South Carolina woman plants seeds of health

Willie Cox was never much of a gardener. Throughout her life, she related more to couch potatoes than growing potatoes. But all that would change when she hit 233 pounds.

She spun the scales because of one thing. She enjoyed her dinners fried and her snacks sweet. As Willie aged, though, she worried that her weight would become a major health problem. She already had asthma, and needed knee-replacement surgery after an injury. The extra weight made recovery twice as difficult.

Willie also suffered from shortness of breath. She couldn't walk up stairs without gasping for air. Her mother and three sisters -- all of whom were overweight -- had diabetes, and Willie knew she was on the fast track to a similar fate.

Willie tried a number of diets, but couldn't kept the weight off. At 233 pounds, Willie decided to try L A Weight Loss. In January 2006, the 59-year-old joined the Greenville, S.C., center, where she was paired with a one-on-one weight loss counselor.

Her counselor taught her simple tips and tricks to give her diet a healthy makeover. She cut out her candy binges, and ate more fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Willie also began baking chicken instead of frying it. For a fat-reducing boost, she added L A Weight Loss's Controltrim to her baked goods, salad dressings, and sauces.

Adding the fresh fruits and vegetables was easy for Willie. As she lost weight, she gained energy to work in her garden, where she grew corn, spinach, lettuce, cabbage, cucumbers, and tomatoes. With all the good food coming in, it wasn't long before Willie's weight loss gained momentum.

To further accelerate her weight loss, Willie walked regularly. As the pounds melted away, she increased her distance. Every mile made a difference.

After two years on the program, Willie has sailed past her weight loss goal of 170 pounds and now weighs 162 pounds, for a total weight loss of 71 pounds.

Losing weight has changed Willie's life. She feels younger than ever, and can carry her grandson without getting tired, something she couldn't do before.

Willie feels much better about herself. Her husband loves the progress she's made, and tells her every day she's beautiful. He also built a home gym in their backyard for Willie to maintain her weight loss.

Willie's dive into healthy living proves that eating healthy can be as easy as planting a seed and watching it grow. Way to go, Willie!

Here's Willie at 233 pounds in 2006:



And here she is today, 71 pounds lighter at 162 pounds. Smoking!



FAST FACTS

Name: Willie Cox
Hometown: Travelers Rest, S.C.
Age: 61
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 233 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 162 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Spinach.

Biggest temptation: Gummy Bears.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from her personal counselor.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Eating fried foods and binging on sweet temptations.

New eating philosophy: Baking instead of frying, and eating plenty of vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to carry her grandson.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can lose weight and maintain it if you stick with the program.

Utah mom lets blocks fall to happier, healthier life

Life is like dominoes. One block falls and hits another, which hits another, which hits another. Pretty soon a whole line of blocks is falling one after another, creating an exciting, sometimes beautiful piece of moving art. Cause and effect. Just like life.

When Kandi Manzanares's dominoes fell, the result was a much smaller, much happier woman. Kandi was overweight most of her adult life. When she married her husband at age 18, the stress of a new life in a new home resulted in a lot of comfort eating.

She gradually gained weight throughout the years. Each of Kandi's three pregnancies left her significantly larger than before, too. In fact, she gained weight so quickly with each baby, it worried her doctors. By the time she had her third baby, Kandi was tipping the scales at 223 pounds.

Her diet was anything but healthy. Fast food was a staple. Fruits and vegetables were never included, and she rarely cooked dinner for the family. And Kandi often overloaded on breads and sweets.

Her body felt the effects of carrying around too much weight. She was on medication for high blood pressure, and she suffered from constant back pain. Besides her physical problems, Kandi was depressed. She hated meeting new people and going to new places. She simply didn't want to be seen.

But Kandi wasn't the only person affected by her bad eating habits. When her family doctor diagnosed high cholesterol in her 11-year-old daughter, Kandi's first domino fell. She knew she needed to get everyone healthy.

Kandi tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. She needed a program that would teach her about nutrition, and give her valuable lessons to take away -- not pre-packaged foods and embarrassing group meetings.

Then, in February 2006, Kandi discovered L A Weight Loss. She joined her local Draper, Utah, L A Weight Loss center, determined to lose weight and get healthy. There, Kandi was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor who helped her every step of the way.

Her counselor taught her how to re-vamp her diet. And as Kandi's diet improved, so did her family's. Soon the dominoes were falling. Kandi eliminated most of her family's fast food binges, and added fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water. Her whole family loved their new, healthier meals.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Kandi has lost 71 pounds! Weighing in at 152 pounds, she's only 2 pounds away from her goal. Losing weight has changed Kandi's life. She's off all her medications, and no longer has health problems.

Plus, Kandi's husband liked their new eating habits so much, he decided to join L A Weight Loss, too! The couple have now grown even closer thanks to their shared weight loss journey. They spend much more time together cooking healthy meals and going on walks.

