My L A Weight Loss Diary

Rachael Wyrick drops 112 pounds and lands a feature in People Magazine

2009-05-22T10:20:00.013-05:00

LA Weight Loss's Rachael Wyrick was one of only three women chosen across the country to flaunt her new bikini body in the People Magazine that hits newsstands today!

Before showing off her amazing new figure, Rachael struggled with her weight for most of her life. After she gained 50 pounds with each of her two pregnancies her husband became concerned with her health. Rachael did not want to pass on an unhealthy lifestyle to her family, so she decided to make a change with the help of LA Weight Loss.

Rachael went from eating a lot of starches and creamy, fatty sauces to eating cereal, oatmeal, turkey, salads, chicken, and tuna. LA Weight Loss helped her learn to make healthier choices as well as how to control her portions. In addition, Rachael began incorporating exercise into her new lifestyle. It took some time, but she was able to build up her stamina and now spends over an hour doing cardio exercises at least five times a week!

It's no surprise that all her hard work landed her in People Magazine. But that's not all, Rachael was invited onto ABC's Good Morning America. She will be appearing on the show next Tuesday, May 26th. Make sure to tune in to see her amazing transformation!

Congratulations Rachael, you look fabulous!

Life gets a little easier for this Kentucky mother

2009-05-05T15:46:00.011-05:00

Heather Scott is a 25-year-old mother from Mayfield, Ky. She struggled with her weight all of her life, leaving her uncomfortable and insecure. Weighing as much as 260 pounds as a teenager made high school anything but easy. In fact, if you ask Heather, she'll tell you the only good thing that came out of high school was the day she met her future husband.

Heather's husband has never judged her, even when she continued to gain weight after high school. But that still did not ease Heather's insecurities. Wherever Heather went, she felt like people were pointing at "the fat girl."

As if dealing with the thought of people stereotyping her wasn't enough, Heather also had to deal with the physical demands of being heavy. She was always out of breath, and her joints constantly ached.

She had a hard time doing everyday tasks. Getting out of bed every morning was an obstacle for Heather. When she was nine months pregnant with her daughter, she was so large she couldn't even fit in a booth at a restaurant.

Shopping was never a good experience. Heather used to go shopping with her older sister, and would be jealous of all the cute clothes her sister could wear and how much more items she could buy. Heather's clothes cost more, and she was always stuck wearing whatever was made in her size, which was generally big t-shirts and sweats.

Heather never quite understood why she was so much bigger. She didn't eat much, but she would justify a day of starving for a late night batch of brownies. She chose pizza and fast food or cooked dinners loaded with starches. Healthy was never an option for Heather.

She finally had enough when she couldn't even play with her young daughter. Heather's mom had joined the LA Weight Loss program and was very successful. So along with the support from her mother and husband, Heather made the commitment to the LA Weight Loss program in May 2007.

LA Weight Loss worked for Heather because she joined for herself. She didn't want to lose weight because someone else wanted her to -- she wanted to lose weight for her health and her children.

Heather preferred the one-on-one counseling LA Weight Loss provided. She kept a food journal to keep track of her meals, and the counselors worked with her to realize what foods helped her gain or loose.

Now Heather's diet consists of turkey bacon and yogurt for breakfast, plain turkey burger for lunch with no bread, a salad for dinner and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in between. She also started walking at least one mile a day.

And the results have shown. Heather's lost over 100 pounds! She now feels like she can communicate better with people. She realizes her insecurities lead her to believe everyone was judging her. She also has more options to chose from when she goes shopping, and can shop at any store, not just the stores that carry plus sizes. She can even wear heals!

Heather's biggest obstacle was resisting temptations. She learned that eating foods that are bad for you is not worth the five minutes you can actually taste it in your mouth. Anytime Heather would get off course, especially around the holidays, she would walk extra and work harder to get back on the right mindset.

Way to go, Heather! We're proud of you!

Here's Heather at 301 pounds:

And here she is today at a much slimmer 197 pounds.

You look great Heather! All your hard work has paid off! Keep it up!

FAST FACTS

Name: Heather Scott
Hometown: Mayfield, Ky.
Age: 25
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 301 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 197 pounds
Program start date: May 2007

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate or sweets.

Biggest motivator: Shrinking into a smaller size and watching the numbers dropping on the scale.

Biggest obstacle: Being around other people who were not dieting.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing on pizza, brownies, cookies, candy bars, chips, and soft drinks.

New eating philosophy: Eating meals with fish, yogurt, turkey, chicken, and fresh vegetables and fruit.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good about herself, and knowing that she is healthier to play with her daughter.

Best weight loss secret learned: Reducing intake of sodium will help you drop the pounds.

Mother-daughter duo rely on each other

2009-05-04T09:23:00.000-05:00

Kathy Fendley and her daughter Emily Jenkins are from Knoxville, Tenn. They decided to join their local LA Weight Loss center together in January 2006. Kathy and Emily share similar stories with their weight struggles.

Kathy was active growing up, but was always heavier. In college, she lost 50 pounds, and after that, she would yo-yo. Emily struggled through middle school up until after college. Both women knew their choice in food was not the healthiest. They would eat a lot of fast food, and Kathy would skip meals and instead eat a milkshake. She found ways to justify her eating.

When Emily was asked to be in a friend's wedding in August 2006, she knew she wanted to get the weight off. She asked her mom to join the LA Weight Loss program for the added support. Kathy was very excited to get the extra weight off too, but she knew she would not be able to lose as much as Emily would.

Little did Kathy know, she and her daughter went pound for pound. Along with eating healthier, receiving one-on-one help and support from LA counselors and each other, Kathy and Emily exercised at least three days a week. They would do a circuit training that LA Weight Loss offered, walk outside or on the treadmill, weight train, and all around became more active.

Emily also wanted to lose weight for her own wedding. Ever since Emily was a little girl, she dreaded picking out her wedding dress. She thought she would have to pick a dress out to cover her up. But when she did marry just about a year ago, she could pick out the dress of her dreams.

The mother-daughter duo thanks LA Weight Loss for their healthier lifestyle. They have noticed a change in their overall quality of life. Kathy loves taking her daughter shopping and seeing how excited she gets when she feels comfortable in what she wears.

They no longer dread putting on a bathing suit to go to the beach. They always make sure they bring their own snacks and drink a lot of water. Teamwork is what led this mother and daughter to the happiest they have ever been in their own skin.

Emily and Kathy before:

Emily and Kathy after:

FAST FACTS:

Name: Kathy Fendley
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Age: 61
Height: 5'1"

Starting weight: 179 lbs.
Goal weight: 135 lbs.
Current weight: 132 lbs.
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Hamburgers.

Biggest temptation: French fries.

Biggest motivator: Getting rid of clothes that no longer fit.

Biggest obstacle: Cooking/preparing her own food to follow the plan.

Old eating philosophy: Ignoring calories, and just eating anything that was fast and tasty.

New eating philosophy: Planning ahead, having good and healthy food in the refrigerator, and talking to the waiter if she goes out to eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more energy, feeling better about herself, and not having to stand in front of the closet and wonder what pair of pants she can get into today.

Best weight loss secret learned: Don't let yourself get hungry. Stay ahead of your hunger pain.

Name: Emily Jenkins
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Age: 26
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 185 lbs.
Goal weight: 132lbs.
Current weight: 143lbs.
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Any kind of cake.

Biggest temptation: Cake and pizza.

Biggest motivator: Being able to buy clothes she wants to buy.

Biggest obstacle: Watching her husband eat, because he can eat whatever and stay skinny.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was there.

New eating philosophy: Controlling portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting compliments and knowing she looks better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Use fat-free Cool Whip on fruits to make it more like a dessert.

Franchise owner's success inspires many

2009-04-27T11:47:00.001-05:00

Courtney VanderPol's conflict with her weight started in high school. The problem grew worse when Courtney went away to college. During her first semester, she gained close to 30 pounds. The added weight caused Courtney to develop an eating disorder. Courtney would eat very little and exercise excessively, suffering from exercise bulimia.

Courtney soon was underweight, and was advised to seek counseling. She met with counselors and gained 40 pounds in six months. Something was missing from the counseling Courtney received though. She was eating and exercising regularly, but was still not cured of her weight battle.

Courtney tried other means of weight loss, but was unsuccessful. She was depriving herself. She would try diet pills, which would help her lose weight, but then she gained it right back. She was also a big snacker. She thought that since some snack foods would say "low fat" she could eat more than one serving in a sitting.

Portion control, not incorporating all the food groups, and lack of support and education were all contributing factors to her weight struggle.

The many attempts Courtney took to improve her body image was taking a toll on her mentally and physically. She was lacking calcium in her body from the eating disorder, which could result in bone loss. The diet pills were pulled from the market because they were not safe, and the unhappiness she felt looking in the mirror wore her out.

In February of 2002, still struggling with her weight, a friend suggested Courtney come in to LA Weight Loss to interview for a job in the Phoenix market. Courtney landed a job as a sales rep for LA Weight Loss, and decided to join the program. She bought all the products, and became a believer. Courtney wanted to learn how to lose weight and keep it off, adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Courtney met with the counselors, and learned how to balance and eat foods from each group. She started to lose weight, and felt comfortable putting on a bathing suit to enjoy the hot days Arizona offers by the pool.

Courtney became such a believer in the LA Weight Loss program that by November of 2002, Courtney and her husband moved to South Dakota and became LA Weight Loss franchise owners.

Her success and confidence in the program has influenced many of her family members and people in South Dakota to join the program. Courtney is a model to her family, teaching her children the right way to eat healthy and stay active.

Courtney says the worst part about being and feeling heavy was the time it took up in her life. She felt selfish, because she would put a lot of energy in what she was going to eat and how she felt, instead of spending it with her job and family. The LA Weight Loss program taught Courtney how to make eating healthy part of her lifestyle.

Courtney also had the privilege of starring in a LA Weight Loss commercial recently. The thought of wearing a bikini in the commercial challenged her, but she received great feedback from producers and LA Weight Loss. The commercial only showed others the confidence Courtney had in the program. She knew there was a reason why she was selected for the commercial: Her job is to inspire others.

Courtney at 162 pounds:

Courtney at 117 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Courtney VanderPol
Hometown: Sioux Falls, S.D.
Age: 34
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 162 lbs.
Goal weight: 133 lbs.
Current weight: 117 lbs.
Program start date: February 2002

Favorite food: Ice cream.

Biggest temptation: Cheez-Its.

Biggest motivator: Continuing to be a good role model.

Biggest obstacle: Stressing out.

Old eating philosophy: Thinking that the less she ate, the less she would weigh.

New eating philosophy: Eating more often while watching portions. Keeping her body fueled with fuel.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more time to focus on the quality things in life.

Best weight loss secret: It's important to incorporate the right amount of each food group.

LA Weight Loss saved this Tennesse woman's life

2009-04-16T13:51:00.002-05:00

Mitzi Ivey has been overweight all of her life. Coming from a family with a bigger build, Mitzi was never able to lose more than 25 to 30 pounds at a time, and only gained it right back.

Mitzi also comes from a family with health risks. Her mother was a diabetic, and suffered from her first stroke at 51. She suffered from 12 more before passing away at 60. Mitzi gained the last 85 pounds after her mother passed, making Mitzi 289 pounds. Her mother's health still did not encourage Mitzi to a healthier lifestyle.

Mitzi was also a diabetic, taking insulin and medicine for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In August 2003, Mitzi Ivey was rushed to the University Hospital Emergency room. Her blood sugars were at 430 and her blood pressure was at stroke levels. Nine days later when Mitzi was released her orders read: "Patient dangerously obese -- must lose weight."

Mitzi was afraid. She tried several times to lose weight, trying every program and trend out there, but gained the weight right back. She asked her doctor what he recommended. He suggested LA Weight Loss, his wife was on the program and was very successful and very happy.

Later that same month, Mitzi joined LA Weight Loss. Checking in at 289 pounds, Mitzi lost nine pounds her first week, losing a total of 118 pounds in 11 1/2 months.

LA Weight Loss has taught Mitzi the importance of breakfast, eating within the first hour she is awake. She learned how to incorporate all the food groups, drinking a lot of water and making healthier choices following the LA Weight Loss program.

Mitzi was able to lose 26 pounds in the first five months of joining LA Weight Loss. She lost a grand total of 138 pounds.

Mitzi's success has been an inspiration to others in her town after being selected to be featured in a local LA Weight Loss ad. She never lets herself get seven pounds from her goal weight.

Her doctor warns her that she will always be a diabetic, so Mitzi works her hardest to never get back to the point where she will have to take medicine everyday. Mitzi has been able to maintain her weight loss for the past five years.

Mitzi has the life she was never able to have before. Her stamina is unbelievable. Her hobbies include hiking and hunting for deer and turkey, shopping with her two daughters, volunteering, and going to the beach in a bathing suit!

Mitzi could not head down the path her mother did, leaving her children behind. Mitzi can't wait for grandchildren to run after and see grow up.

Mitzi says the vanity of looking better is good, but her health and energy levels at age 53 are the biggest blessings of all. Mitzi thanks LA Weight Loss for saving her life.

Mitzi before at 289 pounds:

Mitzi today, weighing 151 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Mitzi Ivey
Hometown: North Knoxville, Tenn.
Age: 52
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 229 lbs.
Goal weight: 200 lbs.
Current weight: 151 lbs.
Program start date: August 2003, maintaining for almost six years.

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Any kind of chips, salty foods.

Biggest motivator: Her health and size 8 skinny jeans.

Biggest obstacle: Sticking to the program and making sure she eats while traveling to keep on schedule.

Old eating philosophy: Eating without thinking.

New eating philosophy: Knowing better choices and maintaining proper portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Having a better marriage, and better relationship with herself and children.

Best weight loss secret learned: Food is in your mouth for about 30 seconds. Is it really worth it? Stop and really think about what you are eating.

Easy Easter dinner recipes

2009-04-10T10:22:00.004-05:00

It's Easter season and that means ... chocolate! But don't worry, I've put together some delicious recipes to keep you satisfied and on track with the L A Weight Loss program this Easter season.

Glazed Ham

2 pound ham
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 cup apricot halves in lite syrup
3 Tbsp no sugar added apricot preserves
1/2 tsp whole ground cloves

Trim all visible fat from ham. Place ham in baking pan. Rub Dijon mustard all over ham.

Pour apricot halves and juice over ham. Dot cloves throughout ham, gently pressing into flesh.

Cook ham in oven according to package directions.

To prepare glaze, place preserves in small dish. Place in microwave 10-20 seconds, until preserves begin to melt.

During last 30 minutes of cooking, brush ham with warm glaze. Continue to brush ham every 10 minutes until cooked through.

Preserves may need to be re-heated, as needed, before basting.

Allow to rest 5 minutes, before slicing.

Makes 8 servings.

Balsalmic Roasted New Potatoes

2 pounds new potatoes, quartered.
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
dash of salt
nonfat cooking spray

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Coat large cast iron skillet with nonfat cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.

Add potatoes and seasonings and heat through.

Remove skillet from heat; place in oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.

Add vinegar, and toss well.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast, uncovered, 6 more minutes.

Serve immediately.

Makes 10 servings.

Tennessee mom's last resort

2009-04-02T15:38:00.003-05:00

Cheryl Miller is a mother of four, a loving wife, and a caregiver. Her active life left her with little personal time to take care of herself. She was constantly on the go, working for a preschool, caring for her sick grandmother, and trying to care for her own four children. This all played a major role in her weight gain.

Each of Cheryl's pregnancies put a toll on her body. After Cheryl had her second child at age 23, her weight increased and she started suffering from severe back pain. Her back pain sometimes required her to be carried or pushed in a wheelchair, or even to be on bed rest for a week.

