Tennessee woman gets the gift of life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's Christa at 229 pounds:



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




FAST FACTS:

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

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

Favorite food: Ice cream

Biggest temptation: Pizza

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

Biggest obstacle: Planning meals for the family.

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

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

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

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

Indiana woman's weight loss takes flight

Tripping in public. Saying the wrong word at the worst time. Not fitting in an airplane seat.

Leigh Ann Penny of New Albany, Ind., can attest to the last embarrassing moment. She weighed 298 pounds when she tried to squeeze into her airplane seat en route to Las Vegas to get married. Her fiance, Chris, raised the armrests so she could spill over into in his seat.

Her trouble didn't end there. Leigh Ann couldn't pull the buckle over her waist. Chris draped his coat over her lap to hide the ill-fitting belt. And they had to do the same thing on the ride home.

Seven months later, Leigh Ann's mother -- whom she hadn't seen in three years -- moved to Seattle. Leigh Ann wanted to visit her, and booked a flight for the next month.

Then she remembered: She wouldn't be able to buckle her seat. There was no way Leigh Ann could deal with that embarrassment again. She called her local Clarksville, Ind., L A Weight Loss center that day.

Leigh Ann tearfully explained to personal counselor Karen how she just wanted to fit in an airplane seat. Karen told her she could come in that evening and begin losing weight. Leigh Ann immediately felt reassured.

It turned out to be the first day of the rest of her life. Leigh Ann started eating fruits and vegetables, and cut fast food from her diet. She was thrilled when the scale showed she had lost six pounds -- in just two days!

Leigh Ann stayed on her weight loss track, thanks to the motivation and guidance from her personal counselors, Karen and Kim. It was easy to follow the straightforward L A Weight Loss plan, she says, and, with counseling three days a week, hard to cheat.

Soon it was time for her trip to Seattle. She clocked in at 278 pounds. She walked on the plane and had no problem fitting in the seat! Leigh Ann was so proud of herself, she couldn't wait to return and tell her L A Weight Loss counselors the news.

Leigh Ann continued eating healthy foods in the proper portions, and joined the YMCA to incorporate daily exercise into her lifestyle. She's now down by 101 pounds, and struts her new 197-pound figure everywhere she goes.

Her husband is also thrilled with her success. She never wore jeans around him until now, and he loves her in them!

With renewed energy, Leigh Ann also went back to college. She feels she has the freedom to soar to new heights. Fly high, Leigh Ann!

This is Leigh Ann before, at 298 pounds:



And here she is now, at 197 pounds and full of energy! Great job, Leigh Ann!



FAST FACTS

Name: Leigh Ann Penny
Hometown: New Albany, Ind.
Age: 42
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 298 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 197 pounds
Program start date: May 15, 2006

Favorite food: Egg whites and steamed vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Krispy Kreme donuts.

Biggest motivator: To lose weight for her flight to Seattle.

Biggest obstacle: Being unable to move around a lot and get exercise when she was at her heaviest.

Old eating philosophy: Gorging on fast food.

New eating philosophy: Focusing on healthy foods, and enjoying sweets in a healthier way, such as chocolate cake with pumpkin filling.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to fit in the airplane seat when traveling to see her mom.

Best weight loss secret learned: Be honest with yourself and actively stick with the plan.