now when she tells people she's 50, no one believes her. Now that's golden!

Best of all, Sharon has her happiness back. Her confidence is way up, and she loves getting up in the morning knowing that she looks good. Way to go, Sharon! We're proud of you!

Here's Sharon at 194 pounds:



And here she is looking incredible at her new weight of 138 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Sandra Scott
Hometown: Welland, Ontario
Age: 50
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 194 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 138 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Eggplant parmesan.

Biggest temptation: Desserts.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to get back into her old wardrobe.

Biggest obstacle: Saying no to the availability of food while traveling.

Old eating philosophy: Eating too many carbs, desserts, and fried foods.

New eating philosophy: Including salad, fresh fruits, fish, and chicken into her meals.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining self esteem and feeling like herself again.

Best weight loss secret learned: Lowering your sodium intake can help you lose weight.

Brenda Russell finds happiness in a smaller size

Finding someone who loves you unconditionally is one of life's greatest joys. But what happens when that love affects your health? Ask Brenda Russell.

Brenda never struggled with her weight until she gave birth to her son. She was 77 pounds heavier after her pregnancy, and staying at home with her son only gave her more time to eat.

Brenda eventually lost the baby weight. But after a painful split from her husband, she gained it all back. Years went by, and Brenda just couldn't drop the extra pounds.

Her eating habits didn't help. Brenda began each day with a large bowl of macaroni and cheese. Lunch was almost always McDonald's. Dinner meant more fried foods, mashed potatoes, and plenty of butter. She snacked on chips and cookies in between meals.

When Brenda remarried, her husband said he loved her for who she was. So at 227 pounds, Brenda still wasn't worried about her weight ... until her health started to suffer.

Brenda developed asthma, and her feet were constantly aching. Plus, diabetes ran in her family. When Brenda's mother had an obesity-induced stroke, Brenda knew it was time to do something about her own weight.

In May 2006, Brenda joined her local San Angelo, Texas, L A Weight Loss center. She worked with her one-on-one weight loss counselors, who helped her get her diet in line.

Brenda cut out her fast and fried food fixes, and replaced them with baked and grilled meats, vegetables, fruit, and plenty of water. Instead of chowing down on fatty red meats, Brenda opted for chicken or turkey.

Brenda quickly discovered that these lifestyle adjustments made a huge difference. After less than two years on the program, she's shed 90 pounds! At 137 pounds, Brenda does things she never would have dreamed of when she was heavier, like walking in a bathing suit, and shopping for cute clothes.

Plus, Brenda's husband loves to hike. And for the first time ever, Brenda can join him on his outdoor excursions. They're able to do more together and have grown even closer.

Brenda loves the way she looks now. She's much happier with her smaller size, and her confidence has improved greatly. Way to go, Brenda!

Here's Brenda at 227 pounds:



And here she is today at a healthy 137 pounds. You look 10 years younger, Brenda! Way to go!



FAST FACTS

Name: Brenda Russell
Hometown: San Angelo, Texas
Age: 44
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 227 pounds
Goal weight: 137 pounds
Current weight: 137 pounds
Program start date: May 2006

Favorite food: French fries.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Watching her body transform.

Biggest obstacle: Eating well when having other people's cooking.

Old eating philosophy: Eating it if it's there.

New eating philosophy: Eating until she's comfortable, then saving the rest.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to play with her grandkids without getting winded.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can eat healthy and still enjoy you food.

Atlanta's biggest loser of the month

There's only one month left in the Atlanta Weight Loss Controltrim Challenge, and our women have lost an astonishing 175 pounds! This month's biggest loser is Matilda Tuma, who's lost a total of 33 pounds!

Alora Gaddy is right behind Matilda, with 31 pounds down. And our other runners up this month are Susie Powell with 29 pounds lost, and Theresa Conklin with 23 pounds lost.

With only one month to go, each of our ten women has once last chance to fight to be Atlanta’s biggest loser. Tune in next month to see who pulled through and earned their prize of a $1,000 new wardrobe shopping spree!

Take a look at how great our top two losers of the month look.

Here's Matilda at her new weight of 165 pounds:



And here's the new 157-pound Alora:

Summer seafood sensations

It’s that time of year. Summer is upon us, and so is some great eating. I know that here at L A Weight Loss, we only think of the beach during these summer months, and that means seafood!

We've picked out some of our favorite seafood treats that anyone can enjoy. These dishes are high in protein and easy to make, and are sure to make the "favorite" list at your home.


Broiled Ginger Scallops

5 oz scallops
2 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp. ginger, minced
2 Tbsp. lemon Juice
1/2 tsp. brown sugar artificial sweetener
Nonfat cooking spray

Arrange scallops in a single layer in a baking dish.

Heat soy sauce in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and brown sugar. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Pour cooled sauce over scallops. Cover and refrigerate at least two hours.