Finally, she went to the doctor's when the pain was so fierce she could not walk. The doctors took X-rays, and discovered flipped discs, fragmentation, and nerve damage -- all due to the weight she had gained after having children. The doctor recommended back surgery as the only cure to her suffering if she did not lose weight.

Cheryl was 29 years old, almost a size 20, and her weight was continuing to increase. Cheryl was not ready to undergo back surgery and take time away from her family. Cheryl tried to lose weight on her own, but still did not eat right and was unsuccessful. She did not understand why the older she got, the more she ate and the more weight she gained.

Cheryl decided to look into LA Weight Loss after a suggestion from a friend of the family who was on the program and had also suffered from back pain. Cheryl liked the LA Weight Loss program because of the accountability it offered.

Within the first two weeks of the program, Cheryl lost close to 20 pounds, and people started to notice. She received positive reactions from friends and family, which encouraged her to commit and stay on the program.

Cheryl's diet changed from eating red meat, fried chicken, pasta, fast food, and canned vegetables, to eating lean cuts of turkey, fresh green vegetables, and plenty of fresh fruit. Water has also become Cheryl's choice of beverage.

She lost 103 pounds on LA Weight Loss! Cheryl has not pulled her back out since her youngest son Parker, 6, was six months old. Her new lifestyle also encouraged her to exercise more. Cheryl started walking every day, doing exercise work outs on TV, and lifting weights to tone her arms and legs.

Cheryl has a new level of confidence. She is no longer hiding herself from others. She went from a size 22 to a size 4, playing softball in the summer and keeping up with her active children.

She also gained the confidence to be more outgoing and approachable, allowing her to connect with people. She finally feels that people listen to her while she talks, always asking for more insight. After all the years of caring for others, she believes this is the first time she is truly caring for herself.

Cheryl is an inspiration to those surrounded by her and to us all! You look great Cheryl, keep up the hard work for yourself and for others!

Cheryl at 226 pounds:

Cheryl at 123 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Cheryl Miller
Hometown: Kingston, Tenn.
Age: 35
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 226 lbs.
Goal weight: 120 lbs.
Current weight: 123 lbs.
Program start date: April 27, 2006

Favorite food: Chinese food.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Her kids.

Biggest obstacle: Not getting the encouragement that she needed for others.

Old eating philosophy: Eating pizza, pasta, Chinese food, fried chicken, French fries, and hamburgers.

New eating philosophy: Enjoying turkey, asparagus, grilled chicken, broccoli, blueberries, and bananas.

Best thing about losing weight: Being a role model to others who want to lose weight.

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

Calgary mom holds her end of the deal

2009-03-25T11:21:00.000-05:00

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

2009-03-20T09:46:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-03-17T14:51:00.003-05:00

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

2009-03-13T07:30:00.009-05:00

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!

2009-03-10T10:17:00.009-05:00

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

Connie Kelly makes losing weight look easy

2009-02-26T16:46:00.014-05:00

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

2009-02-23T14:33:00.011-05:00

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

2009-02-19T17:26:00.018-05:00

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

2009-02-10T12:18:00.011-05:00

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

2009-02-03T13:45:00.007-05:00

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.

10 tips to help you score big with your weight loss goals during Super Bowl Sunday

2009-01-29T16:29:00.007-05:00

If we’re not careful, the food choices we make during Super Bowl Sunday could result in packing on those extra unwanted pounds. I sat down with Sandra Maltzman, who revealed some of her surefire ways to stay focused during the big game. Below, you'll see her top ten tips for keeping your motivation high.

1)Warm Up. Start game day off on the right foot before you even leave the house. Eating a satisfying, pre-game healthy meal will leave less room for tasty temptations.

2)Stay Hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you so you’re sure to stay full longer, while also staying cleansed and hydrated.

3)Teamwork. Team up to create a Super Bowl support system by designating a fit-focused pal at the party to help make the right food choices—together.

4)Show Up Prepared. Make your party contribution a healthy one. Our recommendation? Use the L A Lite Cookbook. There are so many simple and delicious recipes you can use!

5)Defense. Beer and wine are sure to be flowing this Super Bowl Sunday, so steer clear if they don’t offer light options. Measuring up: One 12-ounce light beer is equal to one starch, and three ounces of wine is equal to one fruit. Tip: Mix your wine with a spritzer!

6)Take a Timeout. Chances are, if there’s dip, there’s chips. Remember that fresh veggies are perfect for dipping, too!

7)Half Time Festivities. Use half time to break free of the couch and dance along to Glory Days or take a stroll around the block.

8)Substitution. Even professional athletes need substitutes, so remember your Feel Full Focus options when your cravings set in. Three cups of 94 percent fat free popcorn is equal to 15 mini pretzels. You can also have 17 grapes for the price of 6 cashews.

9)Focus. Remember why you’re celebrating—football: friends and family (unless it also happens that you're from Arizona or Pittsburgh ;)). Keep your goals in perspective, as the Super Bowl is only a two-hour game. Don’t let a couple of bad plays ruin a season of success. Enjoy the day and be proud of your victory!

10)Continue Training. While Super Bowl winners take some time off after a big win, a healthy lifestyle takes daily maintenance. Kick off next week by following the TakeOff Juice diet for 2 days.

UPDATE: Barbara Bonura crosses the finish line ... and stays there!

2009-01-23T17:10:00.006-05:00

The last time we checked in with Barbara Bonura, she had successfully shed 50 pounds with the L A Weight Loss program. Since then, she's even lost another two pounds!

Barbara's healthy lifestyle hasn't slowed down. As a U.S. mail carrier, Barbara walks every day, but it doesn’t stop there. March marks her third year running in a local women’s 10k run to raise money for women's and children’s health issues. Good for you, Barbara!

Barbara also has a regular work out routine. She works out at the gym three days a week (and two of those days are before work at 5 a.m.). Barbara also runs on the weekends. She's up with the sunrise on Saturdays to run four miles at 4 a.m. That's commitment!

Barbara still follows her L A Weight Loss plan. Her typical menu consists of 8 oz. skim milk with one serving of cornflakes and one banana for breakfast. For lunch, one serving of a lean protein (usually fresh, deli sliced lunch meat) with one slice of whole grain bread. Dinner is usually a salad with either lean chicken or fish. And for a healthy snack, Barbara usually grabs a piece of fresh fruit.

Way to go Barbara, you look GREAT. All you hard work has paid off!

Stacie Guines drops 186 pounds and gains fame

2009-01-19T16:06:00.006-05:00

L A Weight Loss's very own Stacie Guines of Tennessee graced the the cover of People Magazine's annual Half Their Size feature this week, and we are so proud of her!

Before she stepped foot into her local center though, this sneaky snacker would eat more than her fair share at the table. A typical meal might include two hot dogs topped with coleslaw, chili, and cheese; a half bag of Doritos; four Little Debbie Oatmeal Crème pies; and two 16-oz. glasses of Kool-Aid for lunch.

By diligently following her L A Weight Loss routine, Stacie went from 340 pounds to a slender 154 pounds. Her one-on-one weight loss counselor taught Stacie portion control and how to choose healthier options, and gain control of her diet.

Today, Stacie's lunch usually includes five slices of turkey on wheat bread, a small salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, one orange cup of sugar-free Jell-O, and plenty of water.

It's not wonder her success landed her on the cover of People. But that's not all who's interested in her miraculous weight loss journey. After the producers of the TODAY Show heard about Stacie’s weight loss success, they invited her to the studio to share her story to their viewers. Stacie appeared on the show twice to share her weight loss secret.

Looking good Stacie! Keep up the great work!

Vote L A Weight Loss for the 2008 SheKnows Best Awards!

2008-12-03T11:11:00.003-05:00

L A Weight Loss has been nominated as a finalist by SheKnows 2008 Best Awards. You'll find us under the Health and Fitness category, in the running for Favorite Weight Loss.

Voting is unlimited, so you can even vote daily until January 9th. Vote often, and thanks for your support!

Delicious recipes for your Thanksgiving menu

2008-11-25T16:05:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving dinner is all about feasting and family, but it doesn’t have to weigh you down. Here are two recipes to add to your menu, without adding those extra unwanted pounds.

Spinach Stuffed Turkey

20oz turkey breast cutlets
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
1 bag baby spinach leaves
4oz reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp flour
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Nonfat cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350ºF

Coat skillet with nonfat cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Add garlic and onions. Sauté 1-2 minutes, until tender.

Add mushrooms, tossing with other ingredients to combine. Cook until mushrooms soften.

Add spinach and broth to pan. Toss ingredients together to allow spinach to wilt and cook down. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Stir in flour.
Rinse off turkey cutlets and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide spinach mixture evenly among turkey cutlets, forming a mound in the center or each cutlet. Sprinkle half of cheese over turkey. Gently roll turkey over spinach, securing with butcher’s string or toothpicks, as needed.

Transfer stuffed turkey breasts to an oven-safe skillet or sauté pan that has been sprayed with nonfat cooking spray.

Bake for approximately 15 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and cook until all cheese is melted.

Ginger Carrots

3 cups carrot, peeled, sliced on an angle
1 Tbsp lite margarine
2 packets sugar substitute
2 Tbsp grated ginger
1 1/2 Tbsp honey

In a pot of water, bring carrots to a boil and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until for tender. Drain.

In a sauté pan, over low heat, add margarine and sugar substitute and honey.

Stir approximately 2 minutes, or until sugar substitute begins to brown.

Add orange juice, ginger, and carrots.

Simmer for approximately 5 minutes, or until liquid slightly thickens.

Serve immediately.

North Dakota mom makes sure her future's slim

2008-10-15T15:41:00.001-05:00

There's a lot of care that goes into having a child. And every mom knows that care takes a lot of work. Amanda O'Connor wanted to take that basic baby care one step further, but knew she needed to lose weight to do it.

Amanda had been overweight her entire life. She came from a family of eaters, and knew the health risks associated with being overweight because she saw them first hand. Luckily, Amanda had always been healthy, so never had a driving motivation to slim down.

After the birth of her first baby however, Amanda wanted to able to move around easier than she could at 197 pounds. She needed more energy, and wanted to be able to chase around her son, without the health risks her parents had dealt with.

Amanda had tried dieting in the past, but couldn't keep the weight off. In September 2007, she signed up at her local Minot, N.D., L A Weight Loss center. Her one-on-one weight loss counselor taught her everything she needed to know about losing weight and keeping it off.

Amanda added more fruits and vegetables into her diet, which had been a bit scarce before. She also added more lean meats and proteins, and cut back on her sodium intake.

But adjusting her diet wasn't enough for Amanda. She was serious about losing weight and getting in shape. Now, every day she spends some quality time on the treadmill. And when the weather's fine, she takes her morning workouts to the streets.

After one year on the L A Weight Loss program, Amanda has dropped 55 pounds, and currently weighs 142 pounds. Amanda has had so much success on the program, she even motivated a friend to join L A Weight Loss as well. And I'm happy to report, her friend is doing great too.

Now that she's reached her goal weight, life is much easier for Amanda. Shopping is no longer a hassle. And she had no problem fitting into cute clothes.

Best of all, Amanda has the energy and stamina she needs to keep up with her young son. And she knows she's done everything she can to stay healthy for him in the long term.

Plus, she enjoys the extra time she can spend with her husband walking the dog and pushing the stroller. Even better, her relationship with her husband has even improved, as he never hesitates to tell her how beautiful she looks.

Way to go, Amanda! We're thrilled!

Here's Amanda on her wedding day at 197 pounds:

And here she is today, looking happy and healthy at 142 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Amanda O'Connor
Hometown: Sawyer, N.D.
Age: 28
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 197 pounds
Goal weight: 142 pounds
Current weight: 142 pounds
Program start date: September 2007

Favorite food: Chicken alfredo.

Biggest temptation: Pasta.

Biggest motivator: Looking at old pictures.

Biggest obstacle: Getting up and getting on the treadmill in the beginning.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever, whenever, especially if she was bored.

New eating philosophy: Stay busy, and only eating when she needs to.

Best thing about losing weight: Fitting into smaller clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Get help. Don't do it alone.

Aspiring actress makes it onto the TODAY Show with L A Weight Loss

2008-10-13T13:42:00.002-05:00

For Kymm Hansen, weight gain had been a continual seesaw. Whenever she was down, she always went back up. But after more than 30 years of rising and falling, this was one ride Kymm wanted off.

Weight had been a life-long struggle for Kymm. Growing up, she was tortured with names such as "Butterball" and "Fatty Fatty 2x4." So it's no surprise her weight was a constant source of angst.

And it didn't get easier as she got older. Kymm's weight increased with her age. In middle school, Kymm's weight reached 160 pounds, by high school she was 195 pounds, and by the time she graduated college, she was 235 pounds.

She tried just about every diet in the book, but nothing worked. Her weight rose and fell constantly for 10 years. No matter how much Kymm lost, she couldn't keep it off. And often, she gained even more back. After her marriage, in 1999, she gained even more weight to reach an all-time high. It seemed like before she even realized it, Kymm was in her 30s, and weighed 308 pounds.

Kim recently returned to school at San Diego University, where she felt completely invisible. And she was embarrassed whenever someone would have to touch her in one of her acting classes. No one held doors for her, and she was constantly aware of people's judgments.

When Kymm broke her foot a number of years ago, her doctor was surprised she could even walk at her weight. She suffered from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and hypothyroid disease. Her breathing was always labored, and her ankles and knees were constantly sore. Kymm knew that if she ever wanted to have children, she was running out of time to get healthy.

So in September 2006, Kymm joined her local Mission Valley, Calif., L A Weight Loss center. Her personal weight loss counselors taught her how to adjust her diet to maximize health. Kymm replaced her fast food meals, frozen TV dinners, and sweet binges with lean proteins, vegetables, and fruit.

She soon found that eating well felt good. It's true when they tell you, you are what you eat. As a vegetarian, Kymm was worried she would have trouble finding the right foods to keep her healthy and satisfied, but that was never a problem with L A Weight Loss.

Her counselors taught her hundreds of new recipes, and she enjoys creating new combinations every day.

As Kymm's weight began to decrease, she felt her energy increase. It wasn't long before she was doing something she'd never done before: exercising. Kymm started walking, and now works out every day. She enjoys running, working out on machines at the gym, and doing yoga and Pilates.

And all of her hard work has paid off. After 18 months on the L A Weight Loss program, Kymm has lost 144 pounds -- that's half her size! At 164 pounds, Kymm has found an entire world has opened up to her.

She can do things she never could before, such as ride all the attractions at Disneyland, and get on the floor to play with her dog. Her new energy is amazing, and Kymm feels like an entirely new woman. Plus, her health has improved. Kymm's blood pressure and cholesterol are at normal levels, and her joints are no longer sore.

After experiencing a lifetime of rollercoaster weight gain and loss, Kymm still has to remind herself that she's no longer overweight. This is the new Kymm, and she plans on staying this way.

Kymm's outstanding success has attracted a lot of attention. And today, she was featured on NBC's TODAY Show as part of their Joy Fit Club. Looks like this actress had her dream come true as she made her way into millions of television sets across the country, and told her incredible weight loss story.

Congratulations, Kymm! We're so proud of you!

Here's Kymm at 306 pounds:

Here she is today, looking fit and fabulous at 162 pounds:

And here I am with Kymm at her TODAY Show taping:

FAST FACTS

Name: Kymm Hansen
Hometown: Julian, Calif.
Age: 36
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 306 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 162 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Peanut butter.

Biggest temptation: Peanut butter.

Biggest motivator: Seeing her weight each week on the scale.

Biggest obstacle: Overcoming sweet cravings.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on anything and everything sweet.

