Marlene Bruce changes her lifestyle and her life

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.

Heather Weibel steps into a healthier life

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.

Hawaiian rides wave to weight loss success

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!

Cassandra White breaks life-long bad habits for a longer life

Many tendencies developed in childhood stick for life, such as a love of reading, an affinity for athletics, or a propensity for biting your nails. Unfortunately for Cassandra White, her childhood habits centered around bad eating habits.

Growing up, Cassandra had a relatively healthy diet, but not healthy amounts. She often overate, helping herself to double and triple portions at each meal. Worse, she routinely snacked on junk food.

Cassandra's bad eating habits worsened when she reached adulthood. Pizza, burgers, and hot rings were commonly piled on her dinner plate. Snacks consisted of chips and other greasy grabs. And her pregnancy with son CJ didn't help, adding another 60 pounds.

Cassandra was worried about her health. She had no prior complications, but knew if she continued on this path, it wouldn't be long before serious problems such as heart disease and diabetes caught up with her. Worse, taking care of CJ was wearing her out, and her self-esteem was low.

The new mom tried a number of different diets and appetite suppressants. Nothing worked. Her bad eating habits lived on. So when Cassandra celebrated her 35th birthday, she weighed 276 pounds, and keeping up with 2-year-old CJ was almost impossible.

That's when Cassandra became determined to drop the weight, get in shape, and set a good example for her son. In August 2006, she joined her local Raleigh, N.C., L A Weight Loss center, where she was paired up with her personal weight loss counselor, Rhonda.

Rhonda helped Cassandra incorporate healthier foods such as lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and water into her diet. She also taught her about the importance of portion control. Cassandra cut out most fried or fast foods and high-calorie snacks, and replaced them with grilled chicken and fish, salads, and plenty of vegetables.

Since last August, Cassandra has lost a remarkable 99 pounds! Her entire outlook on life has changed. Her appearance is no longer an issue, as she never worries about what people think when she's out in public. She loves being able to walk into any store and find a cute outfit. And last summer, Cassandra sported a bikini on the beach for the first time ever.

With her weight worries gone, Cassandra focuses on the important things in life, such as her marriage and her family. And at 177 pounds, she no longer fears the health problems that accompany obesity. Cassandra knows she's done everything she can to ensure a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Best of all, Cassandra's energy is through the roof. She exercises for 60 minutes at least six times per week, and keeping up with CJ is no longer a problem. In fact, it's not uncommon for CJ to run out of steam before Cassandra even gets tired!

Now, all of Cassandra's bad eating habits have been replaced with good ones. And lucky for CJ, his good eating habits have begun in childhood. Hopefully they'll stick with him as well as they're now sticking with his mom. Way to go, Cassandra!

Here's Cassandra at 276 pounds:



And here she is today, at a stunning 177 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Cassandra White
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Age: 41
Height: 6'1"

Starting weight: 276 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 177 pounds
Program start date: August 2006

Favorite food: Cheese.

Biggest temptation: Buffalo wings.

Biggest motivator: Trying on new clothes and fitting into a smaller size.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to eat the right foods at the right time.

Old eating philosophy: Routinely munching on chips, buffalo wings, cheeseburgers, pizza, and cookies.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with grilled chicken and fish, salad, and green and raw vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling healthier and gaining self-confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: Losing weight can make you feel younger and more attractive.

Sharla Pincock loses the baby weight, five times over

Pregnancy comes with many challenges. But for Sharla Pincock, giving birth wasn’t the hard part. Losing the baby weight was.

As a stay-at-home mother of five, she suffered from post-partum depression, and turned to food for comfort. She didn’t have time to cook balanced meals, and filled up on quick fixes to satisfy her hunger.

High-calorie carbs such as bagels and breads were always in hand. By the beginning of 2006, Sharla tipped the scales at 301 pounds.

Her health wasn't the only thing compromised by her weight. Sharla didn’t have the energy to give her kids the time and attention they deserved. Instead of joining them on the playground, she sat on the bench and watched. And coaching her daughter's volleyball team was exhausting.

Sharla knew she had to lose weight and get her life back on track, or risk serious serious complications. She tried dropping the pounds by exercising on her treadmill at home and playing on a volleyball team once a week. But despite her best efforts, nothing seemed to work.

