Calgary mom holds her end of the deal

Betty Jo Kaiser's life is focused around her family. She is a part-time broadcaster and a stay-at-home, full-time mother of three beautiful daughters. She's been married to her husband Dean for 14 years.

One of Betty Jo's weight struggles came with having children. When her two oldest daughters were in school full time, Betty Jo had a little more "me" time, and decided to change her unhealthy lifestyle of eating whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

Betty Jo was able to lose 20 pounds on her own. But then during Christmas of 2007, Betty Jo, 39, found out she was pregnant with her third child.

She was scared at first when she received the news. She thought would gain back the weight she had just lost, and be at higher risk for pregnancy complications. Betty Jo made a deal with God. She said if God gives her a healthy baby, she would take better care of her body.

Nine months later, Betty Jo and Dean's third daughter, Olivia, was born. Betty Jo recalls a defining moment concerning her lifestyle. She was holding her newborn baby and looking at her 10-year-old daughter, Julia. She realized she would be 50 years old when Olivia reaches age 10. She knew she had to be a healthier parent to be there for her children and keep up with their energy.

Betty Jo saw an ad for LA Weight Loss, and did some research. She discovered LA Weight Loss had designed a program for nursing mothers which was really important to Betty Jo.

Betty Jo met with Martina, her first LA Weight Loss counselor, who explained the program to her and encouraged her to give it a shot. The program was simple for Betty Jo. She learned to use her own food and utilize all the food groups.

Betty Jo attributes her success with the valuable information LA Weight Loss counselors have taught her and planning what she eats through out the day.

Betty Jo was also one of six women chosen to star in an international commercial for LA Weight Loss. When producers were interviewing clients, they asked them to share stories of their success.

Betty Jo told them about the time she promised her daughters that she would make an apple pie. She looked for a recipe in the LA Lite Cookbook, but had no luck. She told her counselor that she couldn't make the pie she promised.

Her counselor reminded her of the framework of the LA Weight Loss program and incorporating all the food groups. Her counselor told her to make it, and count a serving as a fruit and two starches.

It was then that Betty Jo learned she can eat the foods she loves. She just has to incorporate them into her plan and commit. Betty Jo took her counselor's advice, and the next time she weighed in she was down some weight.

Commitment has played a strong part for Betty Jo holding her end of the deal. Down 50 pounds, Betty Jo is a role model to her family and friends.

Betty Jo at 165 lbs.



Betty Jo at 115 lbs.



You look like a star! Keep it up!

FAST FACTS

Name: Betty Jo Kaiser
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Age: 40
Height: 5 ft.

Starting weight: 165 lbs.
Goal weight: 130 lbs.
Current weight: 115 lbs.
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Meat and chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Chips.

Biggest motivator: Being healthy for my kids for life.

Biggest obstacle: Having self-doubt.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whenever hunger struck.

New eating philosophy: Balancing and representing all the food groups in the right amount.

Best thing about losing weight: Knowing I am a healthier person.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink lots of water and plan out what you're going to eat.

Calgary woman gets the recognition she deserves

Cindy Sorsdahl is a business analyst, a wife, and a mother of two young children. On top of her busy schedule, Cindy also struggles with her weight.

Cindy had a very negative perception of herself. She thought because of her weight, she was being passed over and wasn't given the same consideration of intelligence as others. She also believe her weight caused her to have a lack of respect.

Cindy's self-esteem started to get lower when people were making comments, asking her if she was pregnant. It hurt Cindy because at the time she was trying to have a child with her husband and wasn't pregnant.

She was uncomfortable and to the point that she couldn't even cross her legs. She became frustrated. With poor eating habits and unhealthy choices, Cindy decided it was time to make a change. Cindy joined LA Weight Loss in May 2007, ready for the full commitment.

Cindy would eat a lot of pasta, too much red meat, and foods high in sodium. The LA Weight Loss plan easily adjusted to Cindy's new food selections. She loved to eat all the food the counselors recommended. Cindy just had to learn how to eat in the right portions.

She started to eat a lot more fish, twice a week. She would still eat red meat, but went from eating it four times a week to just once. Cindy drank a lot of water and relied on fruits and vegetables to help cut back cravings for starches.

Not only was Cindy's children learning healthy eating habits while she followed the LA Weight Loss plan, but her husband started to lose too! Cindy's husband joined her and committed himself to a healthier lifestyle. He joined LA Weight Loss in December and is down 28 pounds.

Cindy and her husband plan their meals for the week on the weekends. They use the LA Cook Book and pick out their favorite recipes. They like the recipe options because they offer a lot of flavor. After they plan out their week, they go grocery shopping together.