New eating philosophy: Making well-balanced meals with lots of vegetables and whole grains.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to fit in fashionable clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Diet and exercise is the only way to lose weight.

Marlene Bruce changes her lifestyle and her life

2008-10-10T15:03:00.011-05:00

Any mom will tell you they fell in love with their babies before they even laid eyes on them. But besides gaining the loves of her life during her two pregnancies, Marlene Bruce gained some serious pounds that she just couldn't shake.

Marlene struggled with her weight all of her adult life. Her first pregnancy though, put her over the edge. Marlene was easily 50 pounds overweight, and couldn't shed it. After her second pregnancy and another 50 pounds, her doctor told her she was obese.

At 227 pounds, she was tired all the time, and couldn't keep up with her energetic kids. The extra pounds also gave Marlene backaches and headaches.

Marlene knew she needed to lose weight, but after a number of failed attempts, knew she couldn't do it alone. When Marlene's personal and emotional life took a hit with her divorce at the age of 31, she was ready for a full lifestyle change.

So in April 2007 she turned to her local Chico, Calif., L A Weight Loss center, where she was matched up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor. Marlene and her counselor worked together to design a diet plan that fit her lifestyle.

She cut out the frequent fast food runs, all-day snacking, and usual dessert indulgences. Now, her diet consists of lean meats and proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. To satisfy her sweet tooth, Marlene indulges with lo-fat frozen yogurt and the occasional lite ice cream.

Marlene also joined a gym to get her body (and her metabolism) moving. Now, she puts in an easy 3.5 miles on the treadmill, and walks the neighborhood with her friend Jemma.

All of Marlene's healthy lifestyle adjustments did the trick. Marlene passed her weight loss goal of 150 pounds, and currently weighs 145 pounds. That's a total of 82 pounds!

Since slimming down, Marlene's entire attitude has improved. Her health problems have subsided. She's not ever embarrassed in public anymore, and she has no problem keeping up with her kids. In fact, they are able to spend more time doing fun things together now, such as roller blading and mini golfing.

Best of all, Marlene finally feels like her outside matches her inside. She's beautiful both inside and out! Way to go, Marlene!

Here's Marlene at 227 pounds:

And here she is now looking fabulous at 82 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Marleen Bruce
Hometown: Chico, Calif.
Age: 37
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 227 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: April 2007

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Ice Cream.

Biggest motivator: Staying healthy for her kids.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past the emotional eating habit and changing her lifestyle.

Old eating philosophy: Grabbing her favorite fast food fixes whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating more lean meats, vegetables, and fruits.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling confident again in life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Controlling portion sizes can control your weight.

The bout against belly fat

2008-10-08T16:15:00.001-05:00

For many men and women, the mid section can be one of the trickiest areas to fight the fat. To make things even more difficult, there are a lot of myths out there about what it really takes to avoid putting on the extra pounds around the waist line. So what's the real skinny on belly fat?

Sandra Maltzman, nutritionist for L A Weight Loss, recently sat down with us to tell us what she knows.

Time to celebrate the sweetest month of the year

2008-10-06T16:05:00.001-05:00

October is L A Weight Loss’s favorite month. Why? It's National Dessert Month! We know it can be hard to give up those favorite sweet treats, so with the L A Weight Loss program, you don’t have to!

The L A Lite Cookbook offers dozens of healthy desserts to keep cravings under control while keeping you on track to a healthier you. Try one of our favorite dessert recipes below for a smart indulgence. These are two of our favorites.

Raspberry Peach Melba Crepe

Ingredients:
1/2 peach, diced
1 packet sugar substitute
1/4 tsp. ginger
1 Tbsp. sugar-free raspberry jelly or jam
1/4 cup raspberries
1 Tbsp. fat-free whipped topping
1 crepe

Place diced peach, ginger, and 1/2 packet of sugar substitute in microwave-safe dish.

Heat on high 2-3 minutes, or until hot.

Spread Raspberry jelly over crepe.

Place peach mixture over half of the crepe and fold over filling.

Sprinkle remaining sugar substitute over raspberries.

Top crepe with raspberries and whipped topping.

Baked Custard

Ingredients:
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 Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).

Break egg into small mixing bowl and beat lightly.

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 knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

For even more delicious desserts, pick up a copy of the L A Lite Cookbook, available in a L A Weight Loss center near you!

Herbert Lang tips the scales in a favorable direction

2008-10-06T13:32:00.006-05:00

For people who struggle with their weight, it sometimes only takes a single event to knock them off the see-saw into the major weight gain ground. For Herbert Lang, it was a single sentence.

Herbert struggled with his weight for all of his adult life. His retirement from the army however, finally tipped the scale to the side of major weight gain. After being told he was too big to be a good army instructor, he lost all motivation to stay in shape.

Herbert suffered from asthma and plantar fasciitis. He stopped exercising and his diet took a turn for the worse. Herbert's days were bookmarked by fast food meals, beginning with a drive-thru breakfast, and ending with a fast food dinner. For lunch, he would usually have a frozen meal. Before long, Herbert was tipping the scales at 322 pounds.

As a registered nurse, his desire to lose weight was no secret. He had tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. One day, Herbet's boss suggested he give L A Weight Loss a try. He looked into the program, and decided that the one-on-one meetings and personal accountability could be the motivation he needed to actually lose the weight.

Herbert joined his local Live Oak, Texas, L A Weight Loss center in April 2007. He was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor whom he met with several times a week. Herbert's counselor taught him the importance of a proper diet eaten in the right proportions.

For sweet treats and snacks, Herbert would munch on L A Lite bars. And when baking, he would mix Controltrim into his foods for an extra metabolism boost.

And it worked! Herbert shed the extra pounds. As his weight went down, his energy went up. Exercising became a possibility, and Herbert started hitting the gym again. He now goes to the gym three to four times a week, and meets with a personal trainer during two of those visits. Herbert also does little things every day to stay active, such as walking his dogs.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Herbert has dropped 123 pounds. At 199 pounds, he's well on his way to his weight loss goal of 165 pounds. Herbert says he enjoys life more than he has in years.

Congratulations, Herbert! We're proud of you! Keep up the good work!

Here's Herbert pushing the scales at 322 pounds:

And here he is today, a much happier and healthier 199 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Herbert Lang
Hometown: Windcrest, Texas
Age: 49
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 322 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 199 pounds
Program start date: April 2007

Favorite food: Cannolis.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Watching the weight come off.

Biggest obstacle: Planning meals while on the road.

Old eating philosophy: Eating everything he saw.

New eating philosophy: Knowing when enough is enough.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more energy and appreciating life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat the right proportions.

Arianna Chavez on TODAY

2008-09-30T15:36:00.004-05:00

Last month, we caught up with Arianna Chavez, and she was doing great. But we have even more good news! The TODAY show heard about Arianna's amazing weight loss story, and recently featured her on the show during their Joy Fit Club segment.

TODAY viewers across the country were captivated by Arianna's success with eating well and exercising, and thousands of men and women cheered her on from their living rooms. Congratulations, Arianna! We're so proud of you!

Weight loss isn't just about the food

2008-09-29T10:40:00.005-05:00

Most people don't realize that choosing healthy foods isn't the only way to lose weight. Often, a few simple routine changes can get you on your way to a healthier lifestyle and a slimmer waistline. Below are a few tips to get you healthy, without involving food.

Get some sleep. People who get even three more hours of sleep a week are more likely to weigh less. That's only 25 minutes a night. Try getting in to bed a half hour earlier than usual to sleep off the pounds.

Slow things down. It actually takes about 15 minutes for your brain to register a feeling of fullness. If you've already eaten your entire meal in that time period, you might not even realize that you overate, until it's too late!

Keep the good stuff out. You're more likely to go for a healthy snack when you're hungry if you've got that bowl of fruit sitting on the counter or the yogurt in front of the fridge. Make sure you're keeping the unhealthy snacks out of sight.

Don't overestimate. Many people believe they're more active then they truly are. To keep track and see if you're getting enough exercise, get a pedometer and see if you are truly getting the 10,000 daily recommended steps.

Make more me time. It's proven that people who eat together in large groups tend to consume more calories. Try having a healthy snack before you head to the party or happy hour to minimize what you take in.

Keep an eye on your roomie. Studies show people who live with someone overweight or obese are more likely to become that way themselves. Make sure you and your roommate are on the same path to health to keep each other on track.

Buy it big. People who wear tight clothing are more likely to feel like they've put on a few extra pounds. The feeling of failure when you work so hard tends to lead to unhealthy emotional eating. Make sure to buy reasonably sized clothing for the perfect fit.

Get in the sun. Obesity has been linked to those with low vitamin D. You don't want to be overexposed to the sun, but a mere 20 minutes of sunshine a day can greatly increase your levels of vitamin D.

Arizona mom breaks the weight gain chain

2008-09-26T13:37:00.006-05:00

Many men and women don't realize they need to lose weight until the suffer the actual physical effects of obesity, such as high blood pressure, sore joints, or diabetes. Terrie Lemesh, however, was relatively healthy; it was her mother's weight-related health problems that really inspired her to get healthy.

Terrie ran a childcare program from her home, which was detrimental to her diet. Every time she fed the kids, she ate too, whether it was macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, or snacks. Then she'd have dinner on top of that.

At 227 pounds, Terrie had trouble keeping up with her kids. Her knees ached and she had shin splints. Her mother was overweight, and had suffered from a heart attack at an early age. Terrie knew she should get healthy before it was too late.

She wanted to lose weight, but wasn't sure how. Terrie dieted for months without results. Her doctor suggested she choose one diet, and stick with it.

So Terrie decided to give L A Weight Loss a try. She joined her local Avondale, Ariz., L A Weight Loss center and was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor, Cindy.

Cindy taught Terrie the ABC's of dieting success, and what she should and should not be eating. Terrie added lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to her diet, which she rarely ate before. She also added lean meats and other important proteins.

Terrie now resists the urge to grab a forkful of macaroni and cheese, and instead waits for her own dinner of whole wheat pasta. When she craves a sweet treat, she grabs an L A Lite bar, which satisfies her chocolate need.

It wasn't long before Terrie's weight started to drop, and her energy started to rise. Since she was getting around easier, she started exercising. Now, Terrie enjoys biking, hiking, and going to the gym.

Most of all, she enjoys all the new time she can spend with her family. Terrie also loves being able to shop in any store she wants. And for the first time in over a decade, she can fit into all the cute clothes.

After a year and half on the program, Terrie now weighs 140 pounds. Her self esteem has sky rocketed, and she's healthier than she's been in years. Terrie wants to be healthy for life, and is proud that she broke the family weight gain chain. Way to go, Terrie! We're proud of you!

Here's Terrie at 227 pounds with her husband:

And here she is today, looking fantastic at 140 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Terrie Lemesh
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Age: 36
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 227 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 87 pounds
Program start date: March 2007

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Fitting into smaller clothes.

Biggest obstacle: Getting out and working out.

Old eating philosophy: Overeating.

New eating philosophy: Becoming a health nut.

Best thing about losing weight: Being healthy, buying the clothes she wants, and having more family time.

Best weight loss secret learned: Watch what you're eating even with healthy food. Keep track of everything.

Steer clear of detox diets

2008-09-25T16:02:00.009-05:00

What do you do when you want to lose weight, and you want to lose it fast? Unfortunately, many women and men turn to crash detox diets, but inevitably do more harm than good.

I sat down with Sandra Maltzman, who told me all about the dangers of detox diets, and what you can do to shed weight the healthy way.

Update: Mandy Muniz still going strong with her weight loss success

2008-09-23T10:55:00.006-05:00

When we last checked in with Mandy Muniz, she had shed a remarkable 157 pounds. Mandy came to L A Weight Loss in April 2005, and said she wanted to lose 100 pounds. Well, three years and 157 pounds later, Mandy weighs a healthy 126 pounds, and couldn't be happier.

Her weight loss success landed her in People Magazine's yearly "Half Their Size" issue and on EXTRA. And we're happy to report her healthy diet hasn't faded with the publicity. Mandy's still eating great and looking even better.

Congratulations, Mandy. Keep up the great work!

Carol Faulkner slims down with wedding weight inspiration

2008-09-17T10:58:00.007-05:00

Many brides-to-be use their upcoming weddings as motivation to slim down and get in shape. Thirty-two years after her wedding, Carol Faulkner used her wedding pictures as motivation to do just that.

Carol will be the first to admit that she wasn't taking care of herself for the past 20 years. As a teacher, she was always on her feet. By the time she got home each night, she was too tired to think about a well-balanced meal, let alone do anything active. She usually napped, then grabbed something quick and easy for dinner.

It seemed like overnight, Carol was suddenly dealing with the health issues that came with being overweight. She never had enough energy, and her blood pressure was high.

On the day of her 32nd wedding anniversary, Carol was flipping through old pictures of her wedding. She was 214 pounds, and couldn't believe how much weight she put on since her wedding day, when she fit into a size 6. Then and there she decided to get healthy.

Carol joined her local Columbus, Miss., L A Weight Loss center the very next day. She was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor, Chleo, who taught her the ins and outs of healthy eating.

Carol cut way back on her fried food and sweets intake, and increased her servings of fruits, vegetables, and fish. As a way to stay accountable for everything she ate, Carol kept a food journal. Writing down everything she ate kept her motivated and on track. Even Chleo was impressed with how meticulous Carol was with her journal.

Before she knew it, the weight started to melt away. After losing just 12 pounds, Carol's blood pressure dropped to normal levels. Her renewed health motivated her to keep losing. And a total of 92 pounds later, Carol is healthier than she's been in 20 years.

Carol's friends and family have been completely supportive during her entire weight loss process, especially her husband and daughter. Her husband is ecstatic about her progress, and her daughter loves telling her how small she is.

At 122 pounds, Carol's energy has gone way up. Instead of coming home and napping, she now goes for walks, and does yoga twice a week. Carol enjoys her new walking routine so much, she's even training to walk a marathon this year!

For Carol, the best part about losing almost 100 pounds is her improved health. But she certainly doesn't mind all the compliments on her new look either! Plus, she feels like she gets more respect from strangers when she's out in public. Way to go, Carol! You look fantastic!

Here's Carol at 214 pounds:

And here she is today, looking happier and healthier at 122 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Carol Faulkner
Hometown: Vernon, Ala.
Age: 58
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 214 pounds
Goal weight: 125 pounds
Current weight: 122 pounds
Program start date: May 2007

Favorite food: Grilled salmon.

Biggest temptation: Homemade deserts.

Biggest motivator: Watching the scale drop every week.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Grazing all day, and eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating only when she's hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Staying healthy and her new self image.

Best weight loss secret learned: Write down what you eat because it keeps your accountable.

Going green -- with your vegetables, that is

2008-09-16T11:26:00.003-05:00

Do you know what your suggested daily intake of vegetables is? Do you know what you're nutritionally missing out on if you don't get your servings? Sandra Maltzman joins us today to tell us a little bit about the importance of your daily intake of greens. I know I'll be spending a little bit more time in the vegetable aisle from now on!

Update: Courtney Dawson is going strong

2008-09-12T15:07:00.004-05:00

Courtney Dawson has had a lot of exciting publicity since shedding 166 pounds on the L A Weight Loss program. This Louisiana native has jet-setted across the country to be featured on the cover of People Magazine and NBC's Today Show to tell everyone about her weight loss success.

Now that the dust has settled since her big public debut, Courtney has stayed strong. Everything is going great for Courtney, and she couldn't be happier with her new weight and new life.

Here's Courtney today, looking as fantastic as ever at 168 pounds:

Shelli Ziegler finds happiness in a smaller size

2008-09-10T10:21:00.004-05:00

Happy is as happy does. But Shelli Ziegler found that no matter what she was doing, she wasn't entirely happy. That's because worries about being overweight kept her self-esteem low.