But then her friend, Cami, turned Sharla on to L A Weight Loss. Cami was on the program, and had dropped 80 pounds. Sharla’s mother was also on the L A Weight Loss plan, and had lost 40 pounds. Inspired by their success, Sharla decided to give the program a try.

In April, she joined the Rexburg, Idaho, center, and worked with her personal weight loss counselors to adjust her diet. She incorporated more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and proteins into her menu, and ate everything in moderation.

She also learned how to prepare healthy homemade meals and treats from her L A Lite cookbook. To round out her weight loss plan, Sharla exercised at home for 50 minutes three times a week on her stairstepper and treadmill.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Sharla has lost 150 pounds -- half her size! She now runs 5K marathons with ease, plays volleyball with gusto, and has no problem keeping up with her children. Sharla even hiked 14 miles up Table Rock Mountain last summer.

One of Sharla's favorite parts about losing weight is shopping for her new size 6 figure. Plus, she lost all of her baby weight and then some! She's slimmer now than she was when she got married. In fact, Sharla looks so good now, people have thought her husband was cheating on her with a new woman! ;)

Here's Sharla at 301 pounds:



And here she is now, looking absolutely fantastic at 150 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Sharla Pincock
Hometown: Sugar City, Idaho
Age: 33
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 301 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 150 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Steamed vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Brownie sundaes.

Biggest motivator: Keeping up with her five children.

Biggest obstacle: Staying positive.

Old eating philosophy: Munching on tons of carbs.

New eating philosophy: Eating more vegetables, proteins, and dairy.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling more confident, and having more energy than ever before.

Best weight loss secret learned: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Cheyenne Luken receives the gift of good health

Gifts come in large and small packages. Some are expensive, some are free, and some, such as good health, are priceless. Just ask Cheyenne Luken.

Cheyenne experimented with dieting throughout her life, but never had a real problem with her weight until her two pregnancies. That's when she lost care and control of her eating habits, routinely eating whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

By 2006, Cheyenne weighed 257 pounds. She was uncomfortable in public, and often skipped company parties and other social events.

Cheyenne knew it was time to get healthy. Her sister had experienced success on L A Weight Loss, so Cheyenne decided to give it a try.

As a combined birthday and Christmas gift, Cheyenne asked her husband for a membership to L A Weight Loss. So on Jan. 1, 2007, she started her weight loss journey at her local Lawrenceville, Ga., center.

Cheyenne worked with the personal weight loss counselors, who taught her how to eat right. She cut out most sweets and fast foods, and replaced them with lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and plenty of water.

She also learned the importance of portion control. But Cheyenne didn't deprive herself of the sweet treats she loves. Whenever she needed something sugary to snack on, she reached for an L A Lite bar.

One year later, Cheyenne is 77 pounds lighter! At 180 pounds, she's getting close to her goal weight of 145 pounds.

Cheyenne feels life has greatly improved since she's lost weight. She's not uncomfortable to be seen in public anymore, and never misses a social event. She also ditched her frumpy clothes for more fashionable styles, and can even fit into her daughter's clothes.

Cheyenne's weight loss journey gave her a gift that she'll appreciate for the rest of her life -- the gift of good health. Way to go, Cheyenne! Keep up the good work!

Here's Cheyenne in 2006 at 257 pounds:



And here she is today at 180 pounds. Great job, Cheyenne!



FAST FACTS

Name: Cheyenne Luken
Hometown: Flowery Branch, Ga.
Age: 38
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 257 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 180 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Chili.

Biggest temptation: Fast food.

Biggest motivator: Seeing results.

Biggest obstacle: Staying committed.

Old eating philosophy: Eating what she wanted, when she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Sticking to proper portion sizes.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking better in her clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Try L A Lite bars for a sweet treat.

Minn. mom's New Year's resolution comes full circle

Now that Christmas is behind us, one thing on everyone's mind (besides paying credit card bills) is a New Year's resolution.

It's no surprise that the most common resolution is to shape up and lose weight. And if you ask Angie Vesey, that's the best commitment you can make to yourself.

