Calgary mom holds her end of the deal

Betty Jo Kaiser's life is focused around her family. She is a part-time broadcaster and a stay-at-home, full-time mother of three beautiful daughters. She's been married to her husband Dean for 14 years.

One of Betty Jo's weight struggles came with having children. When her two oldest daughters were in school full time, Betty Jo had a little more "me" time, and decided to change her unhealthy lifestyle of eating whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

Betty Jo was able to lose 20 pounds on her own. But then during Christmas of 2007, Betty Jo, 39, found out she was pregnant with her third child.

She was scared at first when she received the news. She thought would gain back the weight she had just lost, and be at higher risk for pregnancy complications. Betty Jo made a deal with God. She said if God gives her a healthy baby, she would take better care of her body.

Nine months later, Betty Jo and Dean's third daughter, Olivia, was born. Betty Jo recalls a defining moment concerning her lifestyle. She was holding her newborn baby and looking at her 10-year-old daughter, Julia. She realized she would be 50 years old when Olivia reaches age 10. She knew she had to be a healthier parent to be there for her children and keep up with their energy.

Betty Jo saw an ad for LA Weight Loss, and did some research. She discovered LA Weight Loss had designed a program for nursing mothers which was really important to Betty Jo.

Betty Jo met with Martina, her first LA Weight Loss counselor, who explained the program to her and encouraged her to give it a shot. The program was simple for Betty Jo. She learned to use her own food and utilize all the food groups.

Betty Jo attributes her success with the valuable information LA Weight Loss counselors have taught her and planning what she eats through out the day.

Betty Jo was also one of six women chosen to star in an international commercial for LA Weight Loss. When producers were interviewing clients, they asked them to share stories of their success.

Betty Jo told them about the time she promised her daughters that she would make an apple pie. She looked for a recipe in the LA Lite Cookbook, but had no luck. She told her counselor that she couldn't make the pie she promised.

Her counselor reminded her of the framework of the LA Weight Loss program and incorporating all the food groups. Her counselor told her to make it, and count a serving as a fruit and two starches.

It was then that Betty Jo learned she can eat the foods she loves. She just has to incorporate them into her plan and commit. Betty Jo took her counselor's advice, and the next time she weighed in she was down some weight.

Commitment has played a strong part for Betty Jo holding her end of the deal. Down 50 pounds, Betty Jo is a role model to her family and friends.

Betty Jo at 165 lbs.



Betty Jo at 115 lbs.



You look like a star! Keep it up!

FAST FACTS

Name: Betty Jo Kaiser
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Age: 40
Height: 5 ft.

Starting weight: 165 lbs.
Goal weight: 130 lbs.
Current weight: 115 lbs.
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Meat and chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Chips.

Biggest motivator: Being healthy for my kids for life.

Biggest obstacle: Having self-doubt.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whenever hunger struck.

New eating philosophy: Balancing and representing all the food groups in the right amount.

Best thing about losing weight: Knowing I am a healthier person.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink lots of water and plan out what you're going to eat.

Calgary woman gets the recognition she deserves

Cindy Sorsdahl is a business analyst, a wife, and a mother of two young children. On top of her busy schedule, Cindy also struggles with her weight.

Cindy had a very negative perception of herself. She thought because of her weight, she was being passed over and wasn't given the same consideration of intelligence as others. She also believe her weight caused her to have a lack of respect.

Cindy's self-esteem started to get lower when people were making comments, asking her if she was pregnant. It hurt Cindy because at the time she was trying to have a child with her husband and wasn't pregnant.

She was uncomfortable and to the point that she couldn't even cross her legs. She became frustrated. With poor eating habits and unhealthy choices, Cindy decided it was time to make a change. Cindy joined LA Weight Loss in May 2007, ready for the full commitment.

Cindy would eat a lot of pasta, too much red meat, and foods high in sodium. The LA Weight Loss plan easily adjusted to Cindy's new food selections. She loved to eat all the food the counselors recommended. Cindy just had to learn how to eat in the right portions.

She started to eat a lot more fish, twice a week. She would still eat red meat, but went from eating it four times a week to just once. Cindy drank a lot of water and relied on fruits and vegetables to help cut back cravings for starches.

Not only was Cindy's children learning healthy eating habits while she followed the LA Weight Loss plan, but her husband started to lose too! Cindy's husband joined her and committed himself to a healthier lifestyle. He joined LA Weight Loss in December and is down 28 pounds.

Cindy and her husband plan their meals for the week on the weekends. They use the LA Cook Book and pick out their favorite recipes. They like the recipe options because they offer a lot of flavor. After they plan out their week, they go grocery shopping together.

Cindy loves the feeling of being thinner. She loves being able to shop in trendy clothes in smaller sizes. Cindy keeps active by working out, rollerblading, bike riding, and she just started to golf! After purchasing a boat last summer, Cindy is looking forward to wake boarding and water skiing this summer. She's also ready to get in a bathing suit with confidence! Awesome job Cindy!

The best part about being thinner for Cindy is the attention she gets from other people. Cindy gets a lot of compliments and causes people to do double takes! People now see her more than just a fat person. People give her the respect she deserves and listens when she has something to say.

Cindy before at 198 lbs.:



Cindy after at a 128 lbs.



FAST FACTS

Name: Cindy Sorsdahl
Hometown: Calgary Alberta Canada
Age: 36
Height: 5’4”

Starting weight: 198
Goal weight: 140
Current weight: 128
Program start date: May 2007

Favorite food: Watermelon

Biggest temptation: Chocolate brownies

Biggest motivator: Not fitting into my clothes

Biggest obstacle: Managing stay within program during emotional triggers

Old eating philosophy: Anything goes

New eating philosophy: As long as it fits into the plan

Best thing about losing weight: Having new confidence and energy

Best weight loss secret learned: Listen to your body and eat to fuel