L A Weight Loss counselor practices what she preaches

Motherhood brings new additions to the life of every woman. For some women, this means the addition of pounds on the scale. Jessica Baker was no exception. After the births of her five children, she found herself weighing 198 pounds and feeling unhealthy.

Weight has always been an issue was Jessica. When she was a kid, she was self-conscious about wearing a bathing suit. And Jessica remembers always being aware of her body, even at age 11, when she went on the first of her many diets, alongside her mother.

Jessica didn’t like fruits. So fruits, veggies, and other sources of protein were hardly ever in her daily diet. Overeating wasn’t uncommon either. Sometimes, she ate so much she felt like she was going to burst. Soda was her drink of choice, and fast food was a daily occurrence.

Luckily, Jessica had no specific health problems, but she felt much older than a twenty-something. As a young mother, Jessica hardly had any energy to care for her children. She felt achy all the time, and suffered from asthma-like symptoms.

Her everyday tasks were difficult because of her weight. She had friends bring her kids to the pool because she didn’t have the energy or the drive to get in a bathing suit and swim.

Ironically, Jessica had been an L A Weight Loss counselor at her local Pocatello, Idaho, center since 2001. She was counseling other people losing weight, but didn't have the drive to do the same for herself.

One morning however, Jessica felt depressed. She decided once and for all that this was no way to live. She was going to take the advice that she’d been giving out for so long. She was going to lose weight.

With help from L A Weight Loss, Jessica has transformed her diet. She incorporates fruits into her meals, and she’s eating more protein and drinking less sugary soda. To help her out even more, she uses a child-sized dinner plate, so it seems like she’s eating more than she is.

Jessica also uses L A Weight Loss Controltrim and L A Lites to curb hunger when she needs a sweet snack.

Having lost 73 pounds, Jessica feels fabulous. She's finally feeling her age again! And at 26, she has plenty of years left to feel young. Jessica now uses her weight loss as a motivation tool for her clients. She shows them her before and after pictures, and they know that the program really works!

Not only has she motivated clients, but family and friends as well. Jessica’s mother joined and has already lost 80 pounds. Her family thinks that she looks great at 125 pounds, and knows that she feels even better. Her mother and husband have been a great motivation.

Best of all, Jessica's energy has skyrocketed, and so has her self-esteem. Now, she doesn't have any trouble breathing, and she knows she looks great. And that means more time for the family. Jessica takes her kids to the pool now, and isn't embarrassed to be seen in a bathing suit.

After just seven months, Jessica went from not wearing bathing suits to liking the way she looks in one. Being part of an active family isn’t a hassle any longer. Jessica enjoys bike rides, swimming, water skiing, and tubing with her husband and kids.

Attitude is everything, and Jessica Baker proves it. She looks at her time on L A Weight Loss as a gift to herself. She’s seen her mood and energy improve drastically and now she can be the mother she wants to be, instead of the mother she has to be.


Here is Jessica before, at 198 pounds in 2007:



And here she is looking great at 125 pounds in 2008:



FAST FACTS:

Name: Jessica Baker
Hometown: Pocatello, Idaho
Age: 26
Height: 5’1"

Starting weight: 198 pounds
Goal weight: 120 pounds
Current weight: 125 pounds
Program start date: July 2007

Favorite food: Mexican food.
Biggest temptation: French fries.

Biggest motivator: Having energy for her kids.

Biggest obstacle: Giving up fast food and eating out.

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

New eating philosophy: Using food as energy and eating what makes you feel good, instead of eating what is convenient.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to fit into cute clothes & the attention that goes along with that.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's important to control the size of your portions, but still remember that to lose weight you need to eat!

Celebrate with cheesecake

For all of you cheesecake lovers, it's time to get out your forks because it's National Cheesecake Day! To celebrate this wonderful occasion we've posted our amazing cheesecake recipe from the L A Lite cookbook.

Lemon Glazed Cheesecake

Ingredients:

Cheesecake

Two 8 oz. packages fat-free cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar substitute
1 Tbsp. flour
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. fresh lemon peel, finely grated
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
3 egg whites
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Nonfat cooking spray

Lemon Glaze

1/3 cup sugar substitute
1 1/2 Tbsp. arrowroot or cornstarch
1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 tsp. fresh lemon peel, finely grated
1/3 cup water
2 cups berries of choice

Blend cream cheese, sugar substitute, flour, vanilla extract, and lemon peel with electric mixer.