Shelli was overweight for most of her life, and her eating habits were always to blame. She led a relatively active lifestyle, but she couldn't say no to the convenience of a fast food lunch or fried dinner. Plus, she rarely ate the right amount of fruits or vegetables.

At 223 pounds, she wasn't emotionally healthy either. Whenever Shelli was out in public, she felt like she was being judged. Her self-confidence was extremely low, and she assumed people thought less of her because of her weight.

After years of being unhappy with her appearance, Shelli decided to make a change. She had never successfully dieted before, so assumed it would be a long, hard battle. But then she found L A Weight Loss.

In October 2006, Shelli joined her local Eden Prairie, Minn., L A Weight Loss center. She was matched with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, who taught her about proper nutrition and portion sizes. Shelli realized that her diet was what was truly preventing her from being happy.

Thanks to her counselor, Shelli learned exactly what a healthy diet included. Now, she eats breakfast every day. And instead of eating large meals a few time a day, she eats smaller meals throughout the day. Shelli also cut back on her fried and fast food intake, and focuses on including fruits, vegetables, and lean meats into her daily meals.

With just a few diet adjustments, Shelli's weight started to decrease. And to speed up her weight loss process, she began exercising. Shelli exercises -- whether its walking, running, or lifting weights -- almost every day.

After less than two years on the program, Shelli's lost 79 pounds, and now weighs 144 pounds! Her confidence has greatly increased, and she's an overall happier person. She now has the energy to be more active with her son, which she didn't before.

Shelli feels like a much more active person. She loves going out and getting involved in everything she can now. And she doesn't hesitate to go out with her friends, because now she feels great about herself. And feeing great about herself reflects back on the way she feels about others. Everyone notices (and loves) the happier Shelli.

Way to go, Shelli!

Here's Shelli at 223 pounds:

And here she is today, looking fabulous at 144 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Michelle "Shelli" Ziegler
Hometown: Minnetonka, Minn.
Age: 31
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 223 pounds
Goal weight: 144 pounds
Current weight: 144 pounds
Program start date: October 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from family, friends, and co-workers.

Biggest obstacle: Getting passed the plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Seeing it and eating it.

New eating philosophy: Watching what she eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking and feeling so much better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Once you learn the amount of food to have and how to break it down, losing weight is easy.

Enter to win a chance to be an L A Weight Loss spokesperson

2008-09-08T09:43:00.003-05:00

If you're an L A Weight Loss client and have reached your goal weight, now is your opportunity to Express Your Success with L A Weight Loss's very own star search competition! Whether you've lost 20 pounds or 200 pounds, we want to hear about it!

What do you need to do to enter?

We don't need to go to Hollywood to get our stars. You are our "celebrities!" So express yourself -- and do it in the most original, creative way you can think of.

To enter, record a 20-25 second "creative commercial" of yourself highlighting your weight loss success in an artistic, imaginative, and innovative way. Have fun and be expressive! Your home video might be our next national commercial.

Then, complete the Express Your Success 2009 Star Search Contest Application and the Before and After submission form. Include at least two full-length before photos and two full-length after photos of yourself that show a significant physical change. Just send those in with your commercial and that's it! We'll do the rest.

How will the winners be chosen?

L A Weight Loss will choose up to five winners based on the quality of their applications, creative video, and before and after photos. We'll announce the winners and award prizes by Nov. 1.

What do the L A Stars win?

Our lucky winners will each receive:

One week, all-expenses-paid trip to Puerto Rico to participate in a national television commercial and print photo shoot.
A professional hair, makeup, and wardrobe consultation.
An appearance in L A Weight Loss's national television and print advertising campaign.
A chance to work with our public relations agency for national magazine placement and national publicity exposure.

When is the deadline?

You have until Oct. 15 to get your completed video, application, and before and after photos to us. We can't wait to see your creative commercials and the fun ways you express your success.

Download the official Express Yourself application here.

To qualify for this contest, send all materials to:

L A Weight Loss Franchise Company
Attn: Lauren Knarr
747 Dresher Road
Suite 150
Horsham, PA 19044
lknarr@la-weightloss.com

Snacking smart

2008-09-04T11:25:00.001-05:00

Late-night eating can be the downfall of many well-intentioned dieters. Whether the late-night munchies are out of habit, boredom, or actual hunger, they can result in the over ingestion of calories that tilt the scale in the wrong direction.

First, break the habit. Why are you eating? Are you really hungry or are you actually thirsty? A glass of water can sometimes curb that need to eat since thirst can be masked as hunger.

Second, change your patterns. Always snack while watching TV? Grab something each time you walk past the kitchen? Make a change and only allow yourself to eat while sitting at the dining table or before a certain time.

Lastly, what are you choosing? Do you find yourself with a bottomless bag of chips or with the ice cream container on your lap? Eating empty calories and high-fat foods before hitting the sack won't benefit you or the scale.

Here are some snacking suggestions when late-night hunger strikes:

For the sweet tooth

Sugar-free chocolate pudding made with skim milk. This is a good source of calcium, and can also be frozen on a stick for a cool treat.
Sugar-free Jell-O with blueberries or raspberries mixed in suspension. Blueberries and raspberries and high in fiber, which makes this more filling and the right portion to curb your sweet tooth.
Sugar-free jam on a toasted whole-grain light English muffin.

For the crunch craver

100-calorie snack pack with a glass of skim milk. The snack packs are small and don't give you enough calcium. But if you include a little milk, you'll feel more satisfied and keep calories under control.
Whole-grain crackers with two slices of reduced fat cheese. A good dose of fiber and calcium. Place on a plate and microwave for bite size crunchy treats.
Skim milk with one sheet (four pieces) of low-fat graham crackers. Boost your calcium and satisfy the cookie monster inside.

For the long snacker

Two to three cups of air popped or 97 percent fat-free popcorn. A filling snack that's high in fiber, and if eaten slowly, can last quite a while.
One teaspoon natural peanut or almond butter spread over apple wedges. A small amount of nut butter can increase satiety.
Cucumbers and red pepper sliced with fat-free dip. Vegetables are low-calorie, so you can have more and increase your snack satisfaction.

For the creamy coveter

One teaspoon natural peanut or almond butter spread over apple wedges. Not only does it fill you up and last long, but it satisfies the need for cream.
Six to eight ounces low-fat yogurt with one pretzel log. Use the pretzel instead of a spoon to slow your eating. Dip it in and enjoy each savory bite. Sweet and salty have always been a great pair.
Two to three Laughing Cow Light Cheese pressed into spine of celery stalks. Calcium, protein, and fiber. Need I say more?

Mike Zoladkiewicz gives thanks for his new weight

2008-09-03T09:26:00.007-05:00

Thanksgiving comes but once a year. But if you're a chronic over-eater, it could come every day. Just ask Mike Zoladkiewicz, who ate every meal until he was "Thanksgiving stuffed."

Mike had been a "big boy" his entire life. In second grade, his weight reached 100 pounds. By the time he was a senior in high school, he topped the scales at 300 pounds. And as college and post-college life rolled on, his weight continued to increase.

By his late twenties, Mike weighed 365 pounds. And his unhealthy diet kept his weight on the rise. He never monitored what he ate, and was constantly eating throughout the day. Plus, he was usually chowing down on fast and fried foods, which he ate until he was "Thanksgiving stuffed."

Mike was comfortable with his weight, and doctors always told him he was healthy as a horse. But at 6'4" and 365 pounds, he had trouble getting around. His ankles gave him trouble if he was walking for extended periods of time, and he never had the energy to get on the floor and play with his baby daughter or take her to the park.

Plus, shopping was always a hassle. Mike could only find clothes in big and tall stores, and never had many options. He wished he could just shop in regular clothing stores.

So when Mike heard about L A Weight Loss in November 2007, he decided to give it was time to give it a try. Mike joined his local Eggin, Minn., L A Weight Loss center and was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor.

Mike's counselor taught him how to incorporate healthy foods into his diet, without having to change his entire lifestyle. He can still eat the foods he loves, like pizza and beer, but he more closely monitors his portion sizes. Mike also incorporates fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water into his meals every day.

After nine months on the program, Mike has shed 94 pounds, and at 171 pounds, is well on his way to his goal weight of 365 pounds. Mike has been so successful, that he's even considering lowering his goal weight to 145 pounds.

Since dropping the pounds, Mike's entire approach to life has changed. He can exercise now, and has been regularly running 3 1/2 miles. And now he can shop at every store in the mall. He's never been able to do that before.

Best of all, Mike can spend more time playing with his daughter. He doesn't hesitate to get on the floor with her, and he loves taking her to the park and the pool.

Mike's weight loss has been an inspiration to those around him. He's received nothing but encouragement from his wife and family, and is so enthusiastic about the L A Weight Loss program, he finds himself talking about it constantly. Way to go, Mike! We're proud of you!

Here's Mike last year at 365 pounds:

And here he is today at a healthier 171 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Mike Zoladkiewicz
Hometown: Woodberry, Minn.
Age: 31
Height: 6'4"

Starting weight: 365 pounds
Goal weight: 265 pounds
Current weight: 271 pounds
Program start date: November 2007

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Keeping up with his daughter encouragement from his wife.

Biggest obstacle: Realizing he couldn't cheat the LAWL system, and keeping up the program while traveling.

Old eating philosophy: Eating until he was completely full.

New eating philosophy: Eating smaller portions more often.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting so many compliments.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink water like crazy, and don't ever skip breakfast!

Pam Harper gets a healthy dose of weight loss

2008-08-27T14:06:00.008-05:00

For some, to be happy and healthy is the ultimate goal in life. But as Pam Harper found out, it can be something simpler: To practice wise eating habits that prevent you from being either.

Pam had been on the heavy side for most of her life. But it wasn't until she became pregnant with her first child that weight became a serious problem. Pam started gaining, and just couldn't stop.

As the years flew by, her weight increased at a rapid pace. Before she knew it, Pam weighed 328 pounds. And her health suffered because of it. Pam lost her breath easily, and she couldn't comfortably work in her garden without breaking a sweat. She also suffered from lipedema, a condition that caused her legs to swell and made her tissue extremely sensitive to the touch.

Worst of all, Pam hated the way her weight made her feel emotionally. She was embarrassed when she was the heaviest person in the room, and never had any energy to do the things she wanted to do.

But then things took a turn for the worse. Pam was diagnosed with breast cancer, and treated the disease with surgery and radiation. Pam's doctors told her she absolutely needed to lose weight now, or risk being too large for the hospital machines that treated her cancer.

Pam had tried a number of diets in the past, but they all involved pre-packaged meals, and nothing taught her how to eat. As a result, she could never keep the weight off. So in September 2005, Pam joined her local Lexington, Ky., L A Weight Loss center. She was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, and for the first time ever, she learned what it takes to lead a healthy life.

Pam learned that how much you eat is just as important as what you eat. Her days of overindulgence were over, and portion control became her new mantra. Pam cut back on red meats and fast foods, and increased her intake of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

When she needed a sweet treat, Pam treated herself to an L A Lite bar. And the supplement drinks added variety and convenience to her diet plan.

After less than two years on the program, Pam has shed an incredible 153 pounds! And she couldn't be happier about her results. Pam can now work all day in her garden and still feel great. She doesn't get winded when walking anymore, and the swelling in her legs has drastically decreased. Pam's health is back on track, and now she knows she'll be around for a very long time.

Throughout her entire weight loss journey, Pam has received nothing but support from friends and family. Best of all, she loves being able to shop in regular stores, and buy cute new clothes in smaller sizes.

Way to go Pam! We're so proud of you!

Here's Pam at 328 pounds:

And here she is today at a happier, healthier 175 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Pam Harper
Hometown: Lexington, Ky.
Age: 59
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 328 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 175 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Sweets and fast food.

Biggest motivator: Losing weigh for herself and getting healthy.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting temptation.

Old eating philosophy: Overeating and chowing down on fast food and sweets.

New eating philosophy: Eating the right amounts of everything.

Best thing about losing weight: Not needing her medications anymore, and having so much more energy.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat the foods you enjoy, as long as you eat them in moderation.

Dee Lindamood leaves her wedding weight in the dust

2008-08-25T15:36:00.000-05:00

There's many women out there who wish they were the same size today as they were on their wedding day. But 28 years after her wedding, Dee Lindamood wanted to shed some major pounds, and leave her wedding weight in the dust.

Dee struggled with weight her entire life. As far back as she can remember, she had a few extra pounds to lug around. She hadn't been athletic, and her diet was lacking. Dee didn't eat particularly unhealthy foods, but she ate too much of everything on her plate.

In particular, she chowed down on breads and heavy starches. When Dee went out to eat, she could often eat an entire loaf of bread before the main course even arrived. And as her age increased, so did her weight.

Dee struggled emotionally and physically because of her weight. At 300 pounds, she had constant knee, joint, feet, and back pain. And she couldn't walk far without losing her breath. Plus, at her weight she knew it wouldn't be long before she was plagued with illnesses that ran in her family, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.

Even worse, Dee was embarrassed to be seen in public, especially with her husband and daughter, who didn't have weight problems. She always felt like people were looking at her and judging her. And she hated never being able to shop in "regular" women's stores.

But Dee didn't want it to be this way. She knew she was a good mom, but she wanted to get healthy so she could be an even better one (and eventually, a great grandmother too). After a number of failed diet attempts, Dee decided to try L A Weight Loss.

In September 2007, she joined her local Hickory, N.C., L A Weight Loss center, where she was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor. Her counselor helped Dee see the error of her eating ways, and create a diet plan that fit her life.

Dee cut back on all the carbs and starches, and she added more fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, and water to her diet. Now, instead of steak, Dee will have fish. Instead of a baked potato, she'll have a salad. And instead of a Dr. Pepper, she'll have a glass of water.

With these little changes, Dee saw big results. Almost immediately, Dee started to shed pounds. And as her weight decreased, her confidence and energy increased. Before long, Dee was sweating it out with other gym-goers at her local athletic club. Then the pounds really melted away.

After less than a year on the program, Dee has lost a total of 155 pounds! At 145 pounds, she's 5 pounds lighter than her goal weight (and 35 pounds lighter than she was on her wedding day almost 30 years ago)!

Dee she feels like her entire life has changed. Her relationship with her husband is better than ever, and she's thankful to him for his constant support throughout her entire weight loss process.

She can do things that she couldn't do before, such as ride amusement park rides, wear cute clothes, play with kids on the floor, fit into restaurant booths, and work out for extended periods of time.

Best of all, she feels great. She loves going shopping with her husband at regular department stores, and feels great when he picks our something totally feminine for her. Congratulations, Dee! We're proud of you!

Here's Dee weighing in at 300 pounds:

And here she is today, looking fit and fabulous at 145 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Dee Lindamood
Hometown: Newton, N.C.
Age: 47
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 300 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: September 2007

Favorite food: Flat Bread.

Biggest temptation: Resisting the bread at restaurants.

Biggest motivator: Getting constant support from her husband.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting brownies and other sweets in the lunch room at work.

Old eating philosophy: Constantly eating bread and butter, pasta, pizza, potatoes, nachos and soda.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with flat bread, salad, vegetables, and fish; and drinking more water

Best thing about losing weight: Fitting into a size 8.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat what you love and lose weight.

Summer party fun without the fuss

2008-08-22T14:20:00.003-05:00

Summer is almost over, but with Labor Day upon us there are still some great parties to be had! Only problem is, you’re beat! With all the summer grilling and partying, we know your exhausted. So we've put together some of our simpler summer snack recipes to make it through your last summer hurrah.

