Herbert Lang tips the scales in a favorable direction

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.

L A Weight Loss counselor practices what she preaches

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!

Loves Park mom hearts her new healthy lifestyle

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!

Texas woman swaps soul food for sound food

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.

Brenda Russell finds happiness in a smaller size

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.

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.

South Carolina songbird finds her wings

Alison Thackston has a passion for singing. And when someone loves stretching her vocal chords as much as she does, nothing can stop her from belting out a tune. Except, as Alison found out, extra weight.

It was a life-long struggle for Alison. And as she aged, the problems associated with being overweight worsened. Reaching 213 pounds in her 40s, Alison suffered from asthma, acid reflux, high blood pressure, joint and back pain, and lack of flexibility.

The extra pounds made her lethargic, and Alison couldn't bend over to touch her toes. She was depressed, and felt completely dependent on other people.

Worse, the weight on her lungs made singing at her church and community center difficult. She couldn't hold long notes or hit the ranges she knew she could reach.

Alison understood losing weight was the only way to get healthy. After trying a laundry list of unsuccessful fad diets, she visited a nutritionist. After her first consultation, she learned her diet was making her sick, and fad weight loss programs just wouldn't cut it.

So Alison signed up at her local Greenville, S.C., L A Weight Loss center in September 2006, ready to change her diet and life. She was paired with a one-on-one weight loss counselor who helped her see the error of her eating ways.

Alison's counselors designed a meal plan that fit her life. She eliminated trips to fast food stops and baked-good binges. She replaced fatty and fried foods with lean meats, vegetables, fruit, and plenty of water.

Even better, Alison incorporated exercise into her daily routine. She started walking 45 to 60 minutes six days a week, and joined a gym. Through it all, she received constant support from her mother and L A Weight Loss counselors, who kept her motivated through her weight loss plateaus.

It wasn't long before the diet change and exercise paid off. As Alison's weight dropped, she gained stamina to work out longer. Her health problems disappeared one by one.

Alison reached and surpassed her weight loss goal in February 2007. She's 80 pounds slimmer at 133! She feels the best she's ever felt. She can breathe easily, and is off all of her medications. She also has more energy and confidence, and never has trouble fitting into restaurant booths or plane seats. And Alison loves shopping for her new size 6 figure!

Overall, Alison feels like an entirely new woman. She's completely independent and at peace with herself. And she sings longer, louder, and better than ever before. Way to go, Alison!

Here's Alison at her heaviest of 213 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 133 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Alison Thackston
Hometown: Simpsonville, S.C.
Age: 49
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 213 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 133 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Potatoes.

Biggest temptation: Family parties.

Biggest motivator: Her mom.

Biggest obstacle: Making smart food choices when away from home.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on fast food and sweets.

New eating philosophy: Eating more vegetables than ever before.

Best thing about losing weight: Not needing her medications anymore.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can maintain your weight after losing.

Ann Brafford shops smarter to slim down

Grocery shopping is usually a chore. It's time-consuming to find what you want, and frustrating to battle the crowds. But it was worse for Ann Brafford. It made her gain weight.

When Ann went grocery shopping, she grabbed whatever looked good without thinking about nutrition. She avoided the fresh vegetables and fruits, and instead hit the snacks and processed foods aisles.

When she got home, she cooked the foods without paying attention to the amount of fat or salt she was adding. And when she ate them, portion size was out the door.

At 283 pounds, Ann was destroying her health. She had high cholesterol and blood pressure, asthma, and a thyroid condition. She was on medication to treat them all.

Ann was sluggish, and hated that she couldn't keep up with her grandson. Finding clothes she liked was nearly impossible. And after every annual checkup, Ann dreaded the phone call from her doctor saying her lab reports had worsened.

At 57 years old, she realized she needed to do something about her weight now. Her only other options: be miserable for the rest of her life, or die early of a heart attack. So Ann decided to join L A Weight Loss.

Working with her personal weight loss counselors, Ann learned how to purchase healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, or frozen dinners when she was in a hurry. She also learned how to order the right meals at restaurants, so she wouldn't break her weight loss plan.

The counselors were helpful and encouraging, and showed her how to cook meals from the L A Lite cookbook. Ann's family also motivated her to stay on track. With her eating in check and support system under her wings, the weight started to come off.

After 70 weeks on the L A Weight Loss plan, Ann lost 147 pounds, and now weighs 136! She went from a size 28 to a size 8.