Blend in sour cream and egg whites.

Spray 9-inch pie pan with nonfat cooking spray. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.

Pour in cheese mixture. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes.

Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for three hours.

For glaze, stir sugar substitute and arrowroot or cornstarch together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the lemon juice, lemon peel, and water.

Whisk until smooth.

Heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is clear and thick.

Spread evenly over cheesecake. Allow to set at room temperature briefly.

Top with berries.

With all of the sweetness you crave and none of the guilt, you can enjoy a cheesecake lover's favorite holiday of the year! To get more yummy treat recipes, go to your nearest L A Weight Loss center and pick up the L A Lite cookbook today.

Wisconsin native hears motivation ringing in her wedding bells

Looking perfect on the big day is something that every bride dreams about. But as her wedding day approached, Mary Behnke couldn’t quite find that "beautiful bride" feeling.

Mary has been overweight since childhood. Since the fourth grade, her weight has consistently been 30 to 40 pounds above average. Her mother was overweight, and as she jokes now, living in Wisconsin meant eating a lot of cheese all the time.

But it wasn't just the cheese. Mary regularly dined on fast foods and anything else that was convenient. She went weeks without eating a fresh piece of fruit or vegetable.

And her unhealthy diet took a toll on her body. Mary had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a family history of diabetes and heart problems. But she suffered emotionally too. Mary was jealous of skinny girls she saw when she was out, and felt introverted, sluggish, and self-conscious.

When Mary got engaged, she couldn't find a dress that fit right. She tried on dress after dress, but couldn't find anything she liked. When she finally had to buy a plus-sized wedding dress, she was crushed. With a weight of 200 pounds, she knew she had to do something.

So in January 2006, Mary joined her local Menasha, Wisc., L A Weight Loss center. She was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor who taught her the ins and outs of eating healthy.

Mary kicked her fast food habits to the curb, and stocked up on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and proteins, and water. And the simple, healthy adjustments to her diet made a big difference.

During her year and a half on the program, Mary dropped 60 pounds, and currently weighs 140 pounds. She went from a size 18 to a size 6, just in time for the wedding. She had to buy another wedding dress, but it was well worthwhile.

Mary now has the attitude she once desired. She is outgoing, sociable, fun, and energetic. She can also do the things she couldn't before because her weight physically held her back. Mary loves being able to go out dancing. And when she goes out with her husband, Mary never gets jealous of the "cute" girls, because she is one! And all of her medical problems have disappeared.

Mary’s success inspired her mother and co-workers to join L A Weight Loss. They've already seen results, and hope to see more. Aside from encouraging others to get involved, Mary has gotten more involved with L A Weight Loss herself. She became a counselor, and is now manager of the Osh Kosh, Wisconsin center.

Keep up the positive attitude, Mary! Congratulations!

Here's Mary at 200 pounds in 2005:



And here she is today at a happy, healthy 140 pounds:



FAST FACTS:

Name: Mary Behnke
Hometown: Menasha, Wisc.
Age: 27
Height: 5’6"

Starting weight: 200 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 140 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Chicken breast.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Slimming down for her wedding.

Biggest obstacle: Staying away from old patterns.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever, whenever.

New eating philosophy: Using food for fuel, not for comfort.

Best thing about losing weight: Having a much more positive attitude.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you fuel your body with the right foods and the right portions you really won’t be hungry.

Jorge Harris saves his sweat for the gym

It's safe to say that everyone knows how it feels to sweat. It is the middle of the summer, after all. But for Jorge Harris, uncomfortable sweating wasn't something reserved for the hot summer time weather.

Jorge had a problem with his weight for most of his life. At 267 pounds, he was hot, uncomfortable, and sweating all the time. Physical activity was tough for him, and he didn't have the energy to spend time playing with his kids. He never felt comfortable doing things with his family, such as going to the beach.

Jorge also had high blood pressure and acid reflux disease, for which he needed daily medication. Besides his diagnosed medical problems, Jorge had a relative feeling of unhealthiness. He always felt sluggish.