Cindy loves the feeling of being thinner. She loves being able to shop in trendy clothes in smaller sizes. Cindy keeps active by working out, rollerblading, bike riding, and she just started to golf! After purchasing a boat last summer, Cindy is looking forward to wake boarding and water skiing this summer. She's also ready to get in a bathing suit with confidence! Awesome job Cindy!

The best part about being thinner for Cindy is the attention she gets from other people. Cindy gets a lot of compliments and causes people to do double takes! People now see her more than just a fat person. People give her the respect she deserves and listens when she has something to say.

Cindy before at 198 lbs.:



Cindy after at a 128 lbs.



FAST FACTS

Name: Cindy Sorsdahl
Hometown: Calgary Alberta Canada
Age: 36
Height: 5’4”

Starting weight: 198
Goal weight: 140
Current weight: 128
Program start date: May 2007

Favorite food: Watermelon

Biggest temptation: Chocolate brownies

Biggest motivator: Not fitting into my clothes

Biggest obstacle: Managing stay within program during emotional triggers

Old eating philosophy: Anything goes

New eating philosophy: As long as it fits into the plan

Best thing about losing weight: Having new confidence and energy

Best weight loss secret learned: Listen to your body and eat to fuel

St. Patrick's Day recipes!

Here are some recipes to have a little green celebration throughout the day on St. Patrick's Day.

Green Scrambled Eggs

2 eggs or 1 cup egg substitute
1 teaspoon of butter
1 tablespoon skim milk
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
2 drops of green food coloring

Melt butter in frying pan. In mixing bowl combine all ingredients. Cook on medium heat.

Leprechaun Eggs

2 eggs
1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon mustard
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
2 drops of green food coloring

Boil saucepan of water. When water boils turn heat to low, add eggs and simmer for 10 minutes. Place eggs in cold water to cool. Crack eggshells and peel. Cut eggs in half. Remove the yolks and place in mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix until creamy. Scoop mixture back into whites. (Recipe can be doubled or tripled)

Green Fruit Salad

17 grapes (halves)
1 cup honeydew cubed
1 kiwi sliced

Combine all 3 fruits. Mix and serve!

Double Green Salad

3 cups green lettuce
1 cup sliced cucumber
1 cup sliced green peppers
1 cup sugar snap peas
1/2 cup fat free Italian dressing
3-4 drops green food coloring

Toss all vegetables in large salad bowl. In a small bowl, mix Italian dressing and food coloring. Drizzle dressing on salad. Serve.

Optional topping: 1 cup soft tofu or 1, 4 oz. canned tuna mixed with green food coloring.

Green Vegetable Stir Fry

1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup bok choy
2 cups spinach
1 cup celery
1 cup sugar snap peas
6 asparagus spears
1 teaspoon ginger
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon olive oil

Clean and cut vegetables into 2 inch pieces. Heat oil in wok or frying pan. Add ginger and salt. Stir. Add water and vegetables. Cook and stir on medium for 5-10 minutes for desired tenderness.

Optional topping: Add in your favorite protein, such as chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu and/or 1/3 cup cooked brown rice.

Greenberry Fizz

12 ounces diet ginger ale
12 strawberries
2 drops green food coloring
6-8 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Green Finger Jell-O Squares

1 box of gelatin
3 small boxes green sugar free Jell-O (lime or green melon)
4 cups of boiling water

Mix all ingredients. Pour into 13x9 inch ungreased pan. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into squares.

Optional topping: Mix 4-5 drops of green food coloring with 1 container of fat free cool whip. Add a small spoon to each square.

Tennessee woman gets the gift of life

Christa Early is a wife and mother of two from Knoxville, Tenn., who grew up in a household where her parents lived a very active lifestyle. Christa's parents were an example to the rest of her family, all trying to live a healthy lifestyle. But Christa's health has never been a priority to her until later in life.

After having her first child Nolan, Christa struggled to regain her pre-pregnancy size. She tried diet after diet and still could not meet her goal weight. Christa would lose weight then gain back all she had lost and more. She dealt with illness, and then death of her father-in-law by binge eating and inactivity.

After the death of her father-in-law, Christa and her husband wanted to celebrate the gift of life again. Christa got pregnant pretty quickly in January 2006 but then miscarried after two months. Christa was depressed and was not taking care of herself. Before long, Christa was the heaviest she has ever been.

In April 2006, Christa received the news she was pregnant again. Later in December, after her daughter Katie was born, Christa was tipping the scales at 229 pounds. Christa's diet was filled with fatty foods such as enchiladas, milkshakes, and fried foods.

After weighing 229 pounds for about a year, Christa had a defining moment when she knew she had to change. The Early family took a vacation to South Carolina in June 2007. When they returned home, Christa saw a picture that was shocking and upsetting.