Weight wasn't a problem for Angie until after she gave birth to her two children, and gained 30 pounds during each pregnancy. After that, her metabolism slowed, and her weight gain became a slippery slope.

Angie gradually put on pounds over the years, reaching 156 pounds by December 2006. After a number of failed New Year's resolutions to lose weight, the Minnesota mom decided 2007 would be the year she got serious, and carried out her plan to drop the pounds.

Angie looked into her options, and decided L A Weight Loss would fit perfectly into her life. She joined the Eagan, Minn., L A Weight Loss center in the first week of 2007.

There, Angie was paired with a one-on-one weight loss counselor who helped get her diet in check by adding more fruits, vegetables, and water. Angie also opted for lean meats and protein, instead of fattier red meats. Most importantly, she learned portion control.

It's been nearly a year since Angie joined L A Weight Loss, and she couldn't be happier. She's reached her goal weight of 131 pounds, shaving off a total of 25 pounds!

Since losing weight, Angie's energy has increased. She now enjoys swimming and biking to stay fit. And her new energy motivates her to improve her fitness routine by doing new activities.

Plus, Angie feels good in a two-piece bathing suit. Dressing up is now a treat, not a chore. Best of all, Angie feels great!! Her confidence is high, and she's no longer embarrassed about feeling heavy.

Way to go, Angie! What a difference a year makes!

Here's Angie one year ago at 156 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 131 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Angie Vesey
Hometown: Apple Valley, Minn.
Age: 39
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 156 pounds
Goal weight: 131 pounds
Current weight: 131 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Biggest motivator: Slimming down for a trip to St. Thomas.

Biggest obstacle: Choosing the right foods when cooking and eating out.

Old eating philosophy: Wanting it, and eating it.

New eating philosophy: Thinking about what she's eating.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better and looking better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods, eat throughout the day, and drink plenty of water.

Michelle Mann finds comfort in a smaller size

People commonly turn to blankets, teddy bears, and food for comfort. But eating for comfort is usually a request to gain weight. That's a lesson Michelle Mann learned the hard way.

Michelle struggled with her weight for most of her life. She grew up in a tumultuous home, and whenever she experienced family trouble, she ate to comfort herself.

Michelle's unhappiness only increased the heavier she became. She was caught in a weight gain cycle she didn't know how to escape. Her three pregnancies only made it worse. In fact, her weight increased so much she developed gestational diabetes.

At 277 pounds, Michelle knew she needed to lose weight for her health, or she would risk not seeing her children grow up. She tried a number of diets, but nothing helped her lose weight. In October 2003, Michelle decided to give L A Weight Loss a try.

She was paired with a personal weight loss counselor at her local Lenoir, N.C., L A Weight Loss center, who taught her how to properly balance her meals.

Michelle increased her intake of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and split them into small meals throughout the day. She also curbed her sweets cravings with L A Lite bars. The best part: Michelle never went hungry.

By sticking to her L A Weight Loss plan, Michelle lost 117 pounds. She weighs 160 pounds -- only 10 pounds away from her weight loss goal!

Since losing weight, Michelle's happiness has dramatically increased. Her personal relationships have improved, and she no longer feels self-conscious.

She loves shopping too, and can walk into any store and find clothes that fit her. In fact, much to the dismay of her husband, shopping is her favorite new pastime!

Plus, Michelle is more energetic than ever before, and has the stamina to keep up with her three young girls. Best of all, she knows she'll be around to watch them grow up -- and there's no greater comfort than that. Great job, Michelle!

Here's Michelle weighing 277 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 160 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Michelle Mann
Hometown: Lenoir, N.C.
Age: 25
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 277 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: October 2003

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Being able to spend time with her children.

Biggest obstacle: Getting frustrated when she hit a plateau.

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

New eating philosophy: Not eating when she's not hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Being healthy and buying new clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Portion sizes are key!

Texas mom finds ingredients for weight loss success

The recipe for weight gain is easy. Consume sweets, starches, carbs, and grease. Repeat. Unfortunately, as Carla Lowery discovered, the recipe for weight loss takes a bit more effort.