But with Jorge's eating habits, it was no wonder his weight was so high. Jorge had an eating philosophy of "whatever, whenever." He often dined on fried and fast foods, and was constantly drinking sweet teas that are high in sugar and calories. He ate a lot of the bad stuff, but hardly any of the good stuff, such as fruits and vegetables.

So in July 2005, Jorge decided to get healthy. He joined his local Greensboro, N.C., L A Weight Loss Center. Working with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, Jorge learned how to maintain a proper diet.

He stopped eating so much fried food, and instead focused on including as many of the food groups as he could into his meals. He added fresh fruits and vegetables, and when he ate meat, it was lean. Jorge also added a lot of water to his diet. Sometimes, he even drinks up to 100 ounces a day.

With his new healthy diet in place, it didn't take long for Jorge to start losing weight. After one year on the program, he had lost 93 pounds, and weighed 174 pounds. Jorge has gone up a little since then, and at 185 pounds has re-entered the L A Weight Loss program. He now has a goal weight of 180 pounds. Almost there, Jorge!

Since losing almost 100 pounds, Jorge feels like a new man. He is more willing to go to the beach with his family, and he loves spending time playing with his kids. His lower weight gives him the energy to do more, so Jorge is always sure to take advantage.

He tries to exercise four times a week. The only times Jorge is sweating now is when he's playing golf, playing tennis, or jogging on the treadmill. Plus, his health has improved, and he no longer needs his high blood pressure meds.

Jorge's own impression of himself has greatly improved, and he no longer accepts himself as "the heavy guy." Best of all, he feels more alive. Jorge doesn't even like to sit still anymore. Now that's what we call a life change. Way to go, Jorge!

Here's Jorge at 267 pounds:



And here is today it at a fitter and healthier 185 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Jorge Harris
Hometown: Mebane, N.C.
Age: 39
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 267 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 185 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Fast food.

Biggest temptation: Fast food.

Biggest motivator: Feeling better.

Biggest obstacle: Curbing his eating habits.

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

New eating philosophy: Including as many food groups as he can in his meals.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better physically.

Best weight loss secret learned: Even a small amount of exercise keeps your metabolism going.

Type 2 Diabetes: don't be a number

Over 65 percent of American adults are overweight or obese. And as those numbers rise, so do the instances of Type 2 diabetes, according to the National Institute of Health. The American Diabetes Association estimates that about 21 million people have diabetes, and another 54 million have pre-diabetes.

Don't let yourself become a statistic. Losing weight today will keep you healthy tomorrow. It's never too late. Have a listen to our most recent podcast with Sandra Maltzman to learn more.

Anne Brownfield takes weight loss to heart

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That's a motto Anne Brownfield was all too familiar with. And unfortunately, it related to her weight loss.

Ann struggled with weight for most of her life. She remembers her struggle beginning when she was seven years old. Anne had tried losing weight countless times, but nothing worked.

At 230 pounds, she struggled with acid reflux and heart burn. And walking anywhere was difficult. Plus, she was always uncomfortable. Anne was embarrassed in public, and couldn't fit into restaurant booths.

She knew that if she wanted to live longer, she needed to get healthy. With a long list of failed diets behind her, in October 2005, she turned to L A Weight Loss.

Anne joined her local Terre Haute, Ind. L A Weight Loss center, and was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor. Anne liked that all of her meetings were private, and she didn't have to get up in front of a group to be weighed.

And thanks to her weight loss counselor, for the first time, she learned about what she should and should not be eating. Anne cut back on her fast food and boxed food meals, and started incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and lean meats into her diet.

It wasn't long before the weight started coming off. Since joining L A Weight Loss, Anne has dropped 90 pounds. At 140 pounds, she's only 10 pounds away from her weight loss goal.

And as her weight decreased, so did her medical problems. Anne's acid reflux and heartburn are completely gone. And she has no problem going for walks. Even better, Anne loves going shopping for new, smaller clothes.

Best of all, her self-esteem has greatly improved. Anne is happier and healthier than ever before. Way to go Anne!

Here's Anne at 230 pounds:



And here she is today at 140 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Anne Brownfield
Hometown: Terre Haute, Ind.
Age: 46
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 230 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 140 pounds
Program start date: October 2005

Favorite food: Sweets.

