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.

Connie Kelly makes losing weight look easy

High school can be hard enough. But when adding "overweight" to the list of teenage pressures, doesn't help. Just ask Connie Kelly.

As a 180-pounds high school student, Connie thought the less she ate the more weight she would lose. Connie wouldn't eat all day then eat a huge dinner (and graze throughout the day).

But she was gaining weight instead of losing it. Connie's body started to store the fat because she would starve herself during the day.

After high school, Connie's weight dropped to 130 pounds. She lost the weight on her own by exercising. Soon after Connie got married. At 22, Connie became pregnant with her first child and gave up smoking, which contributed to Connie gaining back the weight, plus some.

Connie gained 70 pounds with her first child, and never lost it. When Connie was pregnant with her second child, she gained another 70 pounds. Before she knew it, Connie was topping the scales at 280 pounds.

She woke up one morning and knew she had to make changes. Connie was worried about her family's health. High blood pressure was a concern on her father's side, and both parents struggled with their weight.

Connie's downfall was her sodium intake. She ate a lot of fast food (sometimes four times a week, ordering the super sized meals), big bags of chips, and a lot of soda.

Now Connie has given up fast food and soda completely. She was even allowed two diet sodas a day while on the LA Weight Loss program and decided to reach for more water instead. She drinks four liter bottles of water a day, sometimes adding lemon or lime for flavor.

LA Weight loss has taught Connie how to grocery shop and buy foods that she could prepare. She cooks dinner every night for her family with the LA Weight Loss Cookbook.

Thanks to Connie's new healthy cooking habits, her husband even lost 10 pounds without even trying! When she's hungry, Connie now craves fruit, especially bananas.

The LA Weight Loss program has helped Connie develop eating habits she never imagined following. Just recently, she made herself squash spaghetti, something she thought she would never eat.

Connie has a lot more energy now. She is able to keep up with her kids, going sledding, skating or just walking around the neighborhood with them. Connie also exercises more. She works with a personal trainer two to three times a week, and does an hour and a half of cardio four to five times a week. She also enjoys yoga.

Connie's confidence increases every time she steps on the scale. She's excited to put on a bathing suit with no shorts this summer. There was even another woman who joined Connie's LA Weight Loss Center and asked for a picture of Connie to put on her refrigerator for motivation!

Connie, you look fabulous! You are an inspiration to many!

Here's Connie at 257 pounds:



And here she is looking fantastic at 125 pounds:



Name: Connie Kelly
Hometown: Calgary, Canada
Age: 32
Height: 5’6”

Starting weight: 257 pounds.
Goal weight: 130 pounds.
Current weight: 125 pounds.
Program start date: January 2008

Favorite food: Lean Cuisines

Biggest temptation: Potato chips

Biggest motivator: Staying healthy for her two children.

Biggest obstacle: Staying motivated and not giving up.

Old eating philosophy: Eating unhealthy, fried foods whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Cooking at home with squash, fish, grilled chicken breast, yogurt, and bananas; and drinking plenty of water.

Best thing about losing weight: Watching the pounds and inches come off each week.

Best weight loss secret learned: Reduce your sodium intake in foods.

Terri Actemichuk was her own worst critic

As Terri Actemichuk will tell you, being surrounded by those who aren't weight conscious can seriously affect your eating habits. Terri grew up in a house of bad eaters. After Terri's father was diagnosed with high blood pressure and advised to lose weight, Terri continued her poor eating habits, always reaching for what was fast and easy.

Although Terri was never diagnosed as obese by her family doctor, in her mind, she was. In high school, Terri weighed 240 pounds. She never played sports, but always wanted to lose weight. The problem was, she never took the initiative.

Into adulthood, her habits starting slipping out of control. Terri knew she had to do something to lose weight. She always chose the foods that fit her busy lifestyle. She loved starches, especially rice.

She would often just grab a burger from McDonalds. She ate a lot of red meat, always ate high-fat desserts, and usually only drank high-calorie soda and juice.

She tried diet pills. The pills would help her lose weight, but she never changed her eating habits, and would always gain the weight right back.

At 24-years-old, Terri dreaded shopping. She could never fit in anything young and trendy. Then, in December 2007, something happened that motivated Terri to get focused and lose weight for real this time: Terri got engaged!

This was a big motivator for Terri. She wanted to be able to try on any dress, and be the perfect bride. She also thought about her future with her new fiancé, and her desire to one day have a family with him.

Terri wanted to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle to one day pass down to her children. Her fiancé jumped on the weight loss bandwagon, and started to lose weight by eating right and exercising. He lost 140 pounds on his own, but Terri knew it would not be so easy for her.

Her fiancé’s aunt recommended LA Weight Loss because of the program's accountability and one-on-one counseling. The LA Weight Loss program taught Terri how to prepare her meals, including foods such as chicken breast, sushi, salad, vegetables, and hemp and sunflower seeds for protein.

Today, Terri still craves starches, but not nearly as badly. She no longer eats rice, and instead will reach for salads and fruits, especially bananas and green apples.

Terri's success has motivated people all around her. Terri's future mother-in-law has signed up for the LA Weight Loss program too! With a weight-loss goal of 60 pounds, her future mother-in-law is already 10 pounds away from her goal.