Weight was always an issue for Carla. She grew up in a household with overweight parents, and picked up bad eating habits early on. Her daily meals were centered around starches and carbs. And she frequently snacked on chips and cookies.

When she gave birth to her children, she packed on more weight than ever before. She weighed 259 pounds, and wasn't happy.

Carla had little energy, and lacked self-confidence. A friend suggested she try L A Weight Loss. After experiencing little success on other diets, Carla decided to give it a go.

She worked diligently with one-on-one counselors to get her diet in check. Carla added more fruits, vegetables, water, and lean meats to her menu, and cut back on the starches. She learned how to eat healthy, without giving up what she loved.

Carla also learned that eating multiple smaller meals throughout the day was smarter than eating three large meals. Portion control was key.

Smaller meals and more fresh food was Carla's recipe for success. Since joining L A Weight Loss in July 2004, she's lost 100 pounds! She now weighs 159, and is close to her weight loss goal of 140 pounds.

Carla's energy is through the roof. She started riding horses, and now rides daily -- a great workout. Her confidence has greatly improved, and she can walk into any clothing store and find something in her size.

Carla's relationships are better, too. Her husband respects her dedication to getting healthy, and is proud of all she's accomplished. And she's passed her good eating habits to her kids, who realize how important healthy eating is.

Carla learned the recipe for weight loss success wasn't as difficult as she thought, and it was definitely worth it! Way to go, Carla!

Here's Carla at 259 pounds:



And here she is 100 pounds later, at 159 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Carla Lowery
Hometown: Avalene, Texas
Age: 48
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 259 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 159 pounds
Program start date: July 2004

Favorite food: Chicken and salad.

Biggest temptation: Cookies.

Biggest motivator: Fitting into smaller clothes.

Biggest obstacle: Being at parties where there are a lot of temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating smaller portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself.

Best weight loss secret learned: Learn to believe in yourself.

Mary Thon rediscovers a familiar face

Mirrors show us what we look like. But imagine looking in the mirror one day, and not recognizing the face staring back at you. Mary Thon didn't have to imagine. She experienced it.

Mary started struggling with her weight after giving birth to three children. Suddenly she found herself inside a 233-pound body she barely recognized.

Mary didn't like the way she looked, and avoided situations that drew attention to her. But as a director of campus ministry at a Vermont college, Mary found this difficult, since she was constantly interacting with people.

When Mary celebrated her 40th birthday, she wanted to change, yet knew she couldn't do it alone. So Mary joined her local Burlington, Vt., L A Weight Loss center in July 2006, and found the support she needed to start losing weight.

Mary worked with her personal weight loss counselors, and incorporated new foods into her meals, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water. She could still eat the foods she loved, just in proper portions.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Mary has dropped 47 pounds, and is getting close to her weight loss goal of 165 pounds! She has more energy for her kids, and can play with them without losing her breath. It's helped her professionally, too. Mary is comfortable in her skin, and doesn't mind speaking in front of crowds.

Plus, she feels more control over her life, which makes her happy. Best of all, every time she looks in the mirror, she sees a smiling face she recognizes once again. Keep up the good work, Mary!

Here's Mary at 233 pounds:



Here she is today at 186 pounds. Way to go, Mary!



FAST FACTS

Name: Mary Thon
Hometown: Richmond, Vt.
Age: 40
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 233 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 186 pounds
Program start date: July 2006

Favorite food: Pasta.

Biggest temptation: Carbs.

Biggest motivator: Feeling healthy and liking the way she looks.

Biggest obstacle: Staying tough through her temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Constantly thinking about food.

New eating philosophy: Planning ahead and making the right choices.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself, and seeing people's reactions.

Best weight loss secret learned: When you understand how food works, you can eat and still lose weight.

Nevada mom gains a baby, drops the weight

Babies bring so much into new mothers' lives -- joy, love, and sometimes, extra weight. And as Grace Iubelt knows, that weight is often hard to lose.

Grace had never been happy with her weight, but it wasn't until after she gave birth that it truly became a problem. No matter what she did, Grace couldn't shake the baby weight, even though she considered her diet healthy.

Then Grace crossed paths with an old friend who didn't recognize her. Why? Because she now weighed a whopping 186 pounds. The encounter ignited Grace's motivation to drop the weight.