Even better, Ann is off all her cholesterol and asthma medications. She has renewed energy, and can keep up her five-year-old grandson to the point where he says he's tired.

Best of all, Ann learned what and how much to eat. She eats anywhere, anytime, while still maintaining her weight.

Ann's family can't believe the difference they see in her. She and her loved ones are thrilled with her success, and so are we! Way to go, Ann! Keep up the great work!

This is Ann before L A Weight Loss, at 236 pounds:



And here she is today, 147 pounds slimmer. Wow, great job, Ann!



FAST FACTS

Name: Ann Brafford
Age: 57
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 283 pounds
Goal weight: 136 pounds
Current weight: 136 pounds

Biggest temptation: Buying whatever is convenient at the grocery store.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from her L A Weight Loss counselors.

Biggest obstacle: Cutting down her portions.

Old eating philosophy: Eating without thinking.

New eating philosophy: Knowing what and how to eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling energetic and excited about life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Losing weight is simple when you know how to shop.

Iere Collins falls off the weight gain wagon

Growing up is difficult enough without tacking on sudden weight gain in the middle of adolescence, and things certainly don't get easier. Just ask Iere-Anne Collins.

Weight was a problem for her during most of her life. When she was 12 years old, she had a tumor removed from one of her ovaries. The drastic physical change made her gain 40 pounds following surgery.

From there, it only got worse. Her family, most of whom were also overweight, didn't encourage healthy eating habits. Instead, fast food, fried food, and take-out were daily staples of Iere's diet. She ate too many carbohydrates, drank too much soda, and rarely incorporated fruits and vegetables into her meals.

The more weight Iere gained, the more depressed she became. And the more depressed she became, the more she ate. Iere was caught in a vicious weight-gain cycle that continued into her twenties.

Iere's weight exacerbated her asthma, and walking up the steps was difficult. She suffered from high blood pressure, joint pain, and two herniated discs in her back. Her weight also put her at risk for diabetes, which runs in her family.

Then Iere moved to Indiana for college, where she landed in the hospital multiple times for shortness of breath and overheating. She was carrying too much weight for her lungs to bear.

The last time Iere was released from the hospital, she decided she wasn't going to live that way any more. She tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. Finally, in February 2005, she joined her local Winnepeg, Manitoba, L A Weight Loss Center.

Iere was paired with a personal weight loss counselor who helped her make adjust her diet. She split her three large meals into six smaller meals daily. She increased her intake of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water, and cut out her fried food affinity. And she learned the most important weight loss tip of all: portion control.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Iere has dropped 108 pounds! At 171 pounds, she's only six pounds away from her weight loss goal of 165 pounds.

Iere's entire life has changed. Almost all of her medical problems have subsided. She can now do things she never could before, such as running and working out at the gym. And she has plenty of energy to take care of her one-year-old son.

Iere's self-esteem has dramatically increased too. Now she loves herself inside and out. She enjoys shopping, and can fit into cute clothes she would have never dreamed of wearing two years ago.

Iere's weight loss success story inspired her aunt to join L A Weight Loss too. Way to go, Iere! We're proud of you, and best of luck to your aunt!

Here's Iere at 279 pounds:



And here she is today, looking great at 171 pounds. Great job, Iere!



FAST FACTS

Name: Iere-Anne Collins
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Age: 24
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 279 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 171 pounds
Program start date: February 2005

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Asian food.

Biggest motivator: Staying active for her one-year-old son.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting the temptation to get take-out.

Old eating philosophy: Eating for emotional comfort.

New eating philosophy: Eating as healthy as possible because you are what you eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling free.

Best weight loss secret learned: Break up your meals into more frequent, smaller portions.

Junk-food junkie gets clean

Garbage in, garbage out.

These popular words might have started in the computer industry, but they hold true for eating, too. Consume unhealthy foods, develop unhealthy bodies.

Just ask Melissa Benavides. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, she followed a poor diet of high-calorie Mexican dishes, chips, cakes, and cookies. And she had a pudgy figure as a result.

After getting married, Melissa gained 60 pounds with each of her two pregnancies. She had to wear plus-sized clothes, and cried because she couldn't fit into nice outfits. Her confidence was low, and she always looked at thin women, wishing she was them.

Then her dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. The news struck Melissa hard. Her dad was in great shape. How could this happen to him?

It also made her take a good look at her own body's condition. At 240 pounds, Melissa was no poster child for health. She had asthma, and was always out of breath. Worse, her knees ached to support the extra weight, and she suffered from constant headaches.