Terri also works in psychiatry, working with clients who have obesity issues, and doesn't hesitate to share her own weight loss struggle. She feels like an inspiration now to others at her job. Terri helps them choose healthier snacks, and teaches them the importance of preparing their own meals rather than purchasing fast food.

Looking back, Terri never realized how heavy she was. She shopped in plus size and had little motivation. Today, following the LA Weight Loss program Terri gained self-esteem and the confidence to feel good in her own skin. Terri is looking forward to her wedding this summer. Keep us posted with wedding photos!

Here's Terri before at 290 pounds:


And here she is today at 170 pounds:


FAST FACTS

Name: Terri Actemichuk
Hometown: Okotoks, Canada
Age: 26
Height: 5’11”

Starting weight: 289 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 170 pounds
Program start date: July 2007

Favorite food: Ice cream

Biggest temptation: Potato chips

Biggest motivator: Getting slim for her upcoming wedding.

Biggest obstacle: Overcoming the temptations of junk food.

Old eating philosophy: Eating rice, pasta, potato chips, french fries, and burgers.

New eating philosophy: Eating grilled chicken breast, salads, green apples, and bananas.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to shop, and wearing fashionable outfits.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stay dedicated and be accountable for what you put in your body.

A lifetime of weight loss struggle comes to an end for Lisa Trentham

When Lisa Trentham was in eight grade, she weighed 140 pounds. Throughout her life, she enjoyed going on ski trips, but was embarrassed because she didn't want to be the heaviest person in the group.

At her wedding, Lisa weighed in at 178 pounds, the lowest since high school. But soon after, the honeymoon was over, and Lisa struggled with weight gain ever since.

Lisa's weight increased after giving birth to each of her two children, a son and daughter. Her son, who suffers from developmental problems, has presented many challenges, and Lisa looked for comfort in food in stressful situations.

During the summer 2007, the Trenthams went on vacation to Disney Land, and Lisa realized she had to make changes to her diet. She had trouble keeping up with her family walking around the park, and felt physically uncomfortable on the amusement rides.

Lisa tried to lose weight with other weight loss programs, but they were too costly, and she wasn't getting the results she wanted. She didn't know how to control her portions and her diet was far from healthy. Lisa often indulged in fast food fixes.

Lisa's mom had recently joined the LA Weight Loss program and saw results in just three months, so in October 2007, Lisa decided to give it one more shot, hoping this would be the last time she would ever have to sign up for a weight loss program ever again.

Lisa joined her local LA Weight Loss center, and used her mother's success as a driving motivation. Lisa's diet now includes lots of fruits and vegetables. She now prefers healthier dinner options, such as chicken or fish, as opposed to fast food burger.

And before long, her healthy habits rubbed off on her family. Her daughter asked her to remove all junk food in the house, and both of Lisa's children lost weight and become more active.

When Lisa does go out to eat, she orders grilled chicken breast with extra vegetables instead of mashed potatoes. Lisa also drinks more water and milk, and stays away from soda, coffee, tea, and alcohol.

Since losing 124 pounds, Lisa has been water skiing and tubing, and now looks forward to amusement rides. She walks everyday on the treadmill for one to two hours. When the weather is warm, she takes her workout outside.

Her improved self image has her wearing shorts in the summer instead of hiding behind baggy clothes. Lisa's defining moment that she had finally reached her goal was trying on her beautiful, tall, thin sister's pants and fitting in them! Great job Lisa you look GREAT!

Here's Lisa at 289 pounds:


You look fantastic!!! Keep up the good work!


FAST FACTS:

Name: Lisa Trentham
Hometown: Calgary, Canada
Age: 40
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 289 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 165 pounds
Program start date: September 2007

Favorite food: Chicken

Biggest temptation: Chocolate

Biggest motivator: Looking at her before photo everyday on her refrigerator.

Biggest obstacle: Eating healthy and staying motivated.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on burgers, fries, and ice cream.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with grilled chicken and plenty of vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting positive comments from others, and being able to cross her legs when sitting.

Best weight loss secret learned: Exercising and drinking water can help you shed the pounds.

Canadian woman takes permanent vacation from obesity

Most people would jump at the chance to go Hawaii. But when you're overweight like Gail Miller was, tropical getaways aren't always a vacation.

When Gail's friend invited her to Hawaii in January 2007, the Nanaimo, British Columbia, native didn't think about white beaches, big waves, or ukuleles. She could only think about about bulging out of bathing suits. In the end, Gail was too embarrassed to take the trip.

At 192 pounds, Gail had more serious problems than putting on a swimsuit. She never lost the baby weight after her third child was born, and was paying for it 30 years later with high blood pressure and thyroid problems.

She never had breakfast on time and depended on tons of coffee to get her going. She snacked on chips, soda, crackers, and cookies before dinner. And every Friday, she indulged in pizza, wine, and cheese.

With all that extra weight slowing her down, getting through each day was exhausting. Gail took diet pills her doctors prescribed, but didn't change her eating habits or exercise.

Gail tried dieting off and on for years, but nothing stuck. She always felt like she needed a little more one-on-one support. Then she heard about L A Weight Loss and its personalized weight loss counselors.

The plan sounded like exactly what she needed. She joined her local Nanaimo, British Columbia, L A Weight Loss center.

With the help of her weight loss counselor, Gail realized her eating habits were packing on the pounds while draining her energy. Her counselor taught her how to energize her body with healthy foods, while slimming it down.