So in November 2006, Grace joined her local Sparks, Nev., L A Weight Loss center. Her personal weight loss counselor taught her the trick to successful weight loss: It isn't just what you eat, it's how much you eat.

Grace spread out her meals of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and other proteins into little meals throughout the day to keep her metabolism working. And to keep her sweet tooth satisfied, Grace indulged in a daily dose of chocolate L A Lite bars.

Grace couldn't believe how well it worked. The pounds just seemed to melt away. She now weighs 151 pounds, and is working towards her weight loss goal of 127 pounds!!

Since losing the weight, Grace has gained a tremendous amount of energy. She does activities she used to be too tired for, such as going to the park or zoo with her daughter. She even went snowboarding for the first time in seven years, and is planning a rafting trip.

For Grace, this extra energy to keep up with her daughter is the best thing about losing weight. And the compliments from people aren't too bad, either. She feels like she can do anything. Congratulations, Grace! Keep up the good work!

Here's Grace at 186 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 151 pounds. That's one hot mama!



FAST FACTS

Name: Grace Iubelt
Hometown: Sparks, Nev.
Age: 24
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 186 pounds
Goal weight: 127 pounds
Current weight: 151 pounds
Program start date: November 2006

Favorite food: Pasta.

Biggest temptation: Fatty snacks.

Biggest motivator: Being able to buy smaller clothes, and feeling better.

Biggest obstacle: Going through so many life changes.

Old eating philosophy: Eating too much food.

New eating philosophy: Eating the right amounts of everything.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good, and knowing that she looks good, too.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat every couple of hours to keep your metabolism going.

Follow Donna Gaddy's weight loss journey

Here at L A Weight Loss, we have the opportunity to meet many different people. In fact, people are often quite different the last time they walk out of our centers, than from the day they first walked in.

But it's not every day we meet someone like Donna Gaddy. Few people we've come across are more determined to lose weight than she is. Because for Donna, losing weight means regaining her health in a major way.

Years of poor eating habits resulted in serious weight gain. Each of Donna's pregnancies left her heavier than before, and none of the programs or diets she tried helped her drop the pounds. Before she knew it, Donna hit 339 pounds.

She knew if she didn't shape up, her life could be in danger. So Donna, her sister Alora, and friend Dawn joined L A Weight Loss in October, determined to shed the pounds together.

With guidance from their one-on-one weight loss counselors, and constant support from each other, the women have adjusted their diets, learned about nutrition, and are already beginning to see results.

So in honor of Donna's grit, we're taking every step of her weight loss journey with her. Every few weeks we'll post updates, pictures, and videos of her progress. We hope being there for the ups and downs of Donna's challenge will inspire you as much as Donna has inspired us!

So without further ado, here's her first video. Check it out now, because she won't look this way for long!



And here's a photo of Donna today at 339 pounds as she sets off on her own "Biggest Loser" contest:



FAST FACTS

Name: Donna Gaddy
Hometown: Stockbridge, Ga.
Age: 48
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 339 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: October 2007

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest motivator: Being unable to go places or do things because of her weight.

Biggest obstacle: Cooking a healthy meal instead of going out to eat.

Old eating philosophy: Eating out all the time.

New eating philosophy: Eating more fruits and vegetables, and less fried and fast foods.

Biggest reason for joining L A Weight Loss: To drop the weight once and for all, and get healthy.

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.

Dessert diva sweetens her life without the calories

Humans have 32 teeth -- but that doesn't include the sweet tooth! It's inherent in most of us, and one of the biggest causes of weight gain. How can you overcome the natural inclination to reach for the pies, puddings, and pastries? Barb Zaske of Springfield, Mo., found an answer!

She was certainly born with a sweet tooth, as evidenced by her constant consumption of desserts and 65-pound weight gain while pregnant with her daughter. After giving birth, she quickly lost 35 pounds, but the rest wouldn't budge.

At 168 pounds, Barb continued indulging in cookies and cakes, not to mention fried foods and carbs. The weight gain didn't worry her much, until she noticed how sluggish she was. She had little energy to play with her toddler, and no ambition to advance her career as a registered nurse.

