Connie Kelly makes losing weight look easy

High school can be hard enough. But when adding "overweight" to the list of teenage pressures, doesn't help. Just ask Connie Kelly.

As a 180-pounds high school student, Connie thought the less she ate the more weight she would lose. Connie wouldn't eat all day then eat a huge dinner (and graze throughout the day).

But she was gaining weight instead of losing it. Connie's body started to store the fat because she would starve herself during the day.

After high school, Connie's weight dropped to 130 pounds. She lost the weight on her own by exercising. Soon after Connie got married. At 22, Connie became pregnant with her first child and gave up smoking, which contributed to Connie gaining back the weight, plus some.

Connie gained 70 pounds with her first child, and never lost it. When Connie was pregnant with her second child, she gained another 70 pounds. Before she knew it, Connie was topping the scales at 280 pounds.

She woke up one morning and knew she had to make changes. Connie was worried about her family's health. High blood pressure was a concern on her father's side, and both parents struggled with their weight.

Connie's downfall was her sodium intake. She ate a lot of fast food (sometimes four times a week, ordering the super sized meals), big bags of chips, and a lot of soda.

Now Connie has given up fast food and soda completely. She was even allowed two diet sodas a day while on the LA Weight Loss program and decided to reach for more water instead. She drinks four liter bottles of water a day, sometimes adding lemon or lime for flavor.

LA Weight loss has taught Connie how to grocery shop and buy foods that she could prepare. She cooks dinner every night for her family with the LA Weight Loss Cookbook.

Thanks to Connie's new healthy cooking habits, her husband even lost 10 pounds without even trying! When she's hungry, Connie now craves fruit, especially bananas.

The LA Weight Loss program has helped Connie develop eating habits she never imagined following. Just recently, she made herself squash spaghetti, something she thought she would never eat.

Connie has a lot more energy now. She is able to keep up with her kids, going sledding, skating or just walking around the neighborhood with them. Connie also exercises more. She works with a personal trainer two to three times a week, and does an hour and a half of cardio four to five times a week. She also enjoys yoga.

Connie's confidence increases every time she steps on the scale. She's excited to put on a bathing suit with no shorts this summer. There was even another woman who joined Connie's LA Weight Loss Center and asked for a picture of Connie to put on her refrigerator for motivation!

Connie, you look fabulous! You are an inspiration to many!

Here's Connie at 257 pounds:



And here she is looking fantastic at 125 pounds:



Name: Connie Kelly
Hometown: Calgary, Canada
Age: 32
Height: 5’6”

Starting weight: 257 pounds.
Goal weight: 130 pounds.
Current weight: 125 pounds.
Program start date: January 2008

Favorite food: Lean Cuisines

Biggest temptation: Potato chips

Biggest motivator: Staying healthy for her two children.

Biggest obstacle: Staying motivated and not giving up.

Old eating philosophy: Eating unhealthy, fried foods whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Cooking at home with squash, fish, grilled chicken breast, yogurt, and bananas; and drinking plenty of water.

Best thing about losing weight: Watching the pounds and inches come off each week.

Best weight loss secret learned: Reduce your sodium intake in foods.

Terri Actemichuk was her own worst critic

As Terri Actemichuk will tell you, being surrounded by those who aren't weight conscious can seriously affect your eating habits. Terri grew up in a house of bad eaters. After Terri's father was diagnosed with high blood pressure and advised to lose weight, Terri continued her poor eating habits, always reaching for what was fast and easy.

Although Terri was never diagnosed as obese by her family doctor, in her mind, she was. In high school, Terri weighed 240 pounds. She never played sports, but always wanted to lose weight. The problem was, she never took the initiative.

Into adulthood, her habits starting slipping out of control. Terri knew she had to do something to lose weight. She always chose the foods that fit her busy lifestyle. She loved starches, especially rice.

She would often just grab a burger from McDonalds. She ate a lot of red meat, always ate high-fat desserts, and usually only drank high-calorie soda and juice.

She tried diet pills. The pills would help her lose weight, but she never changed her eating habits, and would always gain the weight right back.

At 24-years-old, Terri dreaded shopping. She could never fit in anything young and trendy. Then, in December 2007, something happened that motivated Terri to get focused and lose weight for real this time: Terri got engaged!