Creamed Crab & Veggie Dip

Ingredients:

2 oz. part-skim ricotta cheese
1 Tbsp. low-fat mayonnaise
4 oz. skim milk
2 cups fresh chopped artichoke hearts
3 green onions, chopped
1/4 red pepper, chopped
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup fresh raw spinach
1 oz. shredded reduced-fat cheese (recommend Monterrey Jack or Mozzarella)
4 oz. fresh crabmeat
1/4 tsp. hot sauce
Nonfat cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).

Spray casserole dish with nonfat cooking spray.

In small bowl, combine ricotta, mayonnaise, and skim milk. Stir well and set aside.

Spray medium skillet with nonfat cooking spray. Add artichokes, onion, pepper, garlic powder, and garlic. Sauté 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Add spinach, hot sauce, vegetable mixture, and crabmeat to cheese mixture.

Stir in 3/4 oz. shredded cheese and place in a casserole dish.

Bake 15 minutes, stir mixture well and then top with remaining 1/4 oz. of cheese.

Bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly.

Serve over roasted veggies or as a dip for crackers and fresh veggies.

Balsamic Grilled Bruschetta

Ingredients:

10 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

2 to 3 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped

2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese, shredded

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1/2 tsp. lite salt

1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper

1 loaf French bread, cut into 12 slices

In a bowl, toss together tomatoes, basil, garlic, cheese, oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper.

Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, to allow flavors to meld.

Meanwhile, grill bread until lightly browned.

Divide tomato mixture evenly among sliced bread before serving. If desired, garnish with extra basil and an extra drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

For more delicious summer dishes to squeeze in before white goes out of style, check out the L A Lite Cookbook.

North Carolina mom gets back into her "skinny clothes"

2008-08-15T13:02:00.001-05:00

When your pre-baby weight is a not-so-distant memory, it can be great motivation to get back to what you once weighed. With clothes in the closet that once fit, and pictures proving it wasn't a dream, shedding the baby weight becomes a reachable goal, rather than a dreadful chore. That was exactly the motivation new mom Erin Crouse needed.

Although Erin didn't struggle with weight as a child, she fluctuated a bit after her marriage. She made wise food choices, but she overate at most meals. Despite her healthy diet, portion control was not something she knew how to get a grip of.

After the birth of her son, Landon, in April 2007, 173-pound Erin was determined to get back to her pre-baby weight of 140 pounds. She ate healthy foods and exercised as often as possible, walking at any chance she got. The first 20 pounds came off immediately, but then the scale was stuck.

Erin struggled to shed the pounds for a year, but nothing worked. She was set to be the maid of honor in her brother-in-law's wedding, and with Landon's first birthday quickly approaching, Erin knew it was time to get help with weight loss. So in March 2008, she joined her local Hickory, N.C., L A Weight Loss center.

For Erin, L A Weight Loss was a stab in the dark. She had heard good things, but didn't know anyone personally who had been on the program. Her trust was in the hands of her counselor. Erin admits the first couple of days were an adjustment, but after she became comfortable with the program, she realized she was eating more than she had before the program, and weight was coming off easily.

Soon after starting the program though, Erin was diagnosed with subacute cutaneous Lupus, and was put on a steroid medication with a common side effect of weight gain. Despite this possible setback, Erin kept her spirits high, and continued to see the pounds disappear as she worked with the L A Weight Loss program.

By May of this year, Erin's weight dropped down to 150 pounds, just in time for the wedding. Now Erin enjoys the healthy foods she loves, but knows how to control her portions. She loves high-fiber cereal with nuts and milk for breakfast, and grilled chicken with veggies for dinner. In between she eats yogurt, fruits, vegetables, and L A Lite bars for healthy snacks.

Erin's lost a total of 35 pounds, and feels great at her new weight of 138 pounds. She feels more confident and loves the response she's gotten from friends and family. Her husband now calls her "skinny mini!"

To celebrate her new weight, Erin's gone shopping ... in her closet! The "skinny" clothes that were once daunting are now her daily wardrobe. And Erin says it feels great to be able to buy whatever she wants when she does go shopping for something new.

Plus, her lower weight means more energy. Good thing Erin is getting her fill of exercise chasing after her son. Congratulations, Erin! You look great!

Here is Erin in March at 173 pounds:

And here she is looking slender at 138 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Erin Crouse
Hometown: Hickory, N.C.
Age: 29
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 173 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 138 pounds
Program start date: March 2008

Favorite food: Popcorn.

Biggest temptation: Sweets, especially ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the scale go down and the supportive girls in her office.

Biggest obstacle: Taking a steroid notorious for weight gain.

Old eating philosophy: Limiting food, eating lots of salad, and not eating the right way.

New eating philosophy: Eating more frequently and having a larger variety of foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Loving that she's feel like her old self again.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eating smaller meals and snacks is a great way to keep your metabolism going.

Update: Arianna Chavez sticks with it

2008-08-13T15:58:00.007-05:00

Last year, we introduced you to Arianna Chavez. Since joining L A Weight Loss in 2006, Arianna has lost 154 pounds. And after two years, she's kept it off -- every last pound!

Arianna's experience has shown her that L A Weight Loss isn't a diet, it's a life-long dedication to good health. Congrats on keeping it off! We're proud of you, Arianna!

Here she is today:

FAST FACTS

Name: Arianna Chavez
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Age: 28
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 307 pounds
Goal weight: 147 pounds
Current weight: 153 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Her homemade ground turkey salad.

Biggest temptation: French fries.

Biggest motivator: Her best friend Leslie.

Biggest obstacle: Learning how to cook.

Old eating philosophy: Eating on the run.

New eating philosophy: Planning meals ahead.

Best thing about losing weight: Having a lot more energy and feeling better every day.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink lots of water! It can really make a big difference in your weight loss journey.

The truth about red meat

2008-08-11T16:32:00.001-05:00

To eat or not to eat, that is the question about red meat. For years there have been varying opinions on the health benefits or disadvantages to eating red meat. Settle the question once and for all with our L A Weight Loss nutritionist, Sandra Maltzman.

Sydney Bowen empties the nest and dumps the weight

2008-08-08T08:52:00.010-05:00

For parents, when all the kids move out and the nest is empty, it can be difficult adjusting to the new household dynamic. But it's also an opportunity to try to new things. For Sydney Bowen, the empty nest was the push to take control of her obesity and get her life back on track.

Weight had been an issue for Sydney since childhood. Sydney remembers being left home alone after school and turning to food for comfort. Her parents both worked and her siblings had their own lives. To fill the time, Sydney snacked.

She started her first diet program at age 11, attending a weight loss center with her mom. As the youngest of five, she became her mother’s dieting sidekick.

Still, she couldn't help but indulge in Chinese, Mexican, and McDonalds. Never a big fan of sweets, Sydney enjoyed "real" food, in large quantities. She enjoyed eating out, and loved to fill her plate at barbecues. But food was only a temporary comfort. Sydney was miserable most of the time, toting around at 283 pounds.

Then Sydney got one of the worst scares of her life. She was diagnosed with borderline type-2 diabetes. But she was immune to insulin, and had to take pills to maintain her health and prevent full development of the condition.

With a family history of diabetes, Sydney feared she was headed down the same unhealthy path. She also had borderline high blood pressure, but refrained from medication. She needed to lose weight to get her health back on track.

Sydney's doctor prescribed her a diet pill. She lost 80 pounds on the medication, although eventually became immune to its effects and gained back the 80 pounds, plus some.

She felt miserable and couldn’t bear to feel that way, especially after all of her children moved out. She didn't want to be alone, unhealthy, and depressed.

She considered gastric bypass surgery, but realized it was too expensive. Then she saw L A Weight Loss member Sharla Pincock on the cover of People Magazine's Half Their Size issue, and on TV. Sharla's success inspired Sydney, and she decided to join L A Weight Loss.

She was matched up with a personal weight loss counselor, who taught her how to eat her favorite foods in the right portions. Sydney learned to not eat for pleasure, but eat to live. She cut out fast food, and instead filled up on healthy amounts of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole-grain carbs.

Today, Sydney is 125 pounds lighter. She weighs 158, just three pounds away from her goal weight of 155 pounds. Sydney no longer needs diabetes medication and has stopped taking diet pills. She vows never to take a diet pill again, and encourages others to do the same.

The reaction of family members and friends who haven’t seen her for a while is enough to keep her going on her path to success. She’s gotten to this place by mentally committing to losing weight.

She continues to eat healthy foods, including fruits, veggies, chicken, and fish. A new habit of Sydney’s is preparing her own food. She still eats out occasionally, but enjoys having control of what goes into her meals, and how much. Now, when she goes to a barbecue, she doesn’t feel the need to fill her plate. Sydney also enjoys L A Lites to curb her occasional sweet craving.

Pleasure in the little things is what Sydney loves most about her weight loss. She can play with her grandkids, shop anywhere, and fit comfortably into a waiting room chair. She even got a trampoline! Sydney jumps daily, a pastime that she had forgotten when her weight got in the way.

Most impressive is Sydney’s recent accomplishment of running in two 5K marathons. She is now training for the 1/2 marathon next year in Salt Lake City. For Sydney, training for these marathons is a hobby. Great choice of a hobby! Good for you, Sydney!

Here is Sydney at 283 pounds:

And here she is today, looking great at 158 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Sydney Bowen
Hometown: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Age: 43
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 283 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 158 pounds
Program start date: Jan. 2, 2007

Favorite food: Cheesy Taco Salad in the L A Weight Loss cookbook.

Biggest temptation: Mexican food.

Biggest motivator: Being able to pick up her grandchildren.

Biggest obstacle: Falling into a plateau.

Old eating philosophy: Eating tacos, enchiladas, chips and salsa, McDonalds, and Chinese daily.

New eating philosophy: Cooking chicken, turkey, fish, broccoli, spinach, salad, and strawberries instead of going out.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting off of type-2 diabetes medicine and feeling healthy.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's all about your mindset.

Tragedy inspires Judi Matts to drop half her size

2008-08-06T13:22:00.010-05:00

Judi Matts didn’t wake up one morning and decide to lose weight. A series of events played out in her life which sparked her desire to get healthy.

As a child, Judi was overweight. She is one of five girls, and among them, three have been obese their whole lives. Two are “model skinny,” as Judi likes to put it.

When she reached 322 pounds, Judi felt all she could do was eat food and go to the movies. She wasn’t social at all. She was afraid that if she tried to do fun things, she would fail and be embarrassed. One her worst fears was sitting in a seat that was too small for her.

The side effects of Judi's obesity were largely fatigue and knee pain. Her sister, however, wasn't doing well. At age 46, Judi’s sister came down with pneumonia, bringing with it a host of negative side effects.

Then tragedy struck. She was discovered in a coma one day in her home, and passed away shortly thereafter in the hospital.

The sudden death of her sister in 2001 was an eye-opener for Judi. It made her wonder how much she might be cutting her life short by being overweight.

But she didn't take action to correct the situation until a year later. That's when she was in a life-threatening car accident. She survived, but it was by a mere chance. That made Judi finally realize how precious her life is, and important it is to be healthy and safe.

Around that time, a friend told her about the success she was having with L A Weight Loss. She was feeling great after losing 85 pounds, and Judi wanted to feel that way, too.

She joined L A Weight Loss in 2003, and hasn’t looked back. Judi remembers inspirational words from her L A Weight Loss counselor on her first day with the program: "You have done the hardest thing by walking through those doors," said her counselor. "We are here to help you with the rest. You can do it."

It was just what she needed to hear. From that point, adjusting her eating plan was easy. Judi used L A Lite bars to curb her sweet cravings. She also prepared food in advance so that it would fit her regimen. For Judi, it was all about conscious eating and making good choices. Drinking plenty of water was a staple, too.

A great source of motivation for Judi was pampering herself along the journey. With every milestone she treated herself with a facial, pedicure, spa visit, or shopping spree. And the result? She lost 172 pounds!

Today, at 150 pounds, Judi has maintained her weight loss for three years. She can walk and breathe freely. She can also shop stress-free, because she can fit into fashionable clothes.

Instead of living to eat, Judi now eats to live. She participates in life instead of watching it pass by. With her sister and friend as motivation, Judi was able to kick her bad habits and become healthy.

In fact, she recently went shopping with one of her “model thin” sisters and they had a great time. Family and friends have been great motivation for Judi.

Judi knows that if she goes back to how she ate before she will look that way, too. Her habits now are a way of life. Having maintained her weight loss for three years, this way of life is clearly working. What an inspiration Judi is for those at the start of their journey! Congrats, Judi!

Here she is at 322 pounds:

And here she is today, at 150 pounds, three years after reaching her goal. Wow, you still got it, Judi!

FAST FACTS

Name: Judi Matts
Hometown: Orem, Utah
Age: 52
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 322 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 150 pounds
Program start date: 2003

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Recognizing the need to live life to the fullest.

Biggest obstacle: Thinking that food was in control.

Old eating philosophy: Eating as a way to experience emotions.

New eating philosophy: Thinking, "eat to live, not live to eat."

Best thing about losing weight: Getting to shop comfortably!

Best weight loss secret learned: Never forget this: If you weigh 300 pounds, it is because you eat that way. Eat the foods that support your lifestyle and your weight will reflect that.

Go ahead, fill up your plate!

2008-08-04T11:34:00.001-05:00

A diet by definition is the sum of foods consumed. Your diet and "you going on a diet" are not one in the same. Yes, cutting back on snack foods such as French fries and chips can stop weight gain or even loosen a tight pair of pants, but it won't improve your "diet."

Eating the right foods to promote good health, strong bones, ample energy, and weight control should be the focus of your daily sum of foods consumed. Cutting back on foods that result in a poor diet might lower the number on the scale, but it won't improve your long-term health.

Rather, healthy foods and larger portions of the right foods can help you feel your best without hunger pains or the feeling of being on a diet. Go ahead, fill your plate, but be sure to include all the following in your diet on a daily basis:

Fresh fruits. Adding fresh fruits such as berries to your breakfast cereal or morning oatmeal (instead of table sugar) will add flavor, fiber, countless nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Aim for two to three servings per day.

Fresh or frozen vegetables. Vegetables (not coated in butter or cheese sauce) are extremely low in calories and are super filling. Not to mention they also contain fiber, countless nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Your plate should be piled high (within reason) with fresh vegetables at both lunch and dinner. Hungry? Pack fresh veggies to go! Items such as cherry tomatoes and baby carrots fit easily in the gym bag or purse, and are a good choice when hunger strikes.

Whole grains. The low-carb craze has come and gone. They are called fad diets for a reason. Carbohydrates are necessary. They are your body's quickest source of energy. And omitting a food group in it’s entirely is not smart, and won’t lead to long-term weight control.

The thing to remember is that all breads and starches are not created equal. White breads and starches can lead to weight gain because they are not as filling as their fibrous counterparts, and are often over consumed. Instead of floppy white bread and pasta, choose multi-grain breads, whole-wheat pasta, and hearty grains. They are more filling and will increase your daily fiber intake.

Dairy. If you are not consuming skim milk or low-fat yogurt on a daily basis, you are missing out. Dairy is filling; nutrient packed; and a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Dairy also has a reported link to weight regulation and bone strength.

Take advantage and include two to three servings of low-fat dairy in your diet daily. Chocoholic? Make 8 oz. of skim milk into a chocolate treat with fat-free, sugar-free pudding. No one said your sum of foods consumed couldn’t include dessert!

This advice is something I tell all of our L A Weight Loss clients, which helps them learn lifelong good nutrition skills and form healthy habits. There's no hunger or deprivation, just plates full of the right foods in the right portions!