Barb also suffered from hip and knee pain. She was depressed and thought everything was wrong with her. She hated the way clothes looked on her, but she didn't know how to fix it.

Then at the end of 2004, she heard about L A Weight Loss's portion control and personalized counseling. Barb thought it sounded like the right plan for her, and signed up as her New Year's resolution.

It proved to be the best way to ring in 2005. L A Weight Loss's counselors and nutrition experts took Barb under their wings and taught her how to eat correct portions of healthy foods. She ate a lot of fish -- shrimp being her favorite!

Barb loved to cook recipes from the L A Lite cookbook, and became aware of which ingredients go into healthy cooking. She made chicken and vegetables a staple, while minimizing fried foods and carbs.

And the sweet cravings? L A Lite bars took care of that. After discovering how good healthy foods taste, she hardly missed the desserts anyway.

L A Weight Loss provided the accountability she needed to stay focused, and the inspiration to have fun along the way. Barb reached just one plateau during her weight loss. But the counselors slightly upped her calorie allotment for the day, and she quickly got back on the losing streak.

In 18 weeks, Barb dropped 29 pounds, and she's kept it off since! At 139 pounds, she is a much happier person now, and is working toward a career in medical sales.

She feels comfortable wearing a bikini and form-fitting clothes. She has a ton of energy to play with her daughter, and no aches or pains. But that's not all. Her success inspired her sister-in-law and niece to get fit and join L A Weight Loss, too.

Barb thanks L A Weight Loss for the ability to live a happier and healthier life! Congrats, Barb!

This is Barb at her heaviest, 168 pounds:



And here she is today, showing off her bikini body at 139 pounds! Looking fab, Barb! Way to go!



FAST FACTS

Name: Barb Zaske
Hometown: Springfield, Mo.
Age: 37
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 168 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 139 pounds
Program start date: January 2005

Favorite food: Soft tacos.

Biggest temptation: Desserts.

Biggest motivator: Feeling better as the weight came off.

Biggest obstacle: Eating right at restaurants.

Old eating philosophy: Eating what she wanted without worrying.

New eating philosophy: Being more aware of what and how she's eating.

Best thing about losing weight: Seeing the results, and energizing her life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Portion control.

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!

Mandi Lerma dons trendy clothes after discarding trendy diets

If you've struggled with your weight, you probably know there's no quick fix to getting and staying in shape. But fad dieting can be tempting when you're anxious to drop the pounds. It can also result in "yo-yo dieting," as Mandi Lerma of Thornton, Colo., discovered after having two sons.

Mandi gained 50 pounds after having her first child, and 60 more after her second. She ate constantly, and often finished her sons meals if they didn't. And to save time while caring for two young children, she ate quick-to-prepare meals that were high in sodium.

Topping off her bad eating habits was her undying craving for sweets. Cookies and cakes were always in hand! Subsequently, her weight soared to 210 pounds.

Mandi had trouble keeping up with her kids, and tired easily. Even walking up a flight of stairs winded her.

She tried several trendy diets -- including a cabbage soup diet and a lemonade diet. She lost a few pounds here and there, but quickly got stuck and gained the weight back.

One day Mandi was at home getting ready to shop for new pants, and looked at herself in the mirror. Her reflection shocked her. She couldn't believe how heavy she was, and barely recognized her face. There was no way she could go out and find cute new pants looking like that!

Mandi became very depressed, and knew she had to do something about her weight. Having worn out the possibilities of fad dieting, she decided to try something different: L A Weight Loss.

Mandi joined her local center and worked with the personal weight loss counselors to adjust her eating regime. She started eating fresh and frozen vegetables, and salads. She cut out cakes and ice cream, and instead turned to L A Lite bars when her sweet cravings struck.

She also ate several smaller meals throughout the day to keep her metabolism up, and hunger pangs down.

Whenever she hit a trouble spot, her L A Weight Loss counselors gave her tips to get through it, and motivated her to keep going. In just 25 weeks, Mandi lost 50 pounds!

Now weighing 160 pounds, Mandi is full of energy. She plays with her sons without getting tired and enjoys swimming. She also feels more confident and likes to get out and socialize!