Biggest temptation: Fast food.

Biggest motivator: Feeling better.

Biggest obstacle: Getting through the plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was easiest.

New eating philosophy: Making sure she eats in the right portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better physically and mentally.

Best weight loss secret learned: You don't need candy if you snack on L A Lite bars.

Scott Zimmerman discovers more means less

Less is more, right? Maybe if you're referring to crash dieting. The less food you eat, the more hungry you get, and the more you will gain back. That's why the opposite held true for Scott Zimmerman. He discovered his secret to weight loss was actually eating more.

Scott was aware of his weight his entire life. He had never been a skinny kid, and the weight only increased as he got older. By the time he reached his 40s, Scott was tipping the scales at 352 pounds.

He was sweating all the time, and never had any energy. Scott also suffered from shortness of breath, knee pain, and high blood pressure.

He wasn't happy, and tried losing weight by drastically cutting back on eating. But his one-meal-a-day plan only sent his weight yo-yoing. Scott lost weight when he was starving himself, but always gained it all back as soon as he started eating again.

Scott felt like he had lost all control of his weight, and knew that his diet was far from healthy. He also knew that he needed help. So in April 2007, he joined his local Clackamas, Ore., L A Weight Loss center.

Scott was paired with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, who taught him how to eat right. When he learned he should be eating five meals a day, he didn't believe he would ever lose weight.

But it didn't take long for Scott to discover he was wrong. He ate five smaller meals a day, and cut back on starches, fatty meats, and fried foods. Scott replaced them with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and saw the numbers on the scale fall.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Scott has lost 122 pounds. And he can't believe the difference. Scott feels like an entirely new person. He can do things today that he never would have been able to do a year ago, such as get on the floor and play with his kids, spend time outside with his son, and go hunting for an entire day.

Plus, all of his medical issues have improved. Scott feels like he's been given a second chance at life. And he and his family are thankful for it. Way to go, Scott!

Here's Scott at 352 pounds:



And here he is today, happier and healthier, at 230 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Scott Zimmerman
Hometown: Oregon City, Ore.
Age: 47
Height: 5'11"

Starting weight: 352 pounds
Goal weight: 230 pounds
Current weight: 230 pounds
Program start date: April 2007

Favorite food: Homemade vegetable pizza.

Biggest temptation: Junk food.

Biggest motivator: Seeing his own success.

Biggest obstacle: Getting rid of his water weight.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever, whenever.

New eating philosophy: Eating five meals a day to keep his metabolism high.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to do the things he wants to do.

Best weight loss secret learned: Don't starve yourself! You need to eat to lose weight.

Losing weight by keeping track

Last week, U.S. News and World Report published an article about the importance of keeping a food diary when trying to lose weight. As a nutritionist, I’m excited to see this research getting national attention. And I can say with the utmost confidence that our most successful clients are the ones that keep a good diary.

At L A Weight Loss, we take the benefits of keeping a diary a step further. The L A Weight Loss Diary not only helps you keep track of what you do eat, but it also serves as a guide to learn how much you should eat. It's a communication tool for your personal weight loss counselor to provide feedback and give guidance for healthy, consistent weight loss.

The diary is an essential part of our program, which teaches life-long nutrition and weight management skills, without having to spend time calorie counting or looking items up on the computer.

Keeping a diary is a great way to begin your weight loss journey. Learning about good nutrition and having someone to assist you is the next step. Why not start today?

JoDee Hungneff gets comfortable with a healthier life

Everyone wants to be comfortable in their own skin. After all, it's inside that counts most. But for some people, that comfort can lead to seriously uncomfortable health problems. Just ask JoDee Hungneff.

JoDee always considered herself fairly active. She enjoyed playing tennis and fast pitch softball, and was happy with the way she looked. After college however, JoDee's fast food fixes and fatty snacking habits sent her weight soaring.

She married her husband in 2001, and didn't worry too much about her increasing weight. She was happy and comfortable with herself. But as the numbers on the scale inched higher each year, JoDee came to know the uncomfortable health problems associated with obesity.

At 320 pounds, JoDee couldn't even walk up the stairs without getting winded. She couldn't bend over to tie her shoes or paint her nails, and forget about walking anywhere. Plus, she had almost constant back and knee pain, and her blood pressure was dangerously high.