Best of all: Kandi is much happier, and has energy to do much more. She volunteers at her children's school, plays with her kids in the yard, and still has energy to work out every day.

Now you see how one doctor's appointment led to the chain of events that made Kandi's entire family healthier, happier, and more active. Now that's a beautiful thing. Way to go, Kandi!

Here's Kandi at 223 pounds:



And here she is today looking fit and fabulous at 152 pounds!




FAST FACTS

Name: Kandi Manzanares
Hometown: West Jordan, Utah
Age: 36
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 223 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 152 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Homemade pizza with vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Bread and pastries.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy for her children.

Biggest obstacle: Visiting family and being around food.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was easiest.

New eating philosophy: Choosing what she eats carefully.

Best thing about losing weight: Receiving constant support from her counselors, and feeling better the smaller she became.

Best weight loss secret learned: Monitor portion size.

Amanda Rekkedal takes fresh approach to weight loss -- literally

Are you struggling to drop the pounds? What you might need is a fresh approach to weight loss, just like Amanda Rekkedal took.

Amanda always had an average build, until she gave birth to her son, Anthony, at age 22. She gained 35 pounds of baby weight. She was also going through relationship trouble at the time, and didn't have much chance to shed the pounds.

She was also depressed, and food became her diversion. Amanda ate a lot of fast food, pizza, pre-packaged meals, and snacks. She didn't eat breakfast, and instead consumed a lot of food at night. Plus, soda was always in hand, helping her push her weight to 213 pounds.

Worse, Amanda's blood pressure was creeping up. She was always tired, with little energy to go out or play with her son. Amanda knew she was unhealthy, and felt bad about herself as a result.

She then tried a weight loss program, but didn't like counting calories. Plus, the weight was coming off too slow. She soon gave it up. Amanda needed a new approach.

Meanwhile, a friend recently joined L A Weight Loss and was having success. Amanda thought, "If he can do it, so can I. So she signed up.

But her fresh approach to weight loss was about to get even fresher. Amanda worked with the personal weight loss counselors and nutrition experts to nix pre-packaged meals from her diet, and incorporate all fresh foods, including fish, chicken, steak, vegetables, and fruit.

She supplemented her weight loss with L A Lite bars, and other healthy foods the program offered, including smoothies, cookies, and snacks. Amanda also stopped cooking foods in butter and oil, and used Pam instead. Plus, she added new flavor to her foods with fresh herbs and spices.

Amanda liked how she could choose from a variety of foods to lose weight. And her personal weight loss counselors were always there to help her. She loved being able to pick up the phone and call L A Weight Loss for instant advice.

As the pounds dropped, so did Amanda's blood pressure. She started gaining her energy back, and became more motivated to stick with the L A Weight Loss program.

Amanda is now 71 pounds lighter, weighing 142 pounds! She's more active with her son, and takes him to the pool and bike riding. Amanda is also more comfortable going to the gym and working out in public. And she celebrates her new figure by going shopping!

Best of all, Amanda is in a new, supportive relationship. She feels she's a better mom, and overall, a happier and healthier woman. Great job, Amanda!!

This is Amanda before, wallowing at 213 pounds:



And here she is today at a slim 142 pounds. Way to go, Amanda!



FAST FACTS

Name: Amanda Rekkedal
Hometown: Minot, N.D.
Age: 28
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 213 pounds
Goal weight: 144 pounds
Current weight: 142 pounds
Program start date: December 2006

Favorite food: Anything with chicken.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Becoming healthier.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything that was quicker to prepare.

New eating philosophy: Enjoying fresher foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking and feeling better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Variety keeps your metabolism going!

Colorado couple's winter woes become spring successes

Spring is the typical season to clean. But winter cleaning was in order for Andy and Sheri Collier of Thornton, Colo., when their weight troubles hit rock bottom in the Rocky Mountain state last December.

Andy's struggle began when his five-year Navy career ended. At home, he regularly ate fast food, mac and cheese, and canned chili, and slacked on his workout routine. He figured he could live this lifestyle since he was young. He was right -- at first.

Before long, his muscles diminished and his stomach grew. His desk job made him sedentary during the day. At night, he took care of family responsibilities, and had little time to focus on eating right or exercising.

The effects took their toll. His weight increased to 222 pounds, and he developed a bad knee and high cholesterol.

Meanwhile, Sheri's weight struggle started after having two kids. She didn't have the energy to workout or shed her pregnancy weight, and the stress of raising young children wore her down. She indulged in fast food and sweets to escape.

When her clothes starting fitting tight, she thought they had shrunk in the wash. But then she stepped on the scale and realized she had gained weight. Her petite 5'2" frame was up to 148 pounds.

The couple tried several diets, but quickly got bored and gave up. Sheri became severely depressed, and her doctor put her on medication.

Then one night last winter, Sheri was getting ready to go out with her husband, but she couldn't fit into any nice-looking clothes. She felt more depressed than ever.