And who could blame her, now that she's looking great in her trendy new wardrobe? Mandi loves shopping for her slender size 8 figure, and showing off her cute outfits.

But she's not keeping the simple way to weight loss success a secret. She inspired her family to eat healthier, too. At holidays and gatherings, the table is topped with grilled chicken, vegetable trays, and fresh fruit!

Through it all, Mandi learned not to be afraid to try something new. Joining L A Weight Loss and changing her eating habits for the better was her ticket to a healthy new life!

Great job, Mandi! Keep up the fantastic work!

This is the before Mandi, at 210 pounds:



And this is the new Mandi, glowing with health at 160 pounds. Way to go, Mandi!



FAST FACTS

Name: Mandi Lerma
Hometown: Thornton, Colo.
Age: 29
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 210 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: August 2007

Favorite food: Ice cream and cookies.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Having her L A Weight Loss counselors by her side throughout her weight loss journey.

Biggest obstacle: Watching her husband enjoy whatever foods he likes.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything that was fast and easy.

New eating philosophy: Having smaller, freshly prepared meals.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself and having more energy to spend with her kids.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat smaller meals more often during the day to keep you going.

Tennessee mom drops the baby ...

... er, weight that is.

The average weight of a newborn baby is 7.5 pounds. The average weight a mother needs to gain for a healthy baby is 20 to 30 pounds. But once baby is born, many mothers find it difficult to lose that extra 20, 30, or 40 pounds they packed on over the previous nine months.

Take Jeanette Henderson. She never struggled with her weight until she became a mom. With each of her four pregnancies, Jeanette found it impossible to shed the extra weight. By the time she gave birth to her fourth child, she had gained 40 pounds she just couldn't shake.

To make matters worse, Jeanette constantly snacked with her kids. Her diet consisted of large portions, a lot of starches, and too much fried and junk food. And whenever she became depressed about her weight, Jeanette only ate more.

She knew she wanted to lose weight, but didn't know how. Jeanette tried a number of different diets that didn't stick, causing her weight to yo-yo. Then her two closest friends each lost 100 pounds on L A Weight Loss. Jeanette became determined to make it work for her, too.

Working closely with her personal weight loss counselors from her local Hermitage, Tenn., L A Weight Loss center, Jeanette transformed her diet. She replaced her usual unhealthy habits with more fruits and vegetables, and more steamed and baked dinners, rather than fried. Jeanette also loved L A Weight Loss food options, such as L A Lite bars and Slim Downs.

Since starting her L A Weight Loss program, Jeanette lost 31 pounds -- one pound more than her goal weight! Her self-esteem and confidence are soaring. Plus, Jeanette's busy schedule doesn't wear her out any more, and she has plenty of energy left to exercise.

In fact, Jeanette is so happy with her weight loss results, she's trying to convince her husband to join the program! Now that's what I call spreading the good word. Way to go, Jeanette!

Here's a 160-pound Jeanette before L A Weight Loss:



And here she is 31 pounds later! WOW!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jeanette Henderson
Hometown: Hermitage, Tenn.
Age: 42
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 160 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 129 pounds
Program start date: July 2006

Favorite food: Turkey tacos.

Biggest temptation: Mexican food.

Biggest motivator: Knowing the plan works.

Biggest obstacle: Admitting she needed to lose the weight.

Old eating philosophy: Paying little attention to portion control.

New eating philosophy: Learning portion control.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling great about herself.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat six times a day, don't starve yourself, and drink water.

Libby Rubacha portions out self-confidence

What's a healthy portion of chicken? The correct serving for a bowl of cereal? Or a proper amount of string beans?

If you're unsure, you're not alone. Many people struggle with proper portion sizes. Not knowing how much to eat, they often eat too much, and pack on the pounds as a result.

Portion size was Libby Rubacha's biggest problem. In high school, she rarely ate breakfast or lunch because she didn't like to eat first thing in the morning or at school. By the time dinner rolled around, Libby was starving, and piled extra portions on her plate.

She became accustomed to eating large meals, which continued throughout her 20s. She ate a lot of starches and fried food. And chocolate was her biggest weakness.

But her large figure became even larger after having two kids. She lost most of her baby weight after each birth, but quickly gained 30 pounds back after her second child.