Even worse, JoDee's self-confidence plummeted. She was embarrassed to go out in public, and felt like she was always being judged for her weight. At an amusement park, JoDee was asked to get off a rollercoaster because she was too heavy.

As life got harder for JoDee, her motivation for losing weight increased. And in 2007, she joined her local Rockford, Ill., L A Weight Loss center. She was paired with one-on-one counselor Jennifer, who taught JoDee what a healthy diet consisted of.

Out went her constant fast food meals, sugary binges, and high-calorie sodas. Instead, JoDee planned her meals around grilled vegetables, fresh fruit, lean meats, and water.

For snacks, JoDee enjoyed L A Lite bars, as well as the L A Weight Loss biscottis. By spacing out her meals in the right proportions throughout the day, it wasn't long before the pounds melted away.

After one year on the L A Weight Loss program, JoDee has lost 102 pounds. She now weighs 218 pounds, two pounds less than her original goal weight. JoDee is currently on maintenance, but has had so much success with L A Weight Loss, she's considering going back on the weight loss program to lose some more!

JoDee also has a new exercise regimen now. During the warm weather, she tries to walk outside five days a week. And during the harsh midwest winters, JoDee keeps active with her exercise tapes.

Since losing weight, life has become so much easier for JoDee. Her blood pressure has decreased, and her knee and back pain has subsided. Best of all, losing weight has sent JoDee's confidence soaring. Her relationship with her husband is stronger than ever before, and JoDee's never been happier.

JoDee is comfortable in a whole new, healthier way. And we're proud of her! Way to go, JoDee!

Here's JoDee last year at 320 pounds:



And here she is today at 218 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: JoDee Hungneff
Hometown: Loves Park, Ill.
Age: 36
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 320 pounds
Goal weight: 220 pounds
Current weight: 218 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Strawberries.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Watching the TV show, "The Biggest Loser."

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding junk food temptations at family gatherings.

Old eating philosophy: Eating fast food, fried food, and fatty snacks whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating fruits, vegetables, and grilled foods; and drinking water.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling 100 percent better -- physically and emotionally.

Best weight loss secret learned: Ditch the high-calorie sodas for water.

Healthy beverage options for the summertime

You eat right, you exercise regularly, but you just can’t lose weight. If this sounds familiar to you, it might be time to ask yourself this question: What are you drinking?

Summer is in full swing, and nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than an ice cold slushee, iced latte, or a frosty fruit smoothie. You figure the frozen slush is fat free, the latte is only cold coffee, and the smoothie is fruit, so how bad can it be?

Those ingredients can quickly sabotage even the best weight loss efforts. The first issue is portion size. These summer classics normally are not served in an 8 oz. glass, and if they were, it would be labeled ‘kiddie’ size. These frosty favorites are normally purchased in sizes ranging from 16 to 20 oz. or more.

An 8 oz. serving of a beverage that has about 90 calories per serving will supply 180 to 225 calories and beyond. But you’ll be hard pressed to find a serving that small or put down a refreshing drink when you are only 1/3 of the way through.

Also, many popular chain smoothie shops promote reduced calorie or "slimmer" versions of your favorite beverages. Although they will save you about 100 calories on a 20 oz. beverage (normally considered a small), they still pack enough calories to hinder your diet efforts.

A 20 oz. mixed fruit smoothie at Smoothie King, when made "slim," drops from 503 calories to 403 calories. A Caramel Crème Iced Latte from Dunkin Donuts, in a 20 oz. size, can provides 330 calories and 11.4 grams of fat -- with half coming from saturated fat.

The best option on a hot summer day to keep you hydrated and quench your thirst is good old fashioned ice water. Need some flavor? Add a squirt of lemon juice or lime juice. If you need something cold on the go, place a water bottle in the freezer at night and take it along when driving.

But if it’s just not summer without a frosty treat now and again, try these ideas to help you fit back into some summer clothing:

• Choose a crystal light™ Slurpee from 7-11. It will supply only 70 to 80 calories for the 20 oz. serving size.

• Get creative by making sun tea or fresh brewed green tea, and adding a non-caloric sweetener. Add fresh mint or a slice or two of lemon or orange for flavor variety.