L A Weight Loss counselor practices what she preaches

2008-07-31T13:35:00.011-05:00

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

2008-07-30T10:06:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-29T13:37:00.009-05:00

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

2008-07-25T15:13:00.000-05:00

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

2008-07-25T10:46:00.005-05:00

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

2008-07-21T11:27:00.000-05:00

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

2008-07-18T14:51:00.007-05:00

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

2008-07-17T15:44:00.005-05:00

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

2008-07-16T09:44:00.009-05:00

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

2008-07-11T16:01:00.001-05:00

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

2008-07-10T16:15:00.001-05:00

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

2008-07-08T09:43:00.001-05:00

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

2008-07-03T12:50:00.001-05:00

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

2008-07-02T12:37:00.008-05:00

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

2008-07-01T14:42:00.004-05:00

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.

Glenna Vandergon's weighting time is over

2008-06-26T10:34:00.000-05:00

It's nice to think we'll be healthy forever. But for most of us, something inevitably arises that reminds us to take better care of ourselves. For Glenna Vandergon, that something was being diagnosed as pre-diabetic.

Glenna struggled with her weight as a child. She was an active kid, but filled up on empty calories and not enough fruits and vegetables.

She took these habits into adulthood. Glenna's mother was overweight, and Glenna knew she was on the same path to a lifetime of obesity.

At 270 pounds in her 50s, Glenna was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. She already had arthritis and high blood pressure, and if she didn't take better care of herself -- and fast -- she would soon open the door to even more health problems.

She had no time to spare. Glenna tried dieting. She was able to lose weight, but then discovered one of her thyroid glands wasn't working. And just like that, she gained all of her weight back. No matter how hard she tried, Glenna couldn't shed the weight again.

Then in June 2007, she decided to try L A Weight Loss. Glenna joined her local Eagan Prairie, Minn., L A Weight Loss center, and was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor. Her counselor taught her the ABCs of a healthy lifestyle. Glenna realized that not only what she was eating, but when she was eating was contributing to her weight gain.

Glenna portioned her food into smaller meals throughout the day, starting with a good breakfast. She cut back on starches, carbs, and fried foods, and boosted her daily intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and water.

Since joining L A Weight loss, Glenna's lost 76 pounds! Now at 194, she's getting closer to her goal weight of 150 everyday. But she notices the benefits of healthy eating in more areas of her life than just weight.

Glenna has more stamina, lower blood pressure, reduced arthritis, and higher self confidence. By incorporating walking and a stationary bike into her daily routine, Glenna is now able to make it around the block and then some. Most days she walks over a mile.

To stay on track, Glenna says the support of her husband and family has been a huge help. And as her 40th anniversary approaches, Glenna has high hopes for fitting into her wedding dress -- a personal goal she set at the beginning of her weight loss journey.

Great job, Glenna! Looks like a healthier life "a-weights!"

Here's Glenna in 2007 at 270 pounds:

And here she is in 2008, happy at 194 pounds:

FAST FACTS:

Name: Glenna Vandergon
Hometown: Chaska, Minn.
Age: 57
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 270 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 194 pounds
Program start date: June, 2007

Favorite food: Tilapia.

Biggest temptation: Having to go in the kitchen and cook.

Biggest motivator: The way her husband looks at her.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past the everyday temptations.

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

New eating philosophy: Eating the right foods at the right times, in the right portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling her husband wrap his arms all the way around her.

Best weight loss secret learned: Just because you're on a diet, doesn't mean you're going to go hungry.

Breakfast is for champions

2008-06-24T10:30:00.001-05:00

It can be hard to wake up in the morning with time to spare for a meal. But breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all. So don't forget about it! It's been proven that those who eat a healthy breakfast every day are more likely to be of normal weight or more successful on a weight loss regimen.

To start the day off right, be sure to include whole-grain cereals, low-fat milk, and fresh fruit in your breakfast. If you're not convinced why, here are some of breakfast's benefits:

1. Boosts metabolism. Eating breakfast gets your metabolism running right away, which helps you shed weight the whole day. You'll also have extra energy for the day.

2. Can be simple. Breakfast doesn't have to be a three-course meal planned out the night before. It can be as simple as a couple of hardboiled eggs or a bowl of high fiber cereal with low-fat milk and an apple as you walk out the door.

3. Turns back the clock. Breakfast intake declines with age, while weight increases with age. Is there a link? People who eat a healthy breakfast are shown to have a lower body mass index (BMI), and be in better overall health than those who skip breakfast. Keep yourself young with a yogurt and fruit in the morning.

4. Supplies important nutrients when you need them most. If planned correctly, breakfast can be a great source of calcium, Vitamin D, B-Vitamins, and other commonly fortified nutrients. Breakfast is also a great opportunity to boost your daily fiber intake, which holds its own host of health benefits.

You can bet I never skip breakfast, and hopefully now, you won't either! Stay tuned for more healthy tips from L A Weight Loss!

Alora Gaddy wins grand prize in Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge

2008-06-23T11:33:00.001-05:00

Alora Gaddy's life is much peachier today. She's been crowned winner of the first-ever Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge! CONGRATS, ALORA!

The competition challenged 10 Atlanta women to reach their goal weight in six months by following the L A Weight Loss program, and incorporating Controltrim into their menu plan. Controltrim is a U.S.D.A.-developed powder made of 100 percent oat bran used to replace fat in desserts, dressings, and other foods and recipes.

Alora went from 188 to 148 pounds, and size 16 to 8, to claim the grand prize: a $1,000 shopping spree for a new, slimmer wardrobe. Here she is receiving her prize:

Doesn't she look stunning? Check out her before and after photos too.

The contestants weighed in once a week at their local L A Weight Loss centers, maintained a daily diary of meals, and incorporated Controltrim into their menu plans. The contestants also met with their L A Weight Loss personal counselor three times a week for one-on-one nutritional advice, custom meal planning, and supportive counseling.

Alora had originally decided to join the L A Weight Loss program when her sister-in-law Donna joined. The two did everything together and knew they would be successful if they had each other to lean on.

The final decision to join came when Alora realized she was about to hit the 200-pound mark and could no longer play with her grandkids the way she used to.

"Alora's success shows that healthy weight loss can be as simple as following a customized meal plan that incorporates portion control and personalized counseling into your lifestyle," said Sarah Landreyou, Center Manager at L A Weight Loss and Alora Gaddy’s personal counselor throughout the challenge.

By optionally adding Controltrim to L A Weight Loss's approach to menu planning, Alora steadily lost weight at a comfortable pace, without having to sacrifice her favorite foods or make drastic lifestyle changes. She's a role model for any woman who wants to regain control over their weight and their life."

Texas mom gets Ph.D. in weight loss

2008-06-20T15:52:00.010-05:00

Getting a Ph.D. is a full-time job. So is raising a family. Put those two together, and it's hard to make time for anything else, like caring for your health. Just ask Ruby Wiley-Rendon.

Ruby had been athletic for most of her young life. Once she entered college, however, her sports participation dipped and her weight spiked.

After giving birth to her first child, she ballooned to 212 pounds. She tried a number of diet tricks and fads, but nothing kept the weight off. She was constantly yo-yoing.

By the time Ruby gave birth to her second child, she was frustrated with the weight loss game. She tried exercising, but not even that could reduce her weight. And as a full-time mom and graduate student, she didn't have time to waste on gimmicks.

Then, while shopping for clothes with her mom, Ruby couldn't fit into her usual size 18. Staring into the mirror and holding a pair of size 20 pants, Ruby knew once and for all that she needed to get healthy.

A friend in her Ph.D. program suggested L A Weight Loss. In June 2007, Ruby decided to give it a try. She joined her local Lubbock, Texas, L A Weight Loss center, and was matched up with a personal weight loss counselor, who helped her learn the ins and outs of healthy eating.

Ruby gave up her usual diet of super-sized fast foods, fried foods, starches, and sodas. She replaced it with grilled meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Ruby loved that she could still eat many of her favorite foods, simply by enjoying them in moderation. For example, if she had a small piece fried chicken for lunch, she had a salad for dinner.

It wasn't long before the pounds started melting away. By September of that year, Ruby lost 45 pounds. And that only motivated her to lose more. It's been one year since Ruby joined L A Weight Loss, and she's lost a total of 102 pounds and now weighs 110 pounds.

Ruby's success has motivated others to join L A Weight Loss too, including her mother and husband. Now, Ruby weighs in with her mom every other week to keep her spirits and weight loss ambitions high.

Since losing weight, Ruby enjoys the little things in life so much more. Getting in and out of the car is no longer difficult like it was before. She loves shopping for cute clothes more than ever. This past March, Ruby wore a bathing suit for the first time in nine years! Way to go, Ruby!

Here's Ruby in 2007 at 212 pounds:

And here she is today looking fit and fabulous at 110:

FAST FACTS

Name: Ruby Wiley-Rendon
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
Age: 28
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 212 pounds
Goal weight: 115 pounds
Current weight: 110 pounds
Program start date: October 2007

Favorite food: Mexican

Biggest temptation: Restaurant food.

Biggest motivator: Weighing in at the center each week.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding carbs.

Old eating philosophy: Eating fried foods and starches every day.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with grilled chicken, salad, fruits, and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling young again.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still lose weight while eating out at restaurants.

Curb your cravings at work

2008-06-18T15:45:00.002-05:00

I know it can be a struggle sitting at a desk all day, especially with the beautiful weather right outside your window. I’ve tried to make it a little easier on you by putting together some tips to get you through the day -- with snacks.

During the work day, people often look for a quick and easy (and usually unhealthy) fix for their cravings. Foods high in carbohydrates and empty calories are often abundant and easy to find, such as vending machine pretzels, snack cakes, birthday lunches, take-out food, and candy from the desk of the person next door are common office downfalls.

But the secret is to plan ahead, and bring foods that pack more nutrition per bite!

1. Planning is key. You don’t go to meetings unprepared, and you shouldn't go to work unprepared either. Part of that means taking some time to plan snacks that increase your energy and reduce your waistline.

2. Trade in your simple carbs for more complex carbs. Fiber is important for overall health and can help curb hunger. A baggie with a cup of high fiber breakfast cereal is a great snacking option if you like to graze. Try the new All Bran with Strawberries. It’s a step away from boring bran flakes and provides 8 grams of fiber per serving.

3. Make protein a priority. Make your own merger by combining protein with carbohydrates. Combining protein and carbs helps keeps blood sugars more stable and can also provide increased satisfaction and satiety. Below I have provided some great combo ideas.

* 1 to 2 Tbsp. of reduced fat or all-natural nut butter spread on apple wedges

* Two hardboiled eggs with baby carrots. They're finger friendly when you can’t get away from your desk.

* Two or three Laughing Cow Reduced Fat cheese wedges pressed on a Multigrain, reduced-calorie English muffin. A great combo of calcium and fiber and my personal favorite!

* Cheese wedges can also be pressed into the spine of celery for a refreshing snack.

* Homemade trail mix with whole almonds, shredded wheat, and raisins. Sweet and crunchy!

* A cup of low-fat yogurt with fresh or frozen blueberries. If you prepare this at home to enjoy in the office, frozen berries keep yogurt cold on your travels and defrost with added juice that blends with the yogurt for a calcium-packed treat.

* Roll it up! Reduced fat cold cuts with a slice of cheese roll up quickly and are ready to go.

* Single serve reduced fat cottage cheese with added pineapple. Quick, easy, and high in protein and calcium. Enjoy with a few reduced fat wheat crackers for an added crunch.

For more fun snack recipes, pick up the L A Lite cookbook at your local center and check back later for more helpful tips to keep you on track!

Two recipes for your July 4th BBQ party

2008-06-16T11:23:00.006-05:00

The summer is here and grills are being fired up! There's no doubt that summertime is a meat lover’s delight with steaks, burgers, and hot dogs galore at every barbecue.

To keep things healthy, we've picked out some of our favorite meat recipes to feed the craving. The best part of these recipes is that you can add any vegetable to kick your meal up a notch.

Beef Dijon

4 oz beef flank steak
1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
5 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup water
1/2 packet low-sodium beef bouillon
1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 Tbsp. flour
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 cup fresh asparagus spears
Nonfat cooking spray

Rub pepper on both sides of the steak.

Broil steak, 3 inches from heat, for 6 minutes. Turn steak over and brown for 6-8 more minutes. Keep warm, allowing to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Coat skillet with nonfat cooking spray. Combine mushrooms, green onion, half the water, and beef bouillon; cook until mushrooms are tender.

Mix the remaining water and steak. Add to pan. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Mix yogurt, flour, and mustard. Stir into mushroom mixture. Cool and stir until thickened.

Cook asparagus by microwaving or steaming.

Thinly slice steak against the grain. Arrange steak slices and asparagus on dinner plate. Serve with sauce.

Mushroom and Swiss Burger

Hamburger patty
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 green onion, sliced
2 oz reduced-fat Swiss cheese
Nonfat cooking spray

Coat small skillet with nonfat cooking spray.

Place mushrooms, garlic powder, and onion in skillet and sauté over medium heat until mushrooms are fully cooked.

Place mushrooms on top of burger.

Place cheese on burger and place on grill or under broiler to melt cheese.

For more healthy L A Weight Loss summer recipes, visit your local center and pick up a copy of the L A Lite cookbook.

Gadzooks! Donna Gaddy's lost again!

2008-06-13T10:59:00.002-05:00

Donna Gaddy is back with another weight loss update, just in time for summer! Donna faced a few challenges last month, such as not being able to exercise after undergoing surgery, but she still managed to stay on track. She's lost a total of 55 pounds, and hopes to ramp up her exercise routine this month to drop even more during the summer months ahead. Way to go Donna!

Camille and Brady Orchard grow thin together

2008-06-11T13:05:00.005-05:00

Camille and Brady Orchard took two different paths to get there, but the Idaho Falls, Idaho, couple both wound up in the same unhealthy place -- obesity.

For Camille, weight problems began when she had the first of the couple's four children. She gained 60 pounds with their first child, and a little bit more with each one after that. Eventually, her weight ballooned to 203 pounds.

Even more frustrating for Camille -- her entire family was thin. Camille had tried dieting in the past, even taking dangerous medications, but she never learned how to make a clean break from her unhealthy eating habits.

Brady gained weight consistently through college. When he graduated, he was up to 240 pounds. Brady's first job kept him in the office, stuck behind a computer for long hours. When he had time to eat, it was usually soda, candy, and other junk food.

Brady was heavy, but didn't know he had health problems until he was rejected for a blood drive. It turned out he was on the path to diabetes, and was forced to take a smorgasbord of prescription medications to control it.

The couple was spent. They couldn't stand being overweight any longer. They remembered something their friends had told them about: L A Weight Loss. They lost weight on the program, and were keeping it off.

So in February 2007, Camille and Brady went to their local Idaho Falls, Idaho, L A Weight Loss center and received one-on-one counseling to shed the pounds together. They learned about the healthy alternatives to their favorite foods, and how reducing portions sizes can reduce their clothes sizes, too.

Today, Brady and Camille have cut out the fast food, and grill or cook with the crock pot instead of frying. They're also drinking more water than ever before.

Brady's not a big vegetable guy, but he's working more greens into every portion. Breakfasts are filled with yogurt, pineapple, cottage cheese, and sometimes a protein bar for balance.

But Brady and Camille haven't changed just their diet. They're boosting their heart rates with consistent exercise. Camille is hitting the treadmill four to five days a week, and also works in crunches and bicep curls. Brady likes the bike better, and peddles 45 minutes, five days a week.

All the hard work is paying off for the Orchards. Brady's lost 81 pounds so far, and currently weighs 199 pounds. Camille has dropped 56, now weighing 147 pounds. Both have surpassed their goal weights. And while the couple's weight is steadily going down, their self confidence is soaring.