Melissa thought, if her otherwise healthy dad could get cancer, what could happen to her? And what would happen to her kids? The thought launched Melissa into action. She joined her local Bandera, Texas, L A Weight Loss center to change her life.

There, she found a new weight loss family. Melissa worked one-on-one with her counselor Michelle, who taught her a healthy eating routine and guided her through the weight loss journey.

Melissa cut back on sweets, while occasionally enjoying Jell-O. She also learned how to nix chips and caloric Mexican food -- and not miss it.

That's because she discovered healthy foods that tasted even better, such as fruits and vegetables, grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, and salad. And she washed it all down with plenty of water.

L A Weight Loss was easier than other diets Melissa had tried because she didn't have to give up every food she loved. She just ate less of them. And the counselors never scolded her if she strayed. Instead, they helped her quickly get back on track.

Ten months later, Melissa is 100 pounds lighter, weighing in at 140! All of her health problems are improved, as she takes every opportunity to get out, socialize, and be active.

For instance, Melissa plays with her kids, running around and kicking the soccer ball. She and her family also like to go fishing, and she can enjoy it without feeling like she'll break the boat.

Friends and family are amazed at her transformation, and her husband is very proud of her. Melissa still cries when she tries on clothes, but now they're tears of joy ... because she's wearing a size 6!

Congratulations, Melissa! Keep it up!

This is junk-food junkie Melissa before at 240 pounds:



And here she is today, much healthier at 158! Way to go, Melissa!



FAST FACTS

Name: Melissa Benavides
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Age: 37
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 240 pounds
Goal weight: 120 pounds
Current weight: 140 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Salmon.

Biggest temptation: Tortillas and tacos.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from her dad and husband.

Biggest obstacle: Shedding the last few pounds.

Old eating philosophy: Indulging in junk food.

New eating philosophy: Being selective about what she eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more energy and a better outlook on life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Learn when to eat to keep your metabolism going.

Erin Bradley succeeds with weight loss 'trickle effect'

You normally measure weight loss success on a scale no larger than a square foot. But in Erin Bradley's case, it was measured on a scale much bigger than that. She calls it the weight loss "trickle effect," and it's the reason behind her new figure.

Her journey to discover it began in high school. Erin wasn't active and didn't eat healthy. She hardly ate fruits and vegetables, and instead consumed a lot of pasta and other carbs. Salty and fried food were her staples.

Erin continued these habits into adulthood, and piled on the pounds. Erin weighed 270 pounds by age 25. The extra weight aggravated Erin's asthma, and she often used an inhaler, especially when she worked out.

She thought about losing weight, but was too embarrassed to talk about it. She tried to work out and eat healthy, but it didn't work. Erin needed a more structured plan that kept her accountable and focused.

But she didn't struggle alone. Her mom, who lived in West Virginia, also battled with her weight, and felt unhappy with herself. Some church friends told Erin's mom to try L A Weight Loss, a program with which they had success. She took the advice and signed up. The trickle effect began!

Erin's mom was soon 40 pounds lighter. Inspired by her success, Erin decided to join the Franklin, Tenn., L A Weight Loss center. She immediately began working with her personal weight loss counselors, Phyllis and Jaime, to develop a customized eating plan that fit her lifestyle.

She incorporated more fruits, vegetables, and seafood into her diet, and cut out salt, red meat, and fried foods. She also learned to cook balanced meals at home, which helped her avoid fattening and unwieldy portions at restaurants. Erin supplemented her eating plan with L A Weight Loss's cereal bars, snacks, and smoothies.

Erin's counselors motivated her to stick to her weight loss regimen by making her accountable for what and how she ate. She followed their guidance, and believed in herself and the program.

She thought her goal was easily within reach. And she was right. In just 10 months, Erin shed 93 pounds!

Now weighing 177 pounds, Erin has a better self-image and more confidence. Her asthma is greatly improved, and she uses her inhaler less frequently. And that means she can work out more often, and is training to run a 5K in January.

Erin says L A Weight Loss is a decision she made for the present and the future, so she can be healthier now and for the rest of her life. And the success is continuing to rub off. Erin has inspired a friend from her church to join L A Weight Loss.

Great to hear, Erin and everyone at church who's found similar success! We're so happy for you!

This is the before Erin, weighing 270 pounds:



And check her out today, 93 pounds lighter at 177! Great job, Erin!



