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.