Sheri thought about calling L A Weight Loss, and talked to Andy about it. Also wanting to drop the excess weight, Andy agreed L A Weight Loss might be the answer for both of them. So Sheri scheduled a consultation with their local center.

The couple met with L A Weight Loss's personal weight loss counselors, and developed healthy eating plans that worked with their busy lifestyles. The couple started eating proper portions of lean meats such as chicken or pork, fruit, and a salad with every meal.

They visited the center three times a week to stay accountable, and get one-on-one guidance from the counselors when they experienced a challenge or obstacle. And at home, they leaned on each other for support.

Sheri and Andy also got rid of the junk food in the house. When eating out, they ordered low-fat meals that were baked or broiled, not fried. They carried their good eating habits over to their kids, and made sure they got their proper nutrition too.

The couple felt better every day they were on the L A Weight Loss program. In fact, Andy says, "We were cleansed by the healthy diet."

No doubt! Andy lost 40 pounds, and now weighs 182 pounds; and Sheri lost 31 pounds, and is 117 pounds! L A Weight Loss was so effective for them, that they both exceeded their goal weights by three pounds each.

Sheri and Andy now have the energy and flexibility to exercise and play with their kids more. And they can wear and look great in more stylish clothes!

Even better, Andy and Sheri have brought back the love and affection that was waning when they were at their heaviest. Andy feels more confident and in control of his life. And Sheri feels free from the harsh prejudice she felt when in public.

Way to go, guys! You're certainly living the springtime of your lives!

Here's Andy before, at 222 pounds:



And here's Sheri before, at 148 pounds:



This is the happy couple today, a collective 71 pounds lighter! Looking great, Andy and Sheri!



FAST FACTS

Name: Andy Collier
Hometown: Thornton, Colo.
Age: 32
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 222 pounds
Goal weight: 185 pounds
Current weight: 182 pounds
Program start date: Dec. 27, 2006

Favorite food: Chinese.

Biggest temptation: Finger foods.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the program work.

Biggest obstacle: Changing the way he grocery shops.

New eating philosophy: Making smart choices, and thinking before he eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining more self-confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: Intelligent eating is the secret! Realize what you put in your mouth will affect you later, so think about it first.



Name: Sheri Collier
Hometown: Thornton, Colo.
Age: 32
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 148 pounds
Goal weight: 120 pounds
Current weight: 117 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Chips and guacamole.

Biggest motivator: Dropping clothing sizes.

Biggest obstacle: Realizing she will lose weight at her own pace, and not trying to lose as fast as her husband.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything that was there.

New eating philosophy: Thinking if the food is really worth it before indulging.

Best thing about losing weight: Knowing how to make smart food choices.

Best weight loss secret learned: The take-off.

College days no longer weigh on Stacy Henry's mind

It's called the “Freshman 15” for a reason: A lot of students gain weight their first year in college. But for Stacy Henry of Jeffersonville, Pa., it was more like the “Undergrad Overindulgence.” By time she was hearing “Pomp and Circumstance” at her college graduation, Stacy had ballooned to 211 pounds.

Things only got worse when she started shopping in plus-size stores. The looks she got as she browsed the aisles made her uncomfortable and self-conscious. She felt everyone judged her on what she looked like on the outside.

Then Stacy's sister asked her to be her maid-of-honor at her wedding. It was the motivation she needed to finally drop the weight that kept her from realizing her full potential.

With three months till the big day, she saw a commercial for L A Weight Loss, and called the local Newark, Del., center. There she met with nutrition experts, who helped her incorporate more healthy foods -- such as chicken, fruit, and vegetables -- into her diet. Gone were the bags of Doritos, and soon, so were the extra pounds.

Stacy lost 40 pounds for her sister's wedding, and looked stunning as she walked down the aisle in a trim, 171-pound frame. But she didn't stop there. Stacy stuck with the L A Weight Loss plan, and is now a slender 140 pounds!

With her weight down and her self-confidence high, Stacy loves to shop for trendy clothes and has no problem wearing a bikini. She no longer fears people's judgments, and the only stares she gets are the ones eyeing her beautiful new body!

This is Stacy before, at 211 pounds:



And this is Stacy after, at a jaw-dropping 140 pounds! Looking good, Stacy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Stacy Henry
Hometown: Jeffersonville, Pa.
Age: 31
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 211 pounds
Goal weight: 133 pounds
Current weight: 140 pounds
Program start date: July 1999

Favorite food: Fruit.

Biggest temptation: Junk food.

Biggest motivator: Being her sister's maid-of-honor.

Biggest obstacle: Believing in herself.

Old eating philosophy: Finishing off a large bag of Doritos in one sitting.

New eating philosophy: Being more health-conscious, and eating chicken, vegetables, and lots of fruit.

Best thing about losing weight: Not caring what people think of her, and shopping for cute clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's easy to make excuses when you fear you can't lose weight. Don't be scared. Just do it!