She did not like the way she looked in the picture, and realized how much weight she had gained. Christa couldn't forget the problems she had keeping up with her family at the beach, and how miserable she felt in the sun. She was truly embarrassed.

Christa's friend suggested she sign up for LA Weight Loss. Her friend had already lost 30 pounds, which was all the motivation Christa needed to drive to her local center.

LA Weight Loss has taught Christa how to make healthier choices. For breakfast she would measure out a half cup of oatmeal and a cup and a half of blueberries. And she started eating fish, something she never ate before. Christa now eats a ton of fruit, and drinks plenty of water.

Christa also had an emergency plan in case she ever couldn't get out of the office for lunch. She would pack herself bread, and was always sure she had peanut butter stashed at the office.

In April 2008, Christa decided she wanted to start running more. When she was able to run a mile without stopping, she became even more motivated. Christa also inspired a coworker to start running, and the two of them completed a 5k charity race together.

These days, road races are a regular event for Christa. Right now, she's training for a 10k taking place next fall. Really impressive for someone who couldn't even run a mile one year ago!

Besides running, Christa got hooked on Tae Bo, which allows her to stay inside during the cold weather.

Christa is very excited for the upcoming summer. She can't wait to go boating, biking, hiking, and camping with her family. And she knows this year, it'll be her family who has to try to keep up with her!

You look great, Christa! Keep up all the hard work!

Here's Christa at 229 pounds:



And here she is now, at an amazing 128 pounds:




FAST FACTS:

Name: Christa Early
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Age: 37
Height: 5’1”

Starting weight: 229 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 128 pounds
Program start date: July 2007

Favorite food: Ice cream

Biggest temptation: Pizza

Biggest motivator: Seeing the results each week when she weighed in.

Biggest obstacle: Planning meals for the family.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on fast food, enchiladas, burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

New eating philosophy: Eating well-balanced meals with foods such as blueberries, fish, squash, zucchini, salads, and yogurt, and drinking plenty of water.

Best thing about losing weight: Having the energy to do activities and feeling sexy.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you choose healthier foods, you can eat all day long and feel full and lose weight.

Tennesse mom gets closer to her husband ... literally!

Rachael Wyrick is a loving wife and mother from Tennessee who has struggled with her weight all of her life. Both of Rachael's parents struggle from being overweight, which allowed Rachael to believe it was hereditary. With the lack of exercise and poor eating habits, Rachael just thought her weight was something she could never change.

Rachael struggled with her weight all through high school and college. She remembers walking across campus feeling insecure. Still struggling with her weight, Rachael met the man of her dreams and vowed to spend the rest of her life with him. She even wore a plus-sized wedding dress on her big day.

Rachael knew she had to change. Her defining moment was having two beautiful children. Gaining around 50 pounds from each pregnancy, her husband became concerned with her health. Rachael thought she ate healthy by eating salads, tuna, and chicken, but she didn't know how to control her portions or would cover the salad in dressing. She also ate a lot of starches and creamy, fatty sauces.

Rachael knew she could not pass her unhealthy lifestyle to her family. With the help of her supportive husband and children and the guidance from LA Weight Loss, Rachael became committed to making a change.

Her eating habits soon changed. For breakfast, Rachael would eat cereal or oatmeal; for lunch, she would have a turkey or peanut butter sandwich. And at dinner, she would eat a salad with chicken or tuna. Rachael also made sure to make lunch her largest meal.

Rachael incorporated exercise into her new healthy lifestyle. At first, Rachael could only walk on the treadmill or do the elliptical for 20 minutes. Now she spends over an hour doing cardio exercises at least five times a week! LA Weight Loss taught Rachael how to document her exercise along with what she ate to help identify what worked and what didn't.

Since losing the weight, Rachael has never felt so limitless. She now has the energy to keep up with her children, go to the pool, or ride a bike with her daughter. She even went hiking over Valentine's Day!

What is the best part about being thinner? Rachael says it's her husband bringing her close and wrapping his arms all the way around her.

Congratulations, you look beautiful Rachael!

Rachael before at 252 lbs.:



Rachael now at 140lbs!




Fast Facts:

Name: Rachael Wyrick
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Age: 35
Height: 5’7”

Starting weight: 252 lbs.
Goal weight: 140 lbs.
Current weight: 140 lbs.

Program start date: Aug. 8, 2006

Favorite food: Chicken

Biggest temptation: Already-made snacks

Biggest motivator: Her husband

Biggest obstacle: Attitude

Old eating philosophy: Fried chicken, rice, macaroni and cheese, Chinese food

New eating philosophy: Salads with grilled chicken or tuna, asparagus, tomatoes, blueberries, and apples

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling happy about what she accomplished

Best weight loss secret learned: Chewing gum while preparing meals to avoid overeating