FAST FACTS

Name: Erin Bradley
Hometown: Antioch, Tenn.
Age: 25
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 270 pounds
Goal weight: 178 pounds
Current weight: 177 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Sushi.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Losing the weight.

Biggest obstacle: Learning how to cook for herself.

Old eating philosophy: Ignoring portion sizes and eating whatever, whenever.

New eating philosophy: Balancing her meals, and eating only when she's hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Wearing new clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Balance your diet.

LuAnn Zipp zips to her weight loss goal

Many factors can cause a person to become overweight at an early age: lack of self-control, a sweet tooth, a troublesome childhood, or a family tendency to overeat. But LuAnn Zipp had to deal with them all.

Growing up in San Diego, LuAnn was skinny as a bean pole during childhood, even though obesity ran in her family. It wasn't until adolescence that she began to turn to food as a comfort during difficult events. At age 12, LuAnn gained 107 pounds in one year.

The weight gain didn't stop there. In middle school and high school, she was often picked on for her weight. And the more LuAnn was teased, the more she reached for the candy bars, chips, and huge helpings. So as LuAnn grew older, her waist line grew wider.

Eventually LuAnn met and married Robert Zipp. Robert was a U.S. Marine, and they were soon relocated to Texas, where they started their family. During each of her four pregnancies, LuAnn steadily packed on more weight, soon reaching 310 pounds.

And with the extra pounds, came extra health problems. LuAnn suffered from extreme asthma, high blood pressure, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and acid reflux. In fact, her asthma was so bad she couldn't even sleep through the night, and could never lie flat on her back.

Then LuAnn's grandmother died due to complications from being overweight. LuAnn knew if she was ever going to be healthy and avoid a similar fate, she needed to lose weight.

LuAnn tried a number of diet plans, but nothing worked for her. She knew she had to get serious, and in August 2006, she joined her local Killeen, Texas, L A Weight Loss. Working with her personal weight loss counselors, LuAnn added fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water to her diet.

Instead of skipping meals, and snacking throughout the day, she started taking the time to prepare herself healthy, home cooked meals. While dinner time used to mean huge servings and tons of carbohydrates, it now meant portion control and well-balanced meals.

Then life drastically changed for the Zipps. LuAnn's husband was deployed to Iraq in October 2006. But while her husband was gone, LuAnn continued to drop the pounds, viewing his return as motivation.

After one year with L A Weight Loss, LuAnn shrunk to half her size!!! She reached her weight loss goal, and now weighs in at 155 pounds. The difference is incredible, as LuAnn feels liberated from all the factors that led to her overeating.

Plus, almost all of her health problems are gone, and LuAnn has much more confidence in public. She even joined her local gym!

The best part: When LuAnn sent Robert pictures of her new body, he was shocked. Now, she can't wait for him to come home in December, when the Zipp family will enjoy a whole new kind of Christmas cheer! Way to go, LuAnn!

Here's LuAnn with her husband, weighing in at 301 pounds:



Here she is now, looking amazing at 155 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: LuAnn Zipp
Hometown: Fort Hood, Texas
Age: 30
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 310 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Program start date: August 2006

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Avoiding living the same overweight and unhealthy life that caused her grandmother's death.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting the temptation to cheat.

Old eating philosophy: Eating huge portions and multiple servings.

New eating philosophy: Munching on salads and other vegetables, and drinking a lot of water.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling lighter, and fitting into a size 6!

Best weight loss secret learned: Moderation is the key to everything.

Mother and son break the mold, not the scale

When you read about family members losing weight together, the stories are usually about mother-daughter teams or couples. But what about mothers and sons joining forces to shed the pounds?

It might sound like an unlikely duo, until you get to know Katrina Schilling and her son Nic Morris of Denver, Colo.

Their weight struggles began similarly. They were heavy as children, and peers treated them like outcasts. Their troubles only worsened as they got older.

For Katrina, weight became a bigger issue after she got married and had Nic. She indulged in new-mommy munchies, snacking on chips, cakes, and greasy foods.

She knew her health was at risk, but didn't care enough to improve it. Katrina half-heartedly tried several diets, and couldn't stick with any. She hated weight loss programs that had group meetings because she felt they didn't accomplish anything for her. Her weight swelled to 289 pounds.

As Nic grew up, he felt excluded from group activities and didn't participate in sports. Instead, he played video games and ate potato chips at home alone. Then he started his post-secondary education at Avon Old Farms School, where he loaded up on cafeteria food and late night snacks. He continued these eating habits when he transfered to University of Denver.