Preheat broiler.

Remove scallops from marinade. Place scallops in a single layer on a broiler pan coated with nonfat cooking spray.

Broil 4 inches from heat until opaque, approximately 6 to 8 minutes, turning once during cooking.



Orange Sesame Salmon

4 oz raw salmon fillet
1/4 tsp. ginger, ground
1/3 cup orange juice
1/2 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained
1 Tbsp. sesame seeds, toasted
Dash lite salt
Nonfat cooking spray

Sprinkle ginger over salmon fillet.

Coat medium saucepan in skillet with nonfat cooking spray.

Place salmon in skillet and sear each side 2 minutes over high heat.

Pour orange juice over salmon and reduce heat.

Simmer 15 minutes, flipping occasionally to cook evenly.

Add oranges and sesame seeds, cooking another 1 to 2 minutes, or until oranges are warmed through. Season to taste with lite salt.



For more recipes and cooking tips, pick up your own copy of our L A Lite Cookbook at your local center!

Hawaiian rides wave to weight loss success

Losing weight is often described as riding a rollercoaster. For Hawaiian native Joycelyn Avilla, it was more like riding a wave.

Growing up in Hawaii, Jocelyn was a chubby child and an overweight teenager. She tried starving herself to lose weight, but the pounds didn't budge. She felt her weight slipping out of control.

At age 18, Joycelyn hit 200 pounds. She had her first child then, and was faced with the challenge of supporting her daughter while attending nursing school. Her time and energy stretched thin, Joycelyn sustained herself on a steady diet of fast food and soda.

Two more births and 20 years later, she tipped the scales at 266 pounds. She had high cholesterol and blood pressure, and her gynecologist wouldn't let her take birth control pills because of it. Jocelyn tried high-protein shakes, diet pills, and salad diets with little success. The few pounds she lost always came back, plus some.

Then Joycelyn heard about a local woman who had found success on the L A Weight Loss program, and decided to give it a try. She visited the center, was impressed with the care and empathy the counselors showed her.

Her personal counselor listened to her weight loss struggle, and developed a healthy eating plan that fit her lifestyle. When she hit a plateau and broke down in tears in frustration, Joycelyn's counselor was there to support and encourage her.

Jocelyn never felt deprived or hungry on the program. On the contrary, she felt full, and was surprised to see the numbers on the scale drop. Joycelyn planned out her meals, and ate L A Lite bars when she was too busy to have a meal.

After 35 weeks, Joycelyn lost 131 pounds -- half her size! Now at 135 pounds, she feels better than ever. Joycelyn's blood pressure and cholesterol are at normal levels. Her energy is high, and she does cardio exercises regularly.

She also enjoys shopping for trendy clothes and lingerie. Her husband says she looks like she did when they met, young and energetic. In fact, when Joycelyn and her daughter went out for dinner one night, their server thought they were sisters!

Joycelyn attributes her success to the empathy, knowledge, and personalized guidance of her L A Weight Loss counselors. She feels that if she can do it, anyone can. Nothing would make her happier than inspiring another woman to gain the self-confidence that she has by losing weight.

Now Joycelyn's at the top of her weight loss wave, and looking absolutely fantastic. Way to go, Joycelyn!

Here's Joycelyn at 266 pounds:



And here she is today at a stunning 135 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Joycelyn Avilla
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Age: 41
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 266 pounds
Goal weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 135 pounds
Program start date: May 2007

Favorite food: Pears and apples.

Biggest temptation: White rice and breads.

Biggest motivator: Watching herself shrink in her big clothes.

Biggest obstacle: Having high blood pressure and borderline cholesterol.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on burgers, french fries, pizza, and white rice.

New eating philosophy: Eating meals with salads, grilled chicken, green vegetables, and peanuts.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting off her high blood pressure medication.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you watch your portions and eat frequently, you lose weight!

Brenda Dotson swaps comfort food for a comfortable new size

Everyone has something they turn to for comfort. It could be an old blanket, a favorite book, or a worn-in sweater. For some people, food is the source of comfort. Unfortunately for Brenda Dotson, she was one of those people.

Growing up in a tumultuous household, Brenda and her twin sister constantly ate when they were stressed and depressed. It's no surprise that weight started to become an issue for Brenda. As she gained weight through adolescence, she was often teased by other kids.

As an adult, Brenda's diet still wasn't healthy. She rarely cooked for herself, and instead hit fast food lines nightly.

At 225 pounds, Brenda suffered from low self-esteem. She continued to faced ridicule -- even from her friends. Brenda had been put down for so long, she believed all of these unkind words were true.

When Brenda learned that ovarian cancer ran in her family, and that her weight put her at risk for the disease, she decided she needed to make a change. After little success with fad diets, a friend suggested L A Weight Loss.