• Make an old-fashioned egg cream with part seltzer and part skim milk. Add a squirt of reduced-calorie or sugar-free chocolate syrup for a reduced calorie treat that adds calcium and other nutrients to you day.

• Freeze blueberries or other fruits, and blend with seltzer or non-fat yogurt for a refreshing smoothie in an 8 oz. portion size.

• Try sugar-free flavor packets with water. Freeze and take with you for a cold beverage on a hot summer day.

• Water it down. Most store-bought drinks are very sweet and can easily be diluted with 1 part beverage to 2 parts water. Get the taste, but reduce the sugar and calories intake. (And make it last longer!)

Loves Park mom hearts her new healthy lifestyle

Tari Taylor of Love Park, Ill., has a lot to love in life. Bowling, the Chicago Cubs and Bears, and most of all, her family and friends. But when Tari's weight got in the way of the things she loved most, she knew something had to change.

Tari struggled with her weight her entire life. At 259 pounds, she had low self esteem, asthma, and knee pain. Plus, her weight made her irritable. She knew she wasn't enjoying life to its full potential.

Tari tried every diet under the sun, but nothing worked. When a co-worker experienced success on L A Weight Loss, Tari decided to give it a try. So last June, Tari joined her local Radford, Ill., L A Weight Loss Center.

Her one-on-one weight loss counselor taught Tari how to get control of her eating habits for life.
She cut back on the beef, bagels, starches, and fast foods; and replaced them with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, yogurt, and water.

Most important, Tari learned how crucial portion control is. And whenever she needed a snack, she always grabbed an L A Lite bar to satisfy her sweet tooth and keep her hunger at bay.

As the pounds started to melt away, Tari found that her energy increased. She now exercises three times a week, and has plenty of energy left over to stay busy shopping, taking pictures, bowling, and watching her daughter play volleyball. In fact, she's so busy now she barely has time to dwell on eating.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Tari has dropped 80 pounds. At 179 pounds, she's well past her goal weight of 199 pounds. Her health has improved, and her self-confidence and happiness is through the roof. Tari loves her new, healthy lifestyle, and best of all, she loves herself.

Here's Tari in June 2007 at 259 pounds:



Here she is today looking fit and fantastic at 179 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Tari Taylor
Hometown: Loves Park, Ill.
Age: 44
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 259 pounds
Goal weight: 199 pounds
Current weight: 179 pounds
Program start date: June 2007

Favorite food: Shrimp.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Looking at "before" and "after" pictures of herself.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting temptation from others to eat foods she shouldn't.

Old eating philosophy: Eating as much as she wanted, of whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthier foods in healthier portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Buying new, smaller clothes; and having people tell her how wonderful she looks.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stick to your potion control and drink water!

Joyce Woodrom stays on track to get on the tracks

Rollercoasters can be terrifying enough without the fear of fitting in the seat. For Joyce Woodrome, this fear was realized at a family trip to the amusement park.

Weight was an issue for Joyce her entire life. Her weight had always fluctuated, but after two children, Joyce tipped the scale at a whopping 341 pounds. She felt paralyzed by her weight, and with knee pain, high blood pressure, and insecurities, Joyce knew she couldn't go on living that way. She even considered gastric bypass surgery.

Joyce's sweet tooth kept her weight high. Embarrassed to snack in front of others, Joyce had hidden stashed of cookies, candies, and cakes that she even hid from her family. She tried eating well, but just couldn't stay away from the drive thru.

Joyce had made up her mind to loose weight, but hit rock bottom while at an amusement park with her family. While trying to ride a rollercoaster, the safety bar wouldn't fit over her and Joyce had to leave the line, humiliated.

But her inabilities didn't stop there. At 341 pounds, Joyce couldn't do many of the things that she wanted, such as mountain climbing with her husband or going to the movies.

When Joyce found out she was expecting her first grandchild, she knew losing weight was now or never. She was determined to get her life back. Joyce wanted the energy and ability to be an active part of her grandchild's life, and the lives of her family members.

At her husband's suggestion, Joyce joined her local Concord, N.C., L A Weight Loss in July 2005. He knew L A Weight Loss's one-on-one counseling would be exactly the motivation and support Joyce needed. He was right -- L A Weight Loss was the perfect fit. Joyce was able to get the support she needed from the center, and found weight loss easier than she ever imagined.

With help from her counselors, Joyce cut out her sweet binges and added lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean meats and fish to her diet. Joyce learned all about the importance of portion control, and when she needed a sweet snack, she grabbed an L A Lite bar. Her days of sneaking food were over for good.

After less than two years on the program, Joyce has dropped an incredible 172 pounds and 80 inches around her waist! Currently weighing 168 pounds, Joyce has a new lease on life.

Her energy has skyrocketed. In the beginning, Joyce could barely spend 5 minutes walking on a treadmill. Now, she exercises five times a week with cardio classes, aerobics, running, and cycling.

Joyce is 18 pounds away from her weight loss goal of 150 pounds, but with her new diet and exercise routine, it won't be long at all before she reaches her goal! Even better, Joyce and her family can now enjoy their favorite amusement park whenever they want. She has a season pass, and nothing can keep her off the rollercoasters now!

In fact, there isn't anything that she can't do. Joyce feels like she has control of her life once again. Way to go, Joyce! We're so proud of you!

Here's Joyce in 2005 at 341 pounds:



And here she is today at an incredible, healthy 168 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Joyce Woodrome
Hometown: Salisbury, N.C.
Age: 53
Height: 5’2"

Starting weight: 341 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 168 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Anything sweet.

Biggest temptation: Miniature candy bars.

Biggest motivator: Being a grandparent and wanting to live for her grandchildren.

Biggest obstacle: Exercising when her knees hurt.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on cakes and candies whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with salmon, salad, and organic vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to live life to the fullest.

Best weight loss secret learned: Having a one-on-one personal counselor will help you lose the weight and keep you motivated.

Theresa Painter becomes the picture of health

Many mothers see the birth of a baby as the perfect motivation to lose weight and get healthy for the sake of their children. For Theresa Painter, that motivation came a little bit later, in the form of her first-born grandson.

Theresa was overweight her entire life. She struggled with her weight growing up, and her bad eating habits kept her weight high as an adult. She constantly snacked throughout the day, and meals usually consisted of heavy pastas, greasy pizzas, and anything fried.

When Theresa's husband lost weight after a bad case of food poisoning, Theresa ate with him as he tried to rebuild his figure. Unfortunately for her, that meant a lot of cakes, pies, and fatty foods. It's not surprising that her husband wasn't the only one putting on the pounds.

Being overweight left Theresa physically and emotionally drained. She hated that she had let herself go, and she struggled with daily activities. Her back and knees were constantly aching from the extra weight. Theresa tried dieting, but couldn't shed any weight.

When her first grandchild was born, Theresa was determined to get healthy for good. She knew if she didn't get healthy then, she never would. In July 2007, Theresa joined her local Knoxville, Tenn., L A Weight Loss center.

With help from her one-on-one weight loss counselors, Theresa learned how eating right could transform her life. Her counselors helped her change her diet from heavy to healthy. She cut back on the carbs, thick sauces, and greasy dishes, and replaced them with grilled meats, stir fry, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Theresa learned the importance of portion control, and broke her diet down to three meals and three snacks each day. Whenever she was hungry between meals, Theresa found L A Lite bars hit the spot.

It wasn't long before the weight starting melting away. After exactly one year on the program, Theresa has lost 108 pounds, and currently weighs 171 pounds. She's only 21 pounds away from her weight loss goal of 151 pounds!

Theresa has found that everyday activities are so much easier with a smaller body. Even chores are more enjoyable. Theresa has fun shopping, and loves all the new styles and sizes that are available to her now. And she's able to devote at least 30 minutes each day to new exercises, such as dance videos.

Even better, she feels great about herself, physically and mentally. Theresa's confidence has increased, and she feels like she can do anything. And now, she knows she'll be around for her grandkids. She loves taking them on walks and playing with them at the park.

Way to go, Theresa!

Here's a 279-pound Theresa with her first grandson in 2007:



And here she is today at 171 pounds with her second grandchild. What a difference! Great job, Theresa!



FAST FACTS

Name: Theresa Painter
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Age: 49
Height: 5'0"

Starting weight: 279 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 171 pounds
Program start date: July 2007

Favorite food: Vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Staying healthy for her grandchildren.