Camille says she's no longer embarrassed to play with her kids on the playground, or take them swimming. She loves buying new clothes to fit her new figure. Brady's off all of his medications and got a new job, which reduced his stress level quite a bit.

Best of all, the couple feels happier together now that they're 137 pounds lighter. The lessons they've learned with L A Weight Loss will stay with them forever, and the couple is setting a healthier example for their kids. Congrats, you two!

Here's Camille at 203 pounds:

And here she is today, at 147 pounds:

Here's Brady at his old 280 pounds:

And here he is is today at 199 pounds. Wow, looking great, guys!

FAST FACTS

Name: Camille Orchard
Hometown: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Age: 34
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 203 pounds
Goal weight: 148 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: February 2007

Favorite food: Tilapia and Halibut.

Biggest temptation: Eating chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Weighing in three times a week, and getting support from her husband.

Biggest obstacle: Making time for exercise and the kids.

Old eating philosophy: Living to eat.

New eating philosophy: Eating to live.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling more confident and happy.

Best weight loss secret learned: Sugar-free Jell-o and two tablespoons of fat-free Cool Whip is a great, no-guilt snack.

Name: Brady Orchard
Hometown: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Age: 34
Height: 5'11"

Starting weight: 280 pounds
Goal weight: 210 pounds
Current weight: 199 pounds
Program start date: February 2007

Favorite food: Mexican food.

Biggest temptation: Chops and salt.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthier every week with Camille by his side.

Biggest obstacle: Having snacks around.

Old eating philosophy: Satisfying his appetite immediately.

New eating philosophy: Thinking before he eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Knowing that he's added years to his life.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's all about the right portion sizes.

Get a moo-ve on for National Dairy Month

2008-06-09T13:40:00.005-05:00

Did you know June is National Dairy Month? Did you also know that dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt contain nine essential nutrients that help you manage your weight and reduce your risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers?

I recently sat down with Sandra Maltzman, who gave me the full story on all that dairy has to offer, just in time to kick off National Dairy month. Listen in, and you'll learn that no matter how hot it is, milk is always a cool choice.

Monica King's weight loss featured in First For Women Magazine

2008-06-05T08:30:00.000-05:00

When we first introduced you to Monica King in 2007, the Texas native was getting a new lease on life after losing 112 pounds with L A Weight Loss. Now others are starting to notice too. Monica's fantastic new figure will grace the pages of the June 9 edition of First For Women Magazine.

Monica's story is part of a larger piece on the importance of incorporating micronutrient-rich superfoods into meals. To see Monica in her stunning red dress, pick up a copy of the magazine on news shelves Monday.

Get your beach body ready

2008-06-03T16:12:00.002-05:00

I know how daunting it can be to start a new exercise routine. So I’ve put together some tips perfect for anyone looking to get back on track, find a new routine, or tone up the muscles they already have. And with summer only weeks away, these tips should have your beach body ready in no time.

1. Set a Date. Mark it on your calendar. Give yourself a countdown to start exercising and stick to it.

2. Use the buddy system. Find a friend or family member to exercise with you. This will help keep you motivated and provide quality time to catch up with your loved ones.

3. Tip the balance. Exercising has so many health benefits, including weight management, heart health, increased energy, and more. Make a list of reasons why you should exercise and write down ways any obstacles in your way.

4. It’s the little things. Beginning an exercise program doesn’t have to mean training for a marathon. Start small with stretching exercises, a walk around the block, marching in place instead of sitting on the couch when watching TV, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

5. Variation is key. Not only will you get bored doing the same exercise all the time, your muscles will too. Change your routine to shock muscles and achieve long-term results.

6. Go Shopping. Motivation comes in many forms. A new exercise outfit and sneakers may be just what you need to get moving or stay motivated.

7. Choose good food. You need energy to exercise. Creating a balanced diet that is low in fat and high in fiber is ideal for optimal energy and long term weight management.

8. Keep track of your progress. Record your exercise activity, including duration and how you felt. You will be able to look back and see your improvements within weeks.

9. Be realistic. Exercise should be a priority, but life happens. Don’t give up. If you skip a day or two, it doesn’t mean your program is ruined. Grab your schedule and pencil in your exercise time.

10. Treat yourself. Make an appointment with an exercise specialist or athletic trainer. They can show you new exercises or, depending on your ability and experience, get you started with the basics. Knowing what equipment to use and the correct form will help you prevent injury and improve your skills.

Which burger is best?

2008-05-30T15:10:00.005-05:00

Who can resist a fat, juicy burger hot off the grill during the summer? You might feel like there aren't any healthy summertime options for you at your next Bar-b-que. Well, I'm here to tell you that you're wrong! I've pulled together a list of some of the most nutritious burger choices for anyone trying to live a healthy lifestyle.

There are many more options to consider than your typical beef burger. Ground Beef patties are usually high in calories and saturated fat. Beef contains a fair amount of vitamins and minerals, but so doe other lower fat options like a Turkey Burger. Ground Turkey is a flavorful option that contains less of the 'bad' saturated fat and a higher level of good 'polyunsaturated fat.'

If it is red meat you crave, consider adding Buffalo/Bison Burgers to your BBQ repertoire. It's much lower in fat than beef, but is just as nutrient-dense, with high levels of important nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

Salmon is another great option for the BBQ. Salmon burgers are low in saturated fat and a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, something you won't find in any other 'burger' you choose. Salmon is also a good source of calcium, but beware of hidden calories with salmon burgers with bread fillers.

If you need to reduce your cholesterol, veggie burgers are guaranteed to be cholesterol free and packed with great grilling ability. Burgers made from mushroom, fire roasted green peppers, or beans contain less fat and usually less calories than their meaty counterparts, which will save space for a small piece of that must have apple pie at your next backyard gathering.

I hope this helps for all those summer BBQ's you have on your calendar. Be sure to check in for some great summer recipes and tips all summer long!

L A Weight Loss client Lisa Skiles makes her debut in Good Housekeeping

2008-05-29T13:31:00.006-05:00

We first introduced you to Lisa Skiles way back in November 2006. Lisa caught our attention for losing 102 pounds in 8 months, and keeping it off for five years. A year and a half later, the weight is still a thing of Lisa's past, and she's gracing the pages of June's Good Housekeeping!

Catch Lisa's incredible weight loss story on magazine shelves today.

Heather Weibel steps into a healthier life

2008-05-27T09:38:00.000-05:00

Lives can be measured in different ways: years lived, degrees earned, marathons completed. Heather Weibel measures her life in steps ... literally.

Although Heather grew up in a household of overweight family members, weight wasn't a problem for her. She liked getting outside, talking walks, and enjoying the sunshine. But that changed when she got pregnant.

She gained weight with her first son, and couldn't shed the baby weight. By the time she gave birth to her second son, she was 100 pounds heavier than her pre-motherhood form.

For 10 years, Heather struggled with her weight and health. Walking became difficult, due to her back, knee, hip, and joint problems. She could barely make it up the stairs without losing her breath.

She also developed diabetes, and her doctor told her she would be on insulin for the rest of her life if she didn't drop the pounds.

Meanwhile, Heather's sister had joined L A Weight Loss and was successfully losing weight. Inspired by her success, Heather and her father joined their local Great Falls, Mo., L A Weight Loss center in 2005.

Heather was paired with a one-on-one weight loss counselor who taught her easy ways to make every meal healthy and filling without excess fats and calories. Heather cut out fast and fried food binges, and reduced her salty snack intake. She added fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats such as grilled chicken to her meals.

These simple adjustments were all Heather needed to start melting away the pounds. As her weight decreased, her energy increased. She began exercising to supercharge her weight loss.

Her new routine has changed Heather's life. After dropping 140 pounds, Heather now weighs 150 pounds! Her friends and family are so proud of her, and she feels like strangers are friendlier to her.

Heather has enough energy to exercise one hour a day, six days a week. To make sure she's staying on track, she carries a pedometer with her every day. Heather makes sure she always takes 20,000 steps a day. It's 20,000 steps towards a healthier life.

Heather is able to do things she could never do before, such as play with her kids at the playground. She loves shopping now. Even better, she loves how she looks. Heather never wore makeup before, but now she loves getting dolled up.

Not only does Heather look good, she feels great. She is much more confident, with all of her pain subsided and weight in check.

Here's Heather at 296 pounds:

And here she is today at 150 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Heather Weibel
Hometown: Great Falls, Mo.
Age: 30
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 296 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 150 lbs
Program start date: January 2005

Favorite food: Smoothies.

Biggest temptation: Junk food.

Biggest motivator: Praying while losing weight.

Biggest obstacle: Learning how to avoid food binges.

Old eating philosophy: Eating heavy foods, fried foods, fatty snacks, and soda.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthy alternatives with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Curing her physical pains.

Best weight loss secret learned: Staying positive can help you lose weight.

Kim Scheffler featured on cover of this week's People Magazine

2008-05-23T12:52:00.010-05:00

L A Weight Loss client Kim Scheffler was selected from thousands of women across the country for People Magazine’s annual 100 pounds or more feature, which just hit newsstands today. Her remarkable bikini photo also made the front cover of People Magazine, along with Ashlee Simpson.

A few weeks ago, Kim was flown down to sunny Miami for a photo shoot with People Magazine for their annual feature. And yesterday, she hit the skies again, this time to New York City for an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America. I accompanied Kim for her national TV appearance as she received recognition for her remarkable weight loss success.

But the afternoon got even better. Kim had interviews with the Entertainment shows, EXTRA, Inside Edition, and The Insider, which asked how she dropped a whopping 100 pounds just in time for bikini season.

Modeling kept Kim thin for most of her life. But then her beauty career was put on the back-burner so she and her husband could start a family. Kim soon found she had little time to care for herself.

Besides tending to a house of children, Kim and her husband started their own business. Between work, meetings, lunches, and household chores, Kim was overwhelmed, and her weight slipped away as a consequence.

After years of steadily packing on pounds, Kim barely recognized herself. She hated the way she looked. She often noticed people staring at her in public, she never wanted to be in pictures, and couldn’t stand to be seen in a bathing suit. Her health also suffered, as Kim experienced constant joint pain and shortness of breath.

Kim hit rock bottom during a routine doctor’s visit in 2006. The scale read 237 pounds, and she knew she had to do something. She tried dieting on her own, but it didn’t work. Then one of her daughters suggested L A Weight Loss.

In November of that year, Kim joined her local San Antonio, Texas, L A Weight Loss center. She was paired with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, who quickly became not only Kim’s nutrition guru, but her constant source of encouragement.

Kim added more fruits, vegetables, and lean meats to her meals, and always kept an L A Lite Bar on hand for a sweet treat. Kim never went hungry, and she never felt deprived.

After nine months on the program, Kim lost 103 pounds, and went from a size 18 to a slender size 4. Now at 134 pounds, she says, “Losing weight has put me in control of my life again. I can finally do the things I’ve always loved -- like fishing with my husband or hiking with my children -- that I could have never done when I was heavy. Life is fun again. Best of all, I’m comfortable in my skin.”

Kim’s joint pain has disappeared, and breathing is never a problem. And thanks to her boost in energy, Kim is in the best shape of her life. She feels 10 years younger, and looks it too! Look out, beauty pageants girls!

Kim attributes her weight loss success to the constant support of her counselors and family. Thanks to their love and encouragement, Kim reached her goal and feels more productive, energized, and healthier than ever before.

Here's Kim on the cover of People Magazine:

Here she is at 237 pounds:

And here she is today at a stunning 138 pounds:

Canadian woman takes permanent vacation from obesity

2008-05-21T15:35:00.006-05:00

Most people would jump at the chance to go Hawaii. But when you're overweight like Gail Miller was, tropical getaways aren't always a vacation.

When Gail's friend invited her to Hawaii in January 2007, the Nanaimo, British Columbia, native didn't think about white beaches, big waves, or ukuleles. She could only think about about bulging out of bathing suits. In the end, Gail was too embarrassed to take the trip.

At 192 pounds, Gail had more serious problems than putting on a swimsuit. She never lost the baby weight after her third child was born, and was paying for it 30 years later with high blood pressure and thyroid problems.

She never had breakfast on time and depended on tons of coffee to get her going. She snacked on chips, soda, crackers, and cookies before dinner. And every Friday, she indulged in pizza, wine, and cheese.

With all that extra weight slowing her down, getting through each day was exhausting. Gail took diet pills her doctors prescribed, but didn't change her eating habits or exercise.

Gail tried dieting off and on for years, but nothing stuck. She always felt like she needed a little more one-on-one support. Then she heard about L A Weight Loss and its personalized weight loss counselors.

The plan sounded like exactly what she needed. She joined her local Nanaimo, British Columbia, L A Weight Loss center.

With the help of her weight loss counselor, Gail realized her eating habits were packing on the pounds while draining her energy. Her counselor taught her how to energize her body with healthy foods, while slimming it down.

She started eating high-fiber cereals, fruits, and L A Lite Bars for breakfast, with only two cups of coffee. She substituted high-fat snacks with vegetables, rice cakes, and turkey bacon.

Fueled by her healthier diet, Gail started doing high-intensity, 30-minute workouts at a local gym. She also walked her dogs as much as possible. The pounds quickly disappeared.

After less than a year on the L A Weight Loss program, Gail has shed 47 pounds. Now, at 145 pounds, she's gained new confidence. Even her husband and children have noticed, and can't stop dishing out the compliments.

Gail landed a new job to match her new figure too. Now, when she gets the invite to tropical destinations like Hawaii, Gail will be the first one on the beach. Great job, Gail!

Here's Gail at 192 pounds, trying to cover up:

And here she is at 145 pounds, ready to show it off!

FAST FACTS

Name: Gail Miller
Hometown: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Age: 54
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 192 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: June 2007

Favorite food: White chicken breast.

Biggest temptation: Having a glass of wine every night.

Biggest motivator: Slimming down for her trip, and getting encouragement from her husband.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to eat healthy foods.

Old eating philosophy: Eating morning, noon, and night.

New eating philosophy: Eating only when she's hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: There's no secrets, just be smart!

Keeping your kids healthy

2008-05-19T15:37:00.003-05:00

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in the United States. Fifteen percent of children are medically obese, and another 15 percent are at risk for becoming obese. And childhood obesity is no picnic.

Overweight children are more likely to grow up to be overweight adults, and have a significantly higher risk for life threatening conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep problems, and cancer. They are also at a higher risk for disorders such as liver disease, early puberty, eating disorders, skin infections, and asthma.

The easiest way to protect your child from obesity is to teach them the right eating habits when they're young. That's why we brought in Sandra Maltzman to tell all about the right things to feed your kids.

Robbie Miller puts a stop to stop signs

2008-05-16T14:36:00.011-05:00

When you're overweight, it seems the world is filled with stop signs. There are many things you just can't do. Maybe it's touching your toes, riding the ferris wheel, or taking a hike with friends and family.

For Robbie Miller of South Carolina, the stop signs were everywhere. She spent most of her life overweight. Years of eating badly and never exercising sent her weight skyrocketing into adulthood.

At 291 pounds, Robbie was unhappy with the way she looked and not being able to do things she loved. She couldn't walk far without losing her breath and taking a break. Climbing the stairs was even more difficult. She finally put her foot down.

In 2006, one of her kids was graduating from high school, another was graduating from college, and her niece was getting married -- all within a few weeks. Robbie didn't want to remember the milestones with pictures of herself overweight.

She had tried dieting before, but couldn't keep the weight off. Then she heard about L A Weight Loss. That June, she joined her local Rock Hill, S.C., L A Weight Loss center, and was paired with a one-on-one weight loss counselor.