In September 2003, Brenda joined her local Bossier City, La., L A Weight Loss center. With help from her one-on-one weight loss counselors, Brenda quit her fast food fixes, and started cooking healthy meals at home.

She integrated fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and plenty of water into her diet. And giving up all of he "bad stuff" was easier than Brenda imagined.

And it worked! Since joining L A Weight Loss, Brenda's lost 70 pounds and currently weighs 155 pounds. Decreasing her pounds has increased her energy. Brenda now walks three times a week before work.

Brenda's self-esteem has also greatly improved. She's more talkative than ever before. Even friends who have known Brenda for years can't believe how much she has to say these days.

Brenda doesn't turn to food for comfort anymore. Instead, she takes comfort in how great she looks! Congrats, Brenda!

Here's Brenda at 225 pounds:



And here she is at a stunning 155 pounds. Wow, great job, Brenda!



FAST FACTS

Name: Brenda Dotson
Hometown: Shreveport, La.
Age: 36
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 225 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Program start date: September 2003

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Encouragement from friends.

Biggest obstacle: Keeping up the weight loss even when people tempted her to stop.

Old eating philosophy: Eating to feel better emotionally.

New eating philosophy: Eating to live and to be healthy.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining self esteem.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat breakfast!

10 ways to improve your diet

It can be hard to get into the swing of a new regimen. So when you’re trying to start getting healthy, there are a few essential things you should always remember.

That's why I put together 10 quick tips to help you along the way. If you can follow these simple rules, you'll be well on your way to changing your eating habits for the better.

1. Eat breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day. Breakfast can be as simple as a few hard boiled eggs, a bowl of high fiber cereal, or an apple as you walk out the door. Getting food in your system in the morning is key to a healthy diet.

2. Reduce Portion Sizes. for many people, it's not what you eat, but how much you eat. And often, your eyes are much larger than your stomach. Simply using a smaller dish will help you consume less.

3. Don’t drink your fruit. Fresh fruit not only provides an array of vitamins, but it also offers a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber unlike their juice counterparts.

4. Get your calcium. Have at least two servings of low-fat dairy or other calcium-rich foods each day. Calcium not only helps build strong bones and teeth, but recent studies show it may play an important role in weight regulation.

5. Spread your food intake throughout the day. Multiple small meals are best for keeping your metabolism and energy at its peak.

6. Don’t fear fat. Fats play an important role in our bodies, but choose wisely. Avoid foods high in saturated fat, such as fried foods or globs of salad dressing. Eating small amounts of food high in healthy, unsaturated fat, such as flaxseed oil, fish or fish oils, and nuts and seeds, is a perfect choice.

7. Don’t drink your calories. Store bought beverages often add extra calories to your day. Our bodies need water, and water (of course) is completely calorie-free. Aim for eight, 8-ounce glasses of water daily to stay hydrated. You can also brew and chill your own black or green tea for a refreshing drink without the added sugar.

8. Focus on Fiber. Fiber is not only good for you, but research shows it can help reduce your cholesterol. Oats, barley, fresh fruits, and vegetables should always be a part of your day.

9. Plan Ahead. You can’t increase your fruit and vegetable intake if you don’t have any. Be sure to shop frequently, and think about your meals. Poor choices are often made when time and food are limited.

10. Don’t diet. Create a better lifestyle instead. Eating well is a permanent change that requires time and education. There are no miracle pills or quick fixes. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask.

For more tips or information on keeping a balanced diet visit the L A Weight Loss site.

Party Poppers Galore

The time for parties is upon us! With weather getting warmer and summer right around the corner, we know you want to get outdoors and shake things.

We've picked out some great party poppers that everyone will enjoy. With these recipes, you’ll be sure to get a healthy dose of vegetables and protein. The party will never end with good eats like these around.

Five-Layer Dip

2 green onions
1 tsp. oil
1/2 cup cooked kidney beans
1/2 tomato, chopped
1 oz. reduced-fat cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp. salsa
1 Tbsp. fat-free sour cream

In medium bowl, combine one chopped green onion, oil, and cooked beans.

With a fork, mash beans to form a paste. Place bean paste in bottom of small bowl.

Top with chopped tomato. Top tomato with cheese, then follow with salsa. Spread sour cream over cheese layer.

Sprinkle with remaining green onion.

Servings: 4



Deviled Eggs

6 eggs, hard boiled
2 Tbsp. lite mayonnaise
Dash onion powder
1 tsp. Dijon mustard, dry
½ tsp. paprika

Remove shells. Cut eggs in half, lengthwise.

Remove egg yolks and mash them with a form in a small mixing bowl.

Add mayonnaise, onion powder, and dry mustard to egg yolks.

Spoon mixture into egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika. Chill before serving.

Servings: 2



For more party ideas check out the L A Lite Cookbook available at your local center.