This was a big motivator for Terri. She wanted to be able to try on any dress, and be the perfect bride. She also thought about her future with her new fiancé, and her desire to one day have a family with him.

Terri wanted to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle to one day pass down to her children. Her fiancé jumped on the weight loss bandwagon, and started to lose weight by eating right and exercising. He lost 140 pounds on his own, but Terri knew it would not be so easy for her.

Her fiancé’s aunt recommended LA Weight Loss because of the program's accountability and one-on-one counseling. The LA Weight Loss program taught Terri how to prepare her meals, including foods such as chicken breast, sushi, salad, vegetables, and hemp and sunflower seeds for protein.

Today, Terri still craves starches, but not nearly as badly. She no longer eats rice, and instead will reach for salads and fruits, especially bananas and green apples.

Terri's success has motivated people all around her. Terri's future mother-in-law has signed up for the LA Weight Loss program too! With a weight-loss goal of 60 pounds, her future mother-in-law is already 10 pounds away from her goal.

Terri also works in psychiatry, working with clients who have obesity issues, and doesn't hesitate to share her own weight loss struggle. She feels like an inspiration now to others at her job. Terri helps them choose healthier snacks, and teaches them the importance of preparing their own meals rather than purchasing fast food.

Looking back, Terri never realized how heavy she was. She shopped in plus size and had little motivation. Today, following the LA Weight Loss program Terri gained self-esteem and the confidence to feel good in her own skin. Terri is looking forward to her wedding this summer. Keep us posted with wedding photos!

Here's Terri before at 290 pounds:


And here she is today at 170 pounds:


FAST FACTS

Name: Terri Actemichuk
Hometown: Okotoks, Canada
Age: 26
Height: 5’11”

Starting weight: 289 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 170 pounds
Program start date: July 2007

Favorite food: Ice cream

Biggest temptation: Potato chips

Biggest motivator: Getting slim for her upcoming wedding.

Biggest obstacle: Overcoming the temptations of junk food.

Old eating philosophy: Eating rice, pasta, potato chips, french fries, and burgers.

New eating philosophy: Eating grilled chicken breast, salads, green apples, and bananas.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to shop, and wearing fashionable outfits.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stay dedicated and be accountable for what you put in your body.

A lifetime of weight loss struggle comes to an end for Lisa Trentham

When Lisa Trentham was in eight grade, she weighed 140 pounds. Throughout her life, she enjoyed going on ski trips, but was embarrassed because she didn't want to be the heaviest person in the group.

At her wedding, Lisa weighed in at 178 pounds, the lowest since high school. But soon after, the honeymoon was over, and Lisa struggled with weight gain ever since.

Lisa's weight increased after giving birth to each of her two children, a son and daughter. Her son, who suffers from developmental problems, has presented many challenges, and Lisa looked for comfort in food in stressful situations.

During the summer 2007, the Trenthams went on vacation to Disney Land, and Lisa realized she had to make changes to her diet. She had trouble keeping up with her family walking around the park, and felt physically uncomfortable on the amusement rides.

Lisa tried to lose weight with other weight loss programs, but they were too costly, and she wasn't getting the results she wanted. She didn't know how to control her portions and her diet was far from healthy. Lisa often indulged in fast food fixes.

Lisa's mom had recently joined the LA Weight Loss program and saw results in just three months, so in October 2007, Lisa decided to give it one more shot, hoping this would be the last time she would ever have to sign up for a weight loss program ever again.

Lisa joined her local LA Weight Loss center, and used her mother's success as a driving motivation. Lisa's diet now includes lots of fruits and vegetables. She now prefers healthier dinner options, such as chicken or fish, as opposed to fast food burger.

And before long, her healthy habits rubbed off on her family. Her daughter asked her to remove all junk food in the house, and both of Lisa's children lost weight and become more active.

When Lisa does go out to eat, she orders grilled chicken breast with extra vegetables instead of mashed potatoes. Lisa also drinks more water and milk, and stays away from soda, coffee, tea, and alcohol.

Since losing 124 pounds, Lisa has been water skiing and tubing, and now looks forward to amusement rides. She walks everyday on the treadmill for one to two hours. When the weather is warm, she takes her workout outside.

Her improved self image has her wearing shorts in the summer instead of hiding behind baggy clothes. Lisa's defining moment that she had finally reached her goal was trying on her beautiful, tall, thin sister's pants and fitting in them! Great job Lisa you look GREAT!