Biggest obstacle: Eating well when her husband doesn't.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever, whenever.

New eating philosophy: Focusing on herself and making wise decisions.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better and happier.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's all about portion control!

From clean plate to clean slate

For many people struggling with their weight, "cleaning your plate" has been an all-too-familiar phrase. It's been a major reason their weight has increased over the years. Just ask Kathy Bracher.

As a kid, Kathy didn't get regular exercise, and knew little about healthy eating habits. She was part of the "clean plate club," as she calls it. She and her three younger siblings ate everything that was put in front of them.

She took those habits into adulthood. When she topped out at 288 pounds, Kathy knew she needed help. She wanted to try weight loss her own way, but wasn't sure where to begin. At the advice of her husband, she gave L A Weight Loss a try.

She worked with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, who adjusted her eating regime to include five smaller meals a day, rather than three larger meals. At first, the change didn't make sense to Kathy. Eat more to weigh less?

But with her trust in her counselor, Kathy gave it a shot. She ate smaller meals of chicken, fish, vegetables, and fruits.

Soon, she started to see the pounds disappear. To date, she has lost 125 pounds and hopes to keep losing. Now at 163, she surpassed her initial goal weight of 200 pounds, and is very close to reaching her new goal weight, 150.

With nearly half her weight gone, Kathy is starting a new with a clean slate. She is more active now, and uses her treadmill and gliding machine for 30 minutes a day, six days a week.

Kathy continues to eat five meals a day, because she sees how the simple plan has drastically changed her life for the better. L A Weight Loss taught her eating right and losing weight requires portion control and conscious food choices. Add in some perseverance and persistence, and you've got a winning combo!

Kathy is also an avid fan of the L A Lite cookbook, and uses it daily. She recently started using ControlTrim too, and likes it very much.

Keep up the great work, Kathy!

Here is Kathy at 288 pounds in February 2006:



And here she is today, at 163. Wow, what a transformation! Congrats, Kathy!



Name: Kathy Bracher
Hometown: Cottage Grove, Minn.
Age: 61
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 288
Goal weight: 150
Current weight: 163
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Pumpkin pie from the L A Lite cookbook.

Biggest temptation: Brownies.

Biggest motivator: Going to her L A Weight Loss center three times a week.

Biggest obstacle: Working through the plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Ignoring portions and eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating five smaller meals a day.

Best thing about losing weight: Liking herself more.

Best weight loss secret learned: Don’t call it a diet. It’s a lifestyle change for the better!

Fruity desserts to beat the heat

What comes to mind when you think of cooling down from the summer heat? Fruity desserts perhaps? Fruit is one way to get a sweet fix throughout the day, and a refreshing treat to enjoy poolside, or anywhere you want to beat the heat.

We searched the L A Lite cookbook for some healthy and tasty fruit desserts, and came across a couple of winners below. With fruit servings in each recipe, these treats are sure to please!

Sparkling Fruited Gelatin

Ingredients:

2 apples
1/2 cup canned, crushed pineapple, drained
1 tsp. lemon juice
10 grapes
1 package (3 oz.) sugar-free mixed fruit flavored gelatin mix
1 cup hot water
6 oz. diet ginger ale

Peel and core apples; cut into thin slices. Place apple slices in medium bowl. Add pineapple and lemon juice. Slice grapes in half and add to fruit mixture.

In a separate bowl, mix gelatin and hot water. Stir until gelatin is dissolved. Once dissolved, pour ginger ale into gelatin.

Refrigerate 30 minutes, or until gelatin mixture is the consistency of raw egg whites.

Add the fruit mixture to gelatin and fold in gently. Refrigerate until firm. Serve chilled.



Frozen Fruit Pops

Ingredients:

24 strawberries
1/4 cup apple juice
1 packet sugar substitute
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 tsp. sugar-free cherry gelatin mix

Place strawberries, apple juice, and sweetener in blender. Puree 1 minute. There may still be small chunks of fruit in the mixture.

In medium mixing bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Once dissolved, add gelatin to fruit mixture and toss to combine.

Pour mixture into plastic ice pop molds. Place in freezer. Serve frozen.