At 328 pounds, Nic watched his blood pressure increase with the excess weight. His doctor put him on medication.

It wasn't long before Katrina and Nic reached their breaking points. The extra weight was exacerbating Katrina's asthma, and she had a difficult time walking because of knee problems. She knew she needed to lose weight immediately, or risk not seeing Nic graduate.

Nic was shocked into action after seeing a photo of himself and his mother. He couldn't believe how heavy he was. He felt worthless, and knew he had to get serious about losing weight.

Katrina decided to try L A Weight Loss. She told Nic she was signing up, and he joined with her. They each worked one-on-one with their weight loss counselors to revamp their eating habits.

Katrina learned to enjoy healthy foods, such as fresh salads with minimal dressing and lean meats. Soon, junk food wasn't even a temptation! She also added L A Lite bars to her diet for a special treat.

Nic, on the other hand, learned to cook healthy foods in his off-campus apartment at college. Plus, he knew the right foods to order when he went out to eat, so he never felt limited in his food choices. Before long, Nic was happy eating a salad instead of french fries, and reached for an apple or carrot sticks when he craved a snack.

Throughout their journey, Katrina and Nic made sure each other was eating the right foods in the proper portions. This helped keep them on track and motivated to keep losing.

The results? Katrina lost 120 pounds, and is now 169 pounds. And Nic is down 124 pounds, clocking in at 204 pounds. That's 244 pounds gone between the two!

But that's not all they lost. Katrina and Nic also shed their low self-esteem. They have tons of confidence to go out in public and not feel embarrassed by their weight.

Plus, Nic is off his blood pressure medication, and enjoys hitting the gym six days a week. And Katrina can now show off her trim figure in feminine clothing, such as skirts, dresses, and tighter-fitting jeans.

Best of all, mother and son have strengthened their relationship. Now that Nic is away at college, he still sees his mom at least three times a week to catch up, go bike riding, or garden together.

Way to go, Katrina and Nic! Keep up the fantastic work!

This is the pair at their heaviest -- Katrina at 289 pounds and Nic at 328 pounds:



And here's the new Katrina and Nic, minus 244 pounds! Wow! Congrats, guys!!



FAST FACTS

Name: Katrina Schilling
Hometown: Denver, Colo.
Age: 51
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 289 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 169 pounds
Program start date: June 2005

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Cake.

Biggest motivator: Doing the program with Nic.

Biggest obstacle: Spending time with in-laws in New York, who always had sweets on the table.

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

New eating philosophy: Planning meals and thinking about what she's eating before taking a bite.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining self-confidence and being able to shop for regular-sized clothing.

Best weight loss secret learned: Portion control!



Name: Nic Morris
Hometown: Denver, Colo.
Age: 22
Height: 6'4"

Starting weight: 328 pounds
Goal weight: 195 pounds
Current weight: 204 pounds
Program start date: June 2005

Favorite food: Steak.

Biggest temptation: Starches, such as potatoes, bread, and pasta.

Biggest motivator: Doing the program with his mom, and seeing results.

Biggest obstacle: Partying in college.

Old eating philosophy: Indulging in potato chips and fast food.

New eating philosophy: Eating a healthy balance of fruit, salads with grilled chicken and nuts, and fish.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to accomplish anything without excess weight holding him back.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can lose weight and still eat out at restaurants.

N.C. woman drops the bulk for a tighter belt

Most of us have heard our parents say, "Finish your dinner, there are children starving all over the world." Kaysie Brown took those words literally.

Family meals were always super-sized in Kaysie’s home. Hence the reason for her life-long weight struggle. She grew up in a meat-and-potatoes household, eating burgers, fries, chili, and hot dogs nearly every day. High-calorie deli sandwiches, bread, and pasta were also bad addictions for Kaysie.

These habits spilled over into her own child-rearing years. A single mom, Kaysie cooked cheaper cuts of meat, fried just about everything, and continued to pack on the pounds. She also traveled a lot with her boyfriend and always ate out.

Making matters worse, Kaysie broke her back horseback riding in 2001. She was immobile for six months. The stress caused her to turn to food and her weight increased.

By October 2006, she weighed 217 pounds and had had enough. Her doctor was concerned about her rising cholesterol and put her on medication. She also suffered from asthma. She tried several diets and weight loss plans, but nothing worked for her.