Here's Lisa at 289 pounds:


You look fantastic!!! Keep up the good work!


FAST FACTS:

Name: Lisa Trentham
Hometown: Calgary, Canada
Age: 40
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 289 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 165 pounds
Program start date: September 2007

Favorite food: Chicken

Biggest temptation: Chocolate

Biggest motivator: Looking at her before photo everyday on her refrigerator.

Biggest obstacle: Eating healthy and staying motivated.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on burgers, fries, and ice cream.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with grilled chicken and plenty of vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting positive comments from others, and being able to cross her legs when sitting.

Best weight loss secret learned: Exercising and drinking water can help you shed the pounds.

Indulge your temptations this Valentine's Day

Want to set the mood this Valentine's Day without over indulging? Try these great recipes from the L A Lite Cookbook for you and your Valentine to enjoy.

Chocolate Truffles

3 Tbsp fat-free cream cheese
2 packets sugar substitute
1 tsp rum extract
2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, divided

Combine cream cheese, sugar substitute, rum extract, and 1 Tbsp cocoa powder.

Mix well until all ingredients are blended.

Refrigerate 15 minutes.

Roll mixture into small balls (approximately 6).

Roll balls in remaining 1 Tbsp of cocoa powder.

This tasty treat will count as one diary on the L A Weight Loss plan.

Indulge: pair truffles with a glass of Cabernet (129 calories/5 fl. oz)

Chocolate Covered Cherries

1 packet L A Lite Chocolate Shake Mix
1/2 cup water
9 medium cherries, pitted

Mix L A Lite Chocolate Shake Mix with 1/2 cup water.

Dip cherries into chocolate mixture and place on waxed paper.

Chill for one hour before serving.

This will count as one fruit and one L A Lite on the L A Weight Loss plan.

Indulge: pair this dessert with a glass of Chablis (120 calories/ 5 fl. oz)

If chocolate doesn't satisfy your sweet tooth, try this:

Baked Custard

1 egg
1 cup skim milk
1 Tbsp sugar substitute
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp low-sodium salt
1-2 Tbsp orange or lemon zest
nutmeg for garnish, optional.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Break egg into small mixing bowl and beat slightly.

Add milk, sugar substitute, vanilla, zest, and salt; beat well.

Pour into damp custard cups and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Place cups in a shallow pan of water and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

A serving size of 1/2 cup will count as 1/2 dairy and one fat.

Indulge: pair this with a glass of Medium/Rose style wine (82 calories/4.1 fl. oz)

Angi Quam receives the gift of a healthier lifestyle

For most people, when their clothes stop fitting, they replace their wardrobe with clothes that do fit. That’s not the case for Angi Quam. When a size 14, did not fit her anymore she refused to buy a 16. She knew that at 175 pounds, she had to lose weight.

Angi's parents paid for her to join L A Weight Loss in 2007 as a Christmas gift.

"It was the best gift I ever received, it totally changed my life, says Angi.

Fruits and vegetables were not part of her diet, and she had no concept of portion control. Angi’s old eating habits were poor. At family meals, she ate everything herself, then polished off whatever her two children didn’t finish.

The L A Weight Loss plan taught Angi to incorporate all the food groups into her diet. She also learned how to eat healthy foods without feeling deprived. Now instead of reaching for sweets, Angi will grab an L A Lite bar.

At 120 pounds, Angi works out six days a week using the elliptical and an abdominal work out. She likes to walk when it’s warm outside, and take her kids sledding when it snows. Angi now loves to go shopping, and feels very comfortable putting on a bathing suit to go to her local public pool.

And Angi’s success motivated three of her friends to join her local center.

Here's Angi at 175 pounds:

And here she is at 120 pounds:


Good job Angi, you look fabulous!!!

FAST FACTS

Name: Angi Quam
Hometown: Mount Vernon, Iowa
Age: 32
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 170 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 120

Program start date: December 2007
Favorite food: Taco salad.
Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Keeping the scale at 120.
Biggest obstacle: Sticking to the right portions in a social settings.
Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was in sight.
New eating philosophy: It's all about self control and incorporating different food groups.
Best thing about losing weight: Becoming a healthier person
Best weight loss secret learned: Have a protein bar, instead of a sweet.