Robbie's counselor taught her how to maintain a healthy diet. She cut back on pasta, fried foods, and sweet desserts, and added more fruits, vegetables, and lean meats into her diet.

Soon, the weight was melting away, and her energy was bubbling over. Robbie began exercising too, walking three to four miles a day, three times a week.

After less than two years on the L A Weight Loss program, Robbie has shed 133 pounds! Now weighing 158 pounds, she's enjoying life more than ever before. Her confidence has increased, and she loves getting out and being active.

Best of all, Robbie feels like her weight never gets in the way of her life anymore. With no stop signs getting in her way, she knows there's nothing she can't do if she puts her mind to it. Way to go, Robbie!

Here's Robbie at 291 pounds:

And here she is today at 138 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Robbie Miller
Hometown: York, South Carolina
Age: 54
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 291 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 158 pounds
Program start date: June 2006

Favorite food: Pasta.

Biggest temptation: Pasta.

Biggest motivator: Attending her meetings every week.

Biggest obstacle: Sticking with her plan.

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

New eating philosophy: Having everything in correct portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Enjoying delicious foods that are healthy too.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stick to your portion control.

Marilyn Adams finds the journey as rewarding as the destination

2008-05-12T10:40:00.009-05:00

Starting a challenge can be just as rewarding as the end result. That's exactly how Marilyn Adams felt when she set her eyes on the goal of losing weight, and did it.

Marilyn was heavy for most of her life. But she was able to manage her weight fluctuations until she became pregnant with her first child. She gained 35 pounds, and never lost it.

Marilyn's unhealthy diet and sugary binges kept her weight soaring. By the time she reached her 50's, she weighed 255 pounds.

Marilyn's extra weight literally weighed her down -- emotionally and physically. She was embarrassed in public. She always felt like people were staring at her, leading to her low self esteem.

Marilyn's legs were always aching, and it was difficult for her to walk. When a friend needed a walker just to get around, Marilyn realized she was on the same path to a poor quality of life.

So she made up her mind to get healthy. She had tried dieting before, but without success. When her daughter signed up for L A Weight Loss, Marilyn felt the program's structure was exactly what she needed to gain control of her life too.

In February 2006, she joined her local Baton Rouge, La., L A Weight Loss center. She worked closely with her one-on-one weight loss counselor, who showed her the errors of her eating ways.

Marilyn cut back on fatty foods, starches, and sweets. She added more fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water to her diet. Marilyn now loves making delicious salads that fill her up.

She also enjoys snacking on L A Lite bars, and makes sure she's getting all the nutrients she needs by taking daily multivitamins and fish oil.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Marilyn lost 95 pounds! She flew past her goal weight of 178 pounds, and currently weighs 160 pounds. Marilyn is finding life is so much better in a smaller size.

Her confidence has greatly improved, and she's no longer in physical pain. Marilyn can get on the floor and play with her grandchildren, and walk up and down stairs without getting winded.

Marilyn is a happier, healthier person today. Having accomplished her challenge of losing weight, she now feels like she can take on anything. Way to go, Marilyn!

Here's Marilyn at 255 pounds:

And here she is today at a fabulously healthy 160 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Marilyn Adams
Hometown: Baton Rouge, La.
Age: 56
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 255 pounds
Goal weight: 178 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Reaching her goal.

Biggest obstacle: Eating the right things during holidays and get-togethers.

Old eating philosophy: Not thinking about what she was eating.

New eating philosophy: Avoiding the wrong kinds of food.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better physically.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stop eating sweets.

Fighting the fast food trap

2008-05-09T09:45:00.004-05:00

Did you know there are more than 704 calories in a Big Mac cheeseburger? How about 610 calories in one order of super-sized french fries. And more than 250 calories in that large soda to wash it all down.

But everyone loves to eat out once in a while. So how can you cut out the unnecessary calories, without cutting out fast food completely? Sandra Maltzman is here to tell you.

Lisa McNeil's back on the weight loss wagon

2008-05-09T08:15:00.004-05:00

Committing to a lifestyle change can be tough, and it's not uncommon to hit a few bumps along the road. Lisa McNeil will tell you first hand. It’s been a hectic few months, but Lisa has managed to lose another 2 pounds after getting through her plateau.

With the help of her LA Weight Loss counselors, she's now back on track. Listen to what Lisa has to say about her weight loss journey.

Texas woman swaps soul food for sound food

2008-05-06T15:15:00.008-05:00

Some families are defined by hair or eye color. For Kendall Seale-Diakhate's family, it was good ol' fashioned soul food.

Food was a source of comfort for Kendall growing up. When her parents divorced during Kendall's childhood, family members consoled her by spending quality time together. It always included heaping portions of rice, butter, macaroni and cheese, and ice cream.

With all the rich servings, it didn't take long for Kendall to balloon. And she felt the pains of growing up as an overweight child. In high school, Kendall felt left out as her friends paired up with boyfriends.

Kendall suffered physically from her weight too. Already diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, her weight led to asthma, which left her constantly tired and out of breath.

She tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. Kendall married, and planned on buckling down to lose weight after her three pregnancies. When she hit the 300-pound mark, however, she knew for the sake of her health, she couldn't afford to wait any longer.

In May 2006, Kendall joined her local College Station, Texas, L A Weight Loss center. She immediately fell into weight-loss sync with the support of her one-on-one counselor.

Kendall learned all about the do's and don'ts of healthy weight loss. She added fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, and water to her diet. She also cut back on her butter, red meat, dessert, and snack food intake.

More importantly, she learned about proper portion sizes. Kendall now eats smaller meals throughout the day. Best of all, she never goes hungry, and never feels deprived.

After two years on the L A Weight Loss program, Kendall has lost 123 pounds. She's not as tired anymore, and her asthma has greatly improved. Things are so good, she's pumped up her exercise regime to her daily routine.

Every day Kendall is getting closer to her weight loss goal of 150 pounds. And when she does, she'll be exactly half the size she was when she began the program! Wow!

Now weighing 177 pounds, Kendall is a much happier and healthier person. Now that she's so close to accomplishing her weight loss goal, Kendall feels she can accomplish anything. Her next goal is to become a fitness instructor, and she's enrolled in a certification course.

Kendall's happiness has extended to her entire family. By cooking healthy meals and encouraging active lifestyles, she's doing everything she can to make sure her own family never has to battle with their weight. Amazing job, Kendall!

Here's Kendall in 2006 at 300 pounds:

And here she is today weighing in at a happy, healthy 177 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Kendall Seale-Diakhate
Hometown: College Station, Texas
Age: 37
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 300 pounds
Goal weight: 177 pounds
Current weight: 150 pounds
Program start date: May 2006

Favorite food: Peanut butter and light jam on toast.

Biggest temptation: Not eating off of her children's plates.

Biggest motivator: Feeling healthier and lighter on her feet, and watching the scale go down.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Being aware of everything she eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling a sense of accomplishment, and feeling fit and healthy.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat smaller meals throughout the day, and don't eat to the point of being stuffed.

Elizabeth Stetar goes from couch potato to 5k runner

2008-05-02T09:34:00.008-05:00

Some people consider themselves born to run. Others would never lace up a pair of running shoes. Elizabeth Stetar never imagined she'd be lining up at the starting line of road races, but these days, nothing stands between her and the finish line.

Before she got there though, she struggled with weight. While the rest of her family was thin, Elizabeth found herself packing on more pounds each year.

She was teased for her weight as a kid. It stung every time she was called "fat." In high school, Elizabeth was athletic despite her weight, and participated in tennis, soccer, and basketball.

But once she was in college, long nights and unhealthy foods caused Elizabeth to gain more weight than ever before. Her diet consisted of fried foods, fast foods, fatty snacks and desserts, and practically no fruits or vegetables.

Not only was Elizabeth unhappy with the way she looked, she felt unhealthy too. She was tired all the time, and couldn't participate in sports she played when she was younger.

Before her wedding, she tried dieting, but she couldn't shed the pounds. Slipping into her size 24 wedding dress, Elizabeth knew she needed to get healthy.

So in March 2007, she joined her local Louisville, Ky., L A Weight Loss center. When she first stepped on the scale, she was horrified to see that she weighed 279 pounds.

Elizabeth was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, Stefani, who helped her get her diet under control. Together they mapped out a weight loss plan that fit easily into Elizabeth's lifestyle.

Elizabeth cut back on her intake of fast and fried foods, and she and her husband stopped eating out as often. And she added fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, and water to her diet.

Soon the pounds started melting away. But as they did, Elizabeth noticed a lump on her neck. Doctors discovered the she had a mass on her thyroid that needed to be removed.

Thankfully, the mass was benign. Elizabeth's doctors gave her medication to regulate her thyroid, and got it under control. Best of all, once her thyroid was regulated, Elizabeth's energy skyrocketed.

With all of her new-found energy, Elizabeth began exercising like never before. She started running 40 minutes, three to four times a week. She never imagined she would be the type of person who was able to run races, but she signed up for local 5ks anyway, and enjoyed them. She also started playing soccer and dancing.

Exercise and eating right has paid off. Elizabeth has lost 100 pounds! At her new weight of 179 pounds, she's getting closer every day to her weight loss goal of 150 pounds.

Elizabeth is happier than ever before. Besides her escalating energy, her confidence has dramatically increased. Best of all, Elizabeth knows she's now going to live a longer, healthier life. Way to go, Elizabeth! We're so happy for you!

Here's Elizabeth at 279 pounds:

And here she is, 100 pounds lighter at 179 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Elizabeth Stetar
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Age: 24
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 279 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 179 pounds
Program start date: March 2007

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Being surrounded by people with unhealthy lunches at work.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the numbers on the scale get lower each week.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting temptation, and making herself eat something healthy.

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

New eating philosophy: Planning meals that include salads, fish, fruits, and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling more confident and feeling her age.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drinking lots of water can help you lose weight.

Get a heart-healthy life without skipping a beat

2008-04-30T10:05:00.004-05:00

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

2008-04-28T16:04:00.002-05:00

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

2008-04-25T10:11:00.003-05:00

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

2008-04-23T11:02:00.009-05:00

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

2008-04-21T13:42:00.009-05:00

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

2008-04-18T14:05:00.006-05:00

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

2008-04-15T09:47:00.007-05:00

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

2008-04-09T15:06:00.005-05:00

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

2008-04-07T10:14:00.001-05:00

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

2008-04-02T13:51:00.001-05:00

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.

No challenge too tough for Canadian mom

2008-03-31T13:46:00.000-05:00

Life doesn't always follow a plan, but the difficult times are often the most inspirational.

Diane Dobson, for example, used brain surgery as the motivation to tackle her weight problem and win her life back.

She had been overweight her entire life. She tried every diet on the market, but nothing worked. Diane usually felt she was losing weight to please other people, and the scale dial bounced back and forth for years.

After giving birth to two children, her weight climbed to 315 pounds and stayed there for 15 years. Diane preferred water over soft drinks or juice. But heaping portions of bread, chocolate, pastries, and pasta always made their way to her plate.

And she often indulged in late-night binges and sugar-filled quick fixes. As her weight increased, her happiness decreased.

In her 30s and 40s, Diane began having seizures. When she got it checked out, her doctors found that a mass in her brain, which she had had her entire life, was a tumor. It was causing the seizures, and she needed surgery immediately to remove part of it.

Diane underwent the operation on April 11, 2006. She was awake during the procedure, as is common during brain surgeries. Fortunately, it was a success. And it also inspired her to tackle her weight problem.

With a renewed commitment to lose weight, Diane decided to not tell anyone about her plans to lose weight. She thought it would keep the pressure off her, so she could focus on her weight loss goal.

Diane heard about L A Weight Loss, and decided to try it. In May 2007, she joined her local Hamilton, Ontario, L A Weight Loss center. She met with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, who taught her how to eat smaller meals five times a day.

Diane made donuts and over-stuffed sandwiches history. Instead she dined on yogurt, rice, tuna, and plenty of healthy, low-fat chicken. If she wanted a snack, she grabbed some fruit.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Diane has lost 136 pounds! She currently weighs 178 pounds, and is closer than ever to her weight loss goal of 160 pounds.

Diane's not just eating right, she's racking up the miles every day by walking. She's logging up to six hours, three to four days a week. When the Canadian winter thaws, Diane says she'll step it up to five or six days a week.

In the meantime, she's doing push ups, sit ups, and churning out 45 minutes on a stationary bike. She's definitely caught the workout bug.

Even though Diane had originally kept her weight loss a secret, when you lose 136 pounds, people take notice. Her confidence has grown enormously, and she feels like everyone finally notices her. Her new boyfriend certainly did! ;)

Best of all, Diane looks in the mirror every day and knows she looks good and feels great. Way to go, Diane! We're proud of you!

Here's Diane at 315 pounds:

Here's a happy and healthy Diane today at 178 pounds:

Fast Facts

Name: Diane Dobson
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
Age: 44
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 315 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 178 pounds
Program start date: May 15, 2007

Favorite food: Bread and pastries.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Surviving brain surgery.

Biggest obstacle: Making sure she ate three meals a day.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on pasta, bread, donuts, and chocolate candy bars.

New eating philosophy: Including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling alive and living life to the fullest.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can eat five times a day and lose weight.

Joann Westfall wins big with a big loss

2008-03-27T12:59:00.009-05:00

In the midst of March Madness, one word on every fan's mind is "win." But the only thing Joann Westfall can think about is losing -- weight, that is.

Until recently, weight was a serious issue for Joann. She was constantly yo-yoing, and never content with her looks. But she wasn't alone. Joann's entire family was overweight as well.

At 293 pounds, Joann knew she needed to lose weight. None of her clothes fit properly, and even sitting and lying were uncomfortable. Joann's blood pressure was through the roof, her knees and back were aching, and she was constantly catching her breath.

She tried every fad diet on the market, but nothing worked. But in 2006, she noticed a friend from church literally shrinking each week. When Joann discovered her friend was following the L A Weight Loss program, she decided to give it a try.

Joann joined her local Charlotte, N.C., L A Weight Loss center in September 2006, hopeful that this would be the plan for her.

Each week, Joann worked with her one-on-one weight loss counselor, who helped her transform her diet from hefty to healthy. She realized practically nothing she was eating had nutritional benefits.

Joann cut back on candy, baked goods, and salty snacks. And instead of quick-fix grabs, she began planning her meals and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.

She also reduced her intake of red meat, while increasing her consumption of lean meats, such as chicken and turkey. Joann was always sure to drink the right amount of water each day.

With this recipe for success, it's no wonder Joann's weight started to drop. Once it did, she found she had the energy and the stamina to exercise, which helped her shed weight faster and tone up.

After 18 months on the program, Joann lost 109 pounds. Wow! Today she weighs 184 pounds, and is getting close to her goal of 150 pounds.

Since losing weight, Joann is enjoying so many things that had been tedious before, such as shopping for new clothes. She likes exercising, and is much more social.

At her new weight, Joann is able to make the most of every day. She can't wait to go to the pool this year in a cute new bathing suit.

Best of all, Joann feels like a weight was lifted from her shoulders -- physically and emotionally. Her health problems have been resolved, and she's no longer worried about the effects of obesity on her health. Way to go, Joann! Keep up to good work!

Here's Joann in 2006 at 293 pounds:

And here she is today at a healthy and happy 184 pounds:

FAST FACTS

Name: Joann Westbrook
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Age: 50
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 293 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 184 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Sushi.

Biggest temptation: Carbs.

Biggest motivator: Keeping a "before" photo of herself on her refrigerator.

Biggest obstacle: Going out with friends and not being able to eat what they're having.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything and everything.

New eating philosophy: Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

Best thing about losing weight: Watching herself shrink.

Best weight loss secret learned: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.