Then she passed an L A Weight Loss center near her home one day. Kaysie decided to give it a shot. Working with the center’s personal weight loss counselors, Kaysie began losing weight immediately.

She now incorporates fresh vegetables, whole wheat pasta, and whole wheat bread into her diet. At restaurants, she eats only a portion of the entree, and takes home the rest for her next meal. She also drinks lots of water.

Kaysie now weighs 156 pounds and is well on her way to her goal weight of 145 pounds! Her son and daughter are very proud of her, and are thankful she’ll be around to meet her future grandchildren.

And the best part about being thinner: Her brand-new wardrobe! She’s given all her old clothes away.

She’s also more active and takes 30- to 45-minute walks three times a week, and does yoga every day.

Dropping the weight has infused Kaysie with self-confidence and given her a new purpose for living.

Awesome job, Kaysie!

Here is Kaysie at 217 pounds with her daughter, Amy, and son, Greg:



And her she is now, at a wonderful-looking 156 pounds! Looking fabulous, Kaysie!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kaysie Brown
Hometown: Clayton, N.C.
Age: 59
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 217 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 156 pounds
Program start date: Oct. 11, 2006

Favorite food: Seafood such as scallops, shrimp, lobster, and fish, with fresh vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Pasta and bread.

Biggest motivator: Living to see her grandchildren.

Biggest obstacle: Maintaining self-discipline.

Old eating philosophy: Eating for now, and worrying about the consequences later.

New eating philosophy: Eating to live, not living to eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling healthier and fitting into smaller-sized clothing.

Best weight loss secret learned: Make healthy choices. It's not that hard!

California mom finds the motivation to change her life

Motivation springs from all kinds of sources. People have changed their lives because of books, movies, speeches, and others' example. But for Tena Evans, motivation came from just two little words: "fat cow."

Tena struggled with weight for over 20 years. Then she packed on extra pounds after her marriage. The added stress of raising a family, coupled with some serious family health issues, contributed to further weight gain.

Tena also regularly ate foods she served at the day care center where she worked -- a daily menu that revolved around chicken fingers, pizza, macaroni and cheese, tater tots, and other fatty foods.

Soon, Tena was tipping the scales at 318 pounds. She struggled in everyday situations, like squeezing into restaurant booths and amusement park rides.

Tena also had trouble breathing due to asthma. She couldn't even clean her house without becoming short of breath. Worse, the asthma often kept her up at night, when Tena would only eat more.

But Tena knew enough was enough when she experienced the cruelty that often plagues overweight people. While she was out walking one day, kids driving by threw a bag of fast food at her, and yelled, "Fat cow!"

Those two horrible words inspired a lifetime of change for Tena. After trying several weight loss programs that didn't work for her, Tena joined the Fresno, Calif., L A Weight Loss center in December 2005.

Her personal counselors helped turn her diet from fried to fresh. Tena started eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grilled chicken. That did the trick: Tena shed 155 pounds (!!) after a year and a half on the program, and is incredibly close to her goal weight of 158 pounds!

Tena now feels like a new woman. She breathes easier, and has plenty of energy for exercise. Plus, she's happier, and can devote more of herself to her day care kids and her own children.

Tena even carries her L A Weight Loss lessons over to her day care menu. The kids now enjoy healthier food choices, such as non-fat graham crackers and carrots. The best part: Tena's success has inspired others to join L A Weight Loss! Way to go, Tena!

UPDATE: Tena has reached her goal weight of 158 pounds! She has more energy than ever before, and enjoys walking outdoors with her girlfriends and riding her bike. We're so happy for you, Tena!

Here's Tena at 318 pounds:



And here she is half her size! You look fantastic, Tena!



FAST FACTS

Name: Tena Evans
Hometown: Fresno, Calif.
Age: 40
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 318 pounds
Goal weight: 158 pounds
Current weight: 163 pounds
Program start date: Dec. 31, 2005

Favorite food: Anything with carbs.

Biggest temptation: McDonald's ice cream sundaes.

Biggest motivator: Carrying before pictures in her purse to look at each day.

Biggest obstacle: Struggling to whip up an array of healthy meals every day for the young children at day care.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on everything the kids were eating.

New eating philosophy: Creating meals with a lot of broccoli, grilled chicken, and fish.

Best thing about losing weight: Fitting into smaller clothing sizes, and being treated like a human being.

Best weight loss secret learned: Losing weight doesn't mean you have to give up eating out at restaurants. Just be honest in your food journal, and never forget portion control!