Libby reached 202 pounds. Her blood pressure was borderline high, and she had back problems. She dieted, but didn't have the motivation to see it to the end.

She became very self-conscious about how she looked, and had low self-esteem.

Then she investigated L A Weight Loss. Libby went to her local center and learned she could still eat her favorite foods, just in proper portions. She also liked having one-on-one counselors to guide her through her weight loss.

Libby joined L A Weight Loss in October 2005, and began eating balanced, healthy-sized meals. She also incorporated more fruit and vegetables into her regimen, and drank lots of water.

The L A Weight Loss counselors' individual support kept Libby on track, and inspired her to reach her weight loss goals. Libby's husband also supported her. Her determination to lose weight impressed him, and he loved seeing the pounds melt away. He told people he was getting a new wife!

After dropping 20 pounds, Libby's blood pressure was normal. And 10 pounds later, her back problems were gone! She continued losing weight, and now weighs 147 pounds.

Libby's relationship with her husband is much better now, and they are more comfortable with each other. She can also run and play with her kids more, including tennis with her son.

Her self-confidence has also skyrocketed. She doesn't second-guess how she looks or what she's wearing. In fact, she became a speaker for her local nonprofit crisis pregnancy center, Care Net. Libby feels cool and confident standing in front of a crowd.

Now she can't wait for her high school reunion! Way to go, Libby!

This is Libby before, at 202 pounds, with family:



And here she is now, confident and healthy at 147. Fantastic job, Libby! Looking great!



FAST FACTS

Name: Libby Rubacha
Hometown: Terre Haute, Ind.
Age: 28
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 202 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: October 2005

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from her husband throughout her weight loss journey.

Biggest obstacle: Having the instinctive habit of eating more than she should.

Old eating philosophy: Ignoring portion sizes and eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthier foods in smaller portions, and more fruits and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Boosting her confidence level.

Best weight loss secret learned: The program can be easily adapted to your lifestyle. Follow it, and you'll see steady results.

Nurse finds cure to balancing weight loss and motherhood

Raising five-year-old twins *and* a three-year-old makes for a pretty fast-paced lifestyle -- which is probably why Launa Cornell never noticed the extra weight she'd slowly gained since starting her family.

That all changed in July 2005 when Launa took a breather, looked in the mirror, and realized she'd become what she calls a "chubby mom" at 183 pounds. That same afternoon she saw a TV ad for the local L A Weight Loss center in Encinitas, Calif., touting the center's free child care services. She grabbed her kids the next morning and headed to check out the program.

Despite her hectic routine, Launa was no stranger to diet programs. But for her, they were short-term solutions to a long-term issue. When she gained the weight back, she simply gave up.

So Launa was surprised when Diane, her L A Weight Loss personal counselor, worked with her to develop a plan to help Launa lose the weight while still taking her little ones on weekly trips to McDonald's. Diane even called Launa when she skipped appointments to make sure everything was OK.

It was this personal attention that helped Launa find the motivation -- and time! -- to drop 52 pounds. The kids played in the center's toy boxes and watched videos, while Launa and Diane worked to adjust Launa's goals and eating habits.

And now Launa is the one on TV hoping to encourage other busy moms to put their health first. She recently appeared in several local L A Weight Weight Loss commercials showing off her new 131-pound figure!

Here is Launa at 183 pounds:



And, here she is in her sassy scrubs at 131 pounds!



Way to go, Launa!

FAST FACTS

Name: Launa Cornell
Hometown: San Marcos, Calif.
Age: 35
Height: 5’4"

Starting weight: 183 pounds
Goal weight: 139 pounds
Current weight: 131 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Sushi.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Not becoming the "chubby mom."

Biggest obstacle: Making the right choices when eating out with her kids.

Old eating philosophy: Kid-friendly meals like fast food and pizza.

New eating philosophy: She carries her L A Weight Loss "Dining Out Guide" wherever she goes so she knows exactly what she's eating.

Best thing about losing weight: Shopping! Sometimes she forgets she's a smaller size, and has to be reminded to buy size 6 instead of an 8 or 10.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's important for kids, especially daughters, to see their moms are confident and comfortable with their bodies.