She started eating high-fiber cereals, fruits, and L A Lite Bars for breakfast, with only two cups of coffee. She substituted high-fat snacks with vegetables, rice cakes, and turkey bacon.

Fueled by her healthier diet, Gail started doing high-intensity, 30-minute workouts at a local gym. She also walked her dogs as much as possible. The pounds quickly disappeared.

After less than a year on the L A Weight Loss program, Gail has shed 47 pounds. Now, at 145 pounds, she's gained new confidence. Even her husband and children have noticed, and can't stop dishing out the compliments.

Gail landed a new job to match her new figure too. Now, when she gets the invite to tropical destinations like Hawaii, Gail will be the first one on the beach. Great job, Gail!

Here's Gail at 192 pounds, trying to cover up:



And here she is at 145 pounds, ready to show it off!



FAST FACTS

Name: Gail Miller
Hometown: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Age: 54
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 192 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: June 2007

Favorite food: White chicken breast.

Biggest temptation: Having a glass of wine every night.

Biggest motivator: Slimming down for her trip, and getting encouragement from her husband.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to eat healthy foods.

Old eating philosophy: Eating morning, noon, and night.

New eating philosophy: Eating only when she's hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: There's no secrets, just be smart!

50-year-old golden after shedding the pounds

Turning 50 is a milestone for many people. But for Sandra Scott, it was more than a mark of time. It was her deadline to fit into her old clothes.

Sandra never struggled with her weight until well into adulthood. A new medication she took to treat a chemical imbalance threw her metabolism out of whack, and her weight suffered as a result.

After sporting a 130-pound figure throughout her life, it was a shock for Sandra to suddenly shoot up to 194 pounds. As her weight increased, her happiness and confidence decreased.

She couldn't wear cute clothes anymore, and she was self-conscious in public. Sandra tried a number of diets on her own, but nothing did the trick. With her 50th birthday approaching, Sandra had had enough of wearing excess pounds. She needed to find a way to lose weight for good.

Her answer came in September 2006, when she discovered L A Weight Loss. Sandra heard about L A Weight Loss's one-on-one counseling, and thought it would work for her. She was paired up with a weight loss counselor who helped her revamp her diet.

Sandra realized that many of her weight loss woes were caused by the type of foods she ate. Processed foods, for example, were especially difficult for her body to metabolize.

Sandra replaced them with fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and chicken. She also cut back on red meat, fried foods, and fatty dessert intake. Water washed down every meal.

It worked. After a year and a half on the L A Weight Loss program, Sandra lost 56 pounds, just in time for her 50th birthday!

But that's not all. Her 30th wedding anniversary is around the corner too. To celebrate, Sharon and her husband Allan are taking a Mediterranean cruise. She can't wait to wear a new, cute bathing suit!

Sandra is living a healthier life at her goal weight of 138 pounds. She has more energy than ever before, and uses it on her new exercise regime. She also enjoys hiking and shopping for stylish clothes and smaller sizes.

Losing weight has also made Sandra look and feel 15 years younger. Now when she tells people she's 50, no one believes her. Now that's golden!

Best of all, Sharon has her happiness back. Her confidence is way up, and she loves getting up in the morning knowing that she looks good. Way to go, Sharon! We're proud of you!

Here's Sharon at 194 pounds:



And here she is looking incredible at her new weight of 138 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Sandra Scott
Hometown: Welland, Ontario
Age: 50
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 194 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 138 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Eggplant parmesan.

Biggest temptation: Desserts.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to get back into her old wardrobe.

Biggest obstacle: Saying no to the availability of food while traveling.

Old eating philosophy: Eating too many carbs, desserts, and fried foods.

New eating philosophy: Including salad, fresh fruits, fish, and chicken into her meals.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining self esteem and feeling like herself again.

Best weight loss secret learned: Lowering your sodium intake can help you lose weight.

No challenge too tough for Canadian mom

Life doesn't always follow a plan, but the difficult times are often the most inspirational.

Diane Dobson, for example, used brain surgery as the motivation to tackle her weight problem and win her life back.

She had been overweight her entire life. She tried every diet on the market, but nothing worked. Diane usually felt she was losing weight to please other people, and the scale dial bounced back and forth for years.

After giving birth to two children, her weight climbed to 315 pounds and stayed there for 15 years. Diane preferred water over soft drinks or juice. But heaping portions of bread, chocolate, pastries, and pasta always made their way to her plate.

And she often indulged in late-night binges and sugar-filled quick fixes. As her weight increased, her happiness decreased.

In her 30s and 40s, Diane began having seizures. When she got it checked out, her doctors found that a mass in her brain, which she had had her entire life, was a tumor. It was causing the seizures, and she needed surgery immediately to remove part of it.

Diane underwent the operation on April 11, 2006. She was awake during the procedure, as is common during brain surgeries. Fortunately, it was a success. And it also inspired her to tackle her weight problem.

With a renewed commitment to lose weight, Diane decided to not tell anyone about her plans to lose weight. She thought it would keep the pressure off her, so she could focus on her weight loss goal.

Diane heard about L A Weight Loss, and decided to try it. In May 2007, she joined her local Hamilton, Ontario, L A Weight Loss center. She met with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, who taught her how to eat smaller meals five times a day.

Diane made donuts and over-stuffed sandwiches history. Instead she dined on yogurt, rice, tuna, and plenty of healthy, low-fat chicken. If she wanted a snack, she grabbed some fruit.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Diane has lost 136 pounds! She currently weighs 178 pounds, and is closer than ever to her weight loss goal of 160 pounds.

Diane's not just eating right, she's racking up the miles every day by walking. She's logging up to six hours, three to four days a week. When the Canadian winter thaws, Diane says she'll step it up to five or six days a week.

In the meantime, she's doing push ups, sit ups, and churning out 45 minutes on a stationary bike. She's definitely caught the workout bug.

Even though Diane had originally kept her weight loss a secret, when you lose 136 pounds, people take notice. Her confidence has grown enormously, and she feels like everyone finally notices her. Her new boyfriend certainly did! ;)

Best of all, Diane looks in the mirror every day and knows she looks good and feels great. Way to go, Diane! We're proud of you!

Here's Diane at 315 pounds:



Here's a happy and healthy Diane today at 178 pounds:



Fast Facts

Name: Diane Dobson
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
Age: 44
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 315 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 178 pounds
Program start date: May 15, 2007

Favorite food: Bread and pastries.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Surviving brain surgery.

Biggest obstacle: Making sure she ate three meals a day.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on pasta, bread, donuts, and chocolate candy bars.

New eating philosophy: Including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling alive and living life to the fullest.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can eat five times a day and lose weight.

New life blossoms for Monique Bloomfield

Life is all about the little things -- a smile, a warm cup of tea, a sunny summer day. And if you ask Monique Bloomfield, she'll tell you it's the little things that made losing weight worth it.

Weight was never a problem for Monique until she reached her 40s. That's when her activity level and metabolism slowed, but her eating did not. Monique didn't think about what she was eating, only whether it tasted good.

By her mid-50s, she weighed 166 pounds. That was too much weight for her 5'1" inch frame to support. Monique suffered from knee pain whenever she walked up the stairs, and couldn't bend down to paint her toes or play with her dog. She also had high cholesterol, and was on medication for high blood pressure.

But it wasn't until Monique saw a picture of herself on vacation that she started seriously considering losing weight. She knew she needed more support than any self-help book could offer, and found L A Weight Loss to be an ideal fit.

Each week, Monique went to a one-on-one weight loss counseling session at the Nepean, Ottawa, L A Weight Loss center. Her counselors taught her how to make healthy choices.

For Monique, it all came down to planning her meals and thinking about what she was eating before putting it in her mouth. She added more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water to her diet, and eliminated many greasy, fried, and sweet foods.

It wasn't long before Monique's weight began to drop. As the numbers on the scale decreased, her energy level increased. Everyday activities became easier, and she no longer needed a nap to make it through the day.

Since joining L A Weight Loss in March 2006, Monique has lost 37 pounds! She's inched past her weight loss goal of 130 pounds, currently weighing 129.

Monique appreciates the little things she can do now, such as getting on the floor to play with her dog, crossing her legs, and walking up the steps without getting winded.

And Monique is looking as good as she feels these days. Shopping for smaller sizes fun, not to mention constant motivation to stay healthy. Monique's family is proud of the progress she's made, and so are we. Way to go, Monique!

Here's Monique at 166 pounds:



And here she is today, looking great at 129 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Monique Bloomfield
Hometown: Pemptbille, Ontario
Age: 57
Height: 5'1"

Starting weight: 166 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 129 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Sugar pie.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Fitting into smaller-sized clothes.

Biggest obstacle: Making herself go to the center every week.

Old eating philosophy: Not thinking about what she was eating.

New eating philosophy: Maintaining control and a healthy balance.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining lots of energy!

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink plenty of water and eat often to keep your metabolism going.

Race car driver speeds to weight loss finish

Race car drivers are known for three things: speed, determination, and focus. For driver Trent Seidel, those qualities also come in handy when losing weight.

Weight wasn't always a problem for Trent. As a teenager, he was regularly active. But once he got older, his lifestyle slowed, and he found himself working out less.

Each year, the numbers on the scale crept higher. Trent's bad eating habits didn't help. He rarely ate breakfast, and was guilty of late night snacking. Fruit meant a glass of orange juice, while the only vegetable he ate came in the form of carrot cake.

Before long, Trent hit 268 pounds. He suffered from sleep apnea, and rarely got a good night's sleep. He also underwent two surgeries for varicose veins, where his extra weight made his leg swollen and uncomfortable.

Despite his weight, Trent was an avid race car driver. His determination in the driver's seat had helped him succeed in business and life before. Now, Trent decided to focus this energy on dropping the pounds.

In November 2006, Trent joined his local Saskatoon L A Weight Loss center. He paired up with a personal weight loss counselor, Lindee, and learned how to turn his diet from heavy to healthy.

He replaced fried and fatty foods with fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water. Lindee taught him the importance of portion control, and held him accountable for his diet decisions. Trent also enjoyed L A Lite bars and supplements.

After one year on the program, Trent lost 59 pounds. He's now at 210 pounds -- only 10 pounds away from his weight loss goal!

For Trent, the best part about being thinner is feeling as good as he looks. He can participate in activities he hasn't done since his teenage years, such as running, doing sit-ups, and lifting weights. No wonder he feels 16 again!

Plus, his confidence has skyrocketed, and he appreciates his health and happiness all the more. Trent's story proves that with the right amount of determination, anything is possible. And with his weight goal so close, the checkered flag is in sight. Race to the finish line, Trent!

Here's Trent at 269 pounds:



And here he is today, looking great at 210 pounds. Great work, Trent! Keep it up!



But wait, check out his ride. This is what I call a good-lookin' car!



FAST FACTS

Name: Trent Seidel
Hometown: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Age: 42
Height: 5'11"

Starting weight: 269 pounds
Goal weight: 200 pounds
Current weight: 210 pounds
Program start date: November 2006

Favorite food: Steak.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from his wife.

Biggest obstacle: Shaking all of his bad eating habits.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever tastes good.

New eating philosophy: Eating wisely and reading labels.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to do much more.

Best weight loss secret learned: Use and maintain your metabolism.

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.

Sharon Rutti sheds a lifetime of bad habits

Old habits aren't the only ones that die hard. So do bad habits. And when a bad habit like overeating sticks with somebody their entire life, it's unlikely they'll kick the tendency. But don't tell that to Sharon Rutti.

Weight was a problem for Sharon since childhood. She knew she had bad eating habits, but lacked the willpower to change them. Sharon's philosophy: Eat anything, any time.

As a result, her weight climbed each year. By the time Sharon reached 60, she weighed 352 pounds. Breathing was difficult, and she could do little else besides sit in a chair all day. Sharon also suffered from dangerously high blood pressure and arthritic knees.

She tried a number of diets -- and even had her stomach stapled. But still the weight came back. Nothing taught her proper nutrition, so her bad eating habits continued, even though Sharon knew her weight was killing her.

Desperate for change, she joined her local Nainamo, British Columbia, L A Weight Loss center in January 2006. Sharon worked closely with her personal weight loss counselor, Genedine, who taught her portion control as the key to a healthy diet.

Sharon was soon eating in moderation. She found that by monitoring her portions and eating a number of small meals throughout the day, she was able to overcome her toughest cravings. Sharon also cut back on fast food, fried food, and bread, while adding fruits and vegetables.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Sharon has lost 110 pounds -- halfway to her weight loss goal of 130 pounds! At 242 pounds, Sharon has already changed her life dramatically. She can now do everyday activities with ease, and loves to fish, camp, and play with her grandson.

Sharon's health has improved, too. Her blood pressure dramatically decreased, and her arthritis is less painful. She even has the energy to swim and do aqua exercises at her community pool.

Best of all, Sharon's new weight has given her a more positive outlook on life. She's much happier, and knows she's taken an important step to living longer.

Sharon has shown everyone it's never too late to change your life. Way to go, Sharon! Keep up the good work!

Here's Sharon before at 352 pounds:



And here she is today at 242 pounds. Halfway there, Sharon! Keep it up!




FAST FACTS

Name: Sharon Rutti
Hometown: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Age: 62
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 352 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 242 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Fruit.

Biggest temptation: Resisting sweets and bread.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from her family.

Biggest obstacle: Breaking through the plateau.

Old eating philosophy: Eating as much as she wanted, whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthier, and knowing when she's satisfied.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good about herself.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you eat properly, you can be satisfied without cheating.

Ontario woman takes what she dished out

Getting a dose of your own medicine might sound unpleasant. But that remedy helped Kym Doornekamp of Ridgeway, Ontario, take control of her life.

She was always health-conscious, and stayed in shape throughout adolescence and early adulthood. So becoming an L A Weight Loss counselor was not a stretch. Kym enjoyed teaching people proper eating habits, while helping them reach their goal weights.

Kym led a healthy lifestyle until she was diagnosed with a heart condition at age 32. She became largely bedridden. Kym's medications had weight gain side effects. Plus, her lack of exercise kept her from burning calories, and her weight crept up.

She became depressed, and wanted her old life back. Kym didn't care what she ate, because she felt it didn't matter. She loaded up on carbs and sweets, and consumed almost anything else until she was stuffed.

Soon Kym weighed 225 pounds. On days when she did leave her bed, Kym liked to visit the mall. But lugging around her extra weight made her winded after taking the stairs, and lightheaded after walking past four stores. Worse, the extra pounds exacerbated her heart condition. Kym was disgusted with herself, and angry that she let her weight control her life.

She turned to the one program she already knew and believed in: L A Weight Loss. But this time, she was the one seeking nutritional guidance and personalized counseling.

Kym joined L A Weight Loss, and refocused her eating plan and outlook. She ate balanced meals in the proper portions, and drank plenty of water. Breakfast was usually oatmeal, a banana, and skim milk; and lunch, a salad with light dressing.

For supper, Kym enjoyed chicken breast, rice, and mixed vegetables. In between meals, she usually ate celery with peanut butter, or yogurt. Throughout her journey, she leaned on her personal counselors for support and inspiration.

In just 10 months, Kym lost 95 pounds! She now clocks in at a healthy 130 -- back to her old form!

Her heart condition has dramatically improved, and her symptoms have decreased in severity. That's given her new-found energy, which she uses to walk and bike every day. In fact, Kym walked a marathon in Niagara Falls last year, and plans to run the Boston Marathon as soon as she's ready.

Kym loves the way she looks, and sometimes can't believe her reflection in the mirror. Her husband is also thrilled about her weight loss, and the couple is closer.

Kym believes L A Weight Loss is the reason she's achieved her better way of life. What she once thought was impossible, is now possible!

Wow, great job, Kym! Keep up the fantastic work!

This is Kym before, at 225 pounds:



And here she is today, a new person at 130. Looking fabulous, Kym!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kym Doornekamp
Hometown: Ridgeway, Ontario
Age: 34
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 225 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 130 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Salad and pitas.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate bars.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from her husband.

Biggest obstacle: Being tempted by food, especially pepperoni pizza.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything that looked good.

New eating philosophy: Choosing healthy foods and eating until she's just slightly full.

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

Best weight loss secret learned: Go easy on the salt!

Canadian woman ditches those three little words

"The heavy one." Those three words can strike dread in the hearts of thousands. No one wants to be the heavy one.

But Heather Elliot was. She struggled with weight her entire life in a family with two skinny sisters. School was no different. Heather always felt she was the heavy one among all of her friends, too.

Once she graduated college, Heather treated herself to months of relaxation and celebration. She constantly chowed down on chips and sweets. The weight piled on.

Then her grandmother -- one of Heather's biggest supporters -- pointed out the young woman's weight gain. That's when Heather decided she was sick and tired of feeling heavy.

She joined her local L A Weight Loss center in Burnaby, British Columbia, in April 2006. But she was devastated at her weigh-in when the scaled tipped to 276 pounds. That convinced Heather to lighten her life.

She immediately connected with her personal L A Weight Loss counselors. Heather felt they understood her, and could motivate her through her weight loss journey, even when she hit a plateau.

Around the same time, Heather's dad was diagnosed with diabetes. So they took on the challenge of transforming their diets together. He offered her tons of support, and his compliments inspired her to keep losing.

Heather went through a complete lifestyle change with L A Weight Loss. She learned the importance of portion control, and didn't even want to eat unhealthy foods anymore. Plus, it became easier to make the right decisions.

Soon her diet was filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and lots of water. And the knowledge she learned at L A Weight Loss helped her make the right decisions when she ate out.

Her dedication paid off in a big way -- 65 pounds, in fact! Now Heather has a whole new life. Her relationships with family and friends are stronger than ever, and she can do all the things she loves.

For example, she has become a better baseball player (which thrilled her coach); rides all the amusement park rides; teaches children with disabilities; enjoys working out; and adores shopping and hiking.

Plus, Heather is enjoying her newfound confidence, which has launched her into the dating world for the first time ever! Best of all, she loves her new body and her new outlook. And she knows that she will never be the heavy one again.

Here's Heather weighing 276 pounds:



And here she is now, looking fantastic and feeling better than ever! Way to go, Heather!



FAST FACTS

Name: Heather Elliott
Hometown: New Westminster, British Columbia
Age: 22
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 276 pounds
Goal weight: 211 pounds
Current weight: 211 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Salad.

Biggest temptation: Beer and chocolate sweets.

Biggest motivator: Seeing constant results with her weight loss.

Biggest obstacle: Cutting out bad foods from her diet.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever tastes good, especially sweets.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthy with the right portion sizes.

Best thing about losing weight: Watching her self-confidence skyrocket.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat smaller portion sizes more often throughout the day.

Ice, elevation, and weight loss for one Canadian mom

An injury can be a devastating event for someone who leads an active lifestyle. A broken arm is a basketball player's worst nightmare, while a torn ACL is pure unhappiness for a hiker.

So it's no wonder many people take extreme care to stay off the injury list. That's what Estelle Moynes learned the hard way.

Throughout her life, Estelle was never considered skinny. Fortunately, her active lifestyle kept her fit through college. Once she reached her early 20s, however, Estelle began putting on the pounds.

As the years rolled by, her gradual weight gain pushed the scale dial further to the right. By the time Estelle turned 40, she weighed in at 239 pounds.

She still maintained an active lifestyle, but her hobbies frequently landed her on the couch with a sprained ankle. The usual prescription: ice, elevate, and keep the weight off it.

At age 40, she knew that losing weight was the best bet for keeping herself injury-free. More importantly, she wanted to enjoy life with her three children; and play, bike, and hike with them without getting winded.

So Estelle decided to take the doctor's orders one step further, and really keep the weight off.

That's what brought her to the local L A Weight Loss center in Ottawa, Canada, in April 2006. Working closely with her personal L A Weight Loss counselors, Estelle learned the importance of a balanced diet and smaller portions.

She replaced her usual starches, fast food, chips, and desserts with healthy home cooking, lean meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Estelle was determined to make it work, and became aware of everything she ate. Her husband and children offered constant support and encouragement. The weight melted away, and soon Estelle hit her goal weight of 182 pounds!!

Now she glows with confidence, and has re-vamped her entire wardrobe. Better yet, she has plenty of energy for her children. Estelle loves her family bike rides, and enjoys walking the trails near her Ontario home.

Clearly, Estelle's weight isn't keeping her on the sidelines anymore. Awesome job, Estelle!

Here's Estelle at 239 pounds:



And here she is 57 pounds lighter after 31 weeks on the program. Doesn't she look great?!



FAST FACTS

Name: Estelle Moynes
Hometown: Casselman, Ontario, Canada
Age: 41
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 239 pounds
Goal weight: 182 pounds
Current weight: 182 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: BBQ steak with a big salad and a baked potato.

Biggest temptation: Potato chips.

Biggest motivator: Relieving her ankle pain by carrying less weight.

Biggest obstacle: Changing her routine.

Old eating philosophy: Eating large portion sizes -- the bigger the better.

New eating philosophy: Maintaining a healthy balance of everything she eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: You have to eat to lose weight!

Tammy Lara proves it's never too late to be a comeback kid

If you have kids, you probably struggle to get them to eat right. Most children don't want their vegetables, fruits, or anything else that's healthy. But developing poor eating habits as a kid can catch up to you in adulthood, as Tammy Lara of Maple, Ontario, found out.

Tammy was always on the heavier side. She had a family history of weight problems, as her mother and relatives on her side were obese. Plus, she didn't learn good nutrition as a child. Instead, Tammy was free to eat whatever tasted good, which meant junk food and candy.

Her eating habits didn't improve with age. Tammy often ate a bag of chips in one sitting, and munched on fast and fried foods throughout the day. She washed it all down with high-calorie soda, pushing her weight to 301 pounds.

Then Tammy became hypothyroid, which made her feel sluggish. It also slowed her metabolism, which helped pack on even more pounds. She experienced chronic back and knee pain, too, which limited her mobility -- and her ability to play with her two kids, Tyler, age 5, and Samantha, age 11.

She could only watch them scream with excitement when they rode amusement park rides, because she couldn't fit into the seats with them. And time spent at the zoo was cut short because Tammy didn't have the energy to walk long distances or withstand warm temperatures.

Meanwhile, her mother developed diabetes and heart problems from her excess weight (being a heavy smoker didn't help either). The complications wore her health down, and she passed away just before her 61st birthday.

Her mother's death was a wake-up call for Tammy. She realized she needed to do something about her weight, or risk cutting her life short like her mother. Tammy wanted to be there for her kids, and spend more quality time with them. So she decided to join L A Weight Loss.

Tammy finally learned what she should have been taught long ago. She sat down with the nutrition experts and one-on-one weight loss counselors to evaluate her food choices. They helped her re-focus her eating regimen to include proper portions of fresh, healthy foods, and exclude fried and fast foods.

Tammy also started drinking more water, and cut out the soda. She also learned which low-calorie, low-fat foods to order at restaurants, as well as how to cook and barbecue healthy meals at home.

The weight started coming off. Tammy felt her mobility and energy coming back. She lost 141 pounds on the L A Weight Loss plan, and is now just 30 pounds away from her 130-pound goal weight!

Tammy continues to eat according to the L A Weight Loss plan. In fact, she's spreading the good habits to her kids. Tammy's daughter is slightly overweight, but thanks to lessons in good nutrition and portion sizes from her mom, she's lost 17 pounds!

But that's not all Tammy is doing with her kids. With renewed energy and mobility, she takes her kids to the park, goes on the swings, and rides down the slide with them. She can also fit through amusement park turnstiles and go on rides with ease.

Plus, Tammy walks on the treadmill every other day. And her husband George tells her she looks great, which is music to her ears!

Way to go, Tammy! Keep up the great work!

This is the 301-pound Tammy before:



And here she is today, weighing 160 pounds! Great job, Tammy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Tammy Lara
Hometown: Maple, Ontario, Canada
Age: 35
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 301 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: October 18, 2005

Favorite food: Nachos and cheese.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate and animal crackers.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to play with her kids and be there for them in the future.

Biggest obstacle: Keeping up with her kids.

Old eating philosophy: Drinking soda and eating chips all the time.

New eating philosophy: Drinking water, and eating fresh vegetables and grilled chicken.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling healthier, and being able to spend more quality time with her kids.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you know how to order right, you can still eat your favorite foods at restaurants while losing weight.

Jan Aitchison breaks the food chain

Workaholics are chained to their desk. Prisoners are chained to the wall. Overweight people are chained to food. Case in point is Jan Aitchison of Victoria, British Columbia.

The pounds started to add up when Jan got married in 1996, and her weight peaked when she divorced in 2005. Jan ate when stressed, and often ate out, and ate at odd hours.

She always chose pasta, bread, beer, and other foods high in sugar, fat, and salt. Her sweet tooth had her eating a lot of chocolate. Her motto: "Life gets in the way of dieting!"

Soon, Jan's weight soared to 215 pounds. While heart conditions ran in her family, Jan luckily didn't have any problems. She did, however, have chronic back pain. She was also insecure and had low self-confidence.

Exercise and fad diets weren't working for her, because she couldn't let go of carbs. Then she heard about L A Weight Loss's customized eating plans, one-on-one counseling, and portion control. It sounded like a weight loss plan that could work for Jan, and she decided to give it a try.

She spoke to the weight loss counselors, signed up, and committed herself to the program. Jan started eating less comfort foods, carbs, sugar, and salt. She also read nutrition labels, and ate a lot of salads and vegetables. And L A Lite bars satisfied her chocolate cravings!

Thanks to this simple plan, Jan dropped three pounds a week, and never felt deprived or hungry. Plus, the L A Weight Loss counselors supplied the one-on-one support she needed to stay focused.

Jan quickly reached her goal weight of 180, but kept going because she was on a great pace. Now she's lost 50 pounds, and weighs 165!

She feels fabulous and sexy, loves shopping, and wears bikinis, short shorts, and tank tops with confidence. And, with less back pain, she's improved her golf game, and started Pilates.

Friends and family tell her she looks great, boosting her attitude tremendously. She feels 10 years younger!

Jan's advice for others chained to food is talk to the L A Weight Loss counselors. That's what they're there for.

L A Weight Loss threw Jan's old motto out the door. Now she says she's free to live! Great to hear, Jan! Way to go!

This is the stressed-out Jan before, at 215 pounds:



And check her out today! Nothing will hold down the 165-pound Jan now! Congrats!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jan Aitchinson
Hometown: Victoria, British Columbia
Age: 41
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 215 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 165 pounds
Program start date: October 2005

Favorite food: Peanut butter.

Biggest temptation: Bacon.

Biggest motivator: Getting personal satisfaction from losing weight.

Biggest obstacle: None! With a lot of family and friends supporting her, the program was easy.

Old eating philosophy: Indulging in sweets, chips, burgers, pasta, beer, and wine.

New eating philosophy: Having foods that are low in sugar, fat, and salt.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling fabulous.

Best weight loss secret learned: Salt affects your body more than you might think.

Canadian nurse practices what she preaches

Talking the talk is easy. But walking the walk is a different story.

As a registered nurse who spent her time public speaking about health and motivational issues, Linda Taylor knew her lifestyle didn't match the lessons she was teaching.

Linda struggled with weight her entire life. Her weight topped out at 268 pounds after a devastating year of personal and family problems, which she addressed with a lot of comfort eating.

Her extra weight made Linda uncomfortable in front of crowds -- a problem in her occupation. And she felt hypocritical preaching about health, knowing she was leading a far-from-healthy lifestyle.

Every time she went shopping, Linda felt she was buying clothes in a larger size. The cruelty of dressing room mirrors and lights made her hate every shopping experience.

With summer approaching, Linda was fed up. She didn't want to be overweight for another bathing suit season. But she couldn't stick to a diet plan in the face of temptation, and without the support she really needed.

Then Linda heard about L A Weight Loss, and decided it was the program for her. So she marched down to her local L A Weight Loss center and joined the program in March 2006.

L A Weight Loss taught Linda the valuable lesson of accountability and portion control. As her encouraging, one-on-one L A Weight Loss counselor often reminded her, "Nothing tastes as good as thin."

Linda became more conscious of what foods she ate. She incorporated lean meats and vegetables into her diet, and exercised often.

Plus, she appreciated the supportive environment of L A Weight Loss, and the counselors' goals to educate her and improve her lifestyle. And improve Linda did, melting away to 160 pounds!

Her new lifestyle has given her a new lease on life. Linda now walks the walk -- around her neighborhood, that is -- for an hour every morning and evening with her dog. She also enjoys strenuous activities such as raking leaves, shoveling snow, and clearing tree branches.

Her attitude has brightened, too, and she feels 10 years younger. The best part: She looks great on stage! Her audiences can see that Linda is fit as a fiddle and radiating confidence from the podium.

Without a doubt, Linda is one health care specialist who practices what she preaches, and inspires others to do the same. Terrific job, Linda!

Here's Linda weighing in at a hefty 277 pounds:



Here she is now 117 pounds lighter! If that's not motivation, I don't know what is!



FAST FACTS

Name: Linda Taylor
Hometown: Utopia, Ontario
Age: 56
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 267 pounds
Goal weight: 158 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: March 24, 2006

Favorite food: Cherry yogurt.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate bars.

Biggest motivator: Feeling great in her clothes.

Biggest obstacle: Eating food for comfort, then being reluctant to weigh in.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Remembering that food doesn't have the power.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling at peace, accomplished, and successful.

Best weight loss secret learned: Don't skip meals. Eat protein every three hours, don't eat after 7 p.m., and watch the pounds melt away!

Ron Layne's secret weapon: his counselor!

You got the chance to meet Christina Young, Greg Thompson's personal L A Weight Loss counselor, and a key factor in his success.

Now, in the second installment of our counselor podcast series, we're happy to introduce James Maxwell, counselor for Ron Layne. With James's support and guidance, Ron dropped 74 pounds -- and literally saved his life.

James was a counselor at the Glamorgan Center in Calgary, Alberta, where Ron went three times a week for 10 months. I got in touch with James recently, and were immediately impressed by his candor and enthusiasm. He clearly loves his job, and knows how to motivate people!

So lend him your ears, and enjoy his first-person account of life as an L A Weight Loss counselor. And without further ado ... James!

Cindy Shank quits smoking -- and fad diets

Cindy Shank hit rock bottom in March 2005. She'd recently quit smoking and, after replacing cigarettes with food, packed on some extra pounds.

Then she was diagnosed with an under-active thyroid , a condition that can cause uncontrollable weight gain. She ballooned to 225 pounds -- which contributed to an onset of high blood pressure.

Cindy was at a loss. She ate fruits and veggies and worked out every day, but the weight wouldn't come off. In fact, she kept adding more. And now she was dealing with multiple medical issues as well.

She turned to a diet program that had worked before, but this time it didn't stick. So Cindy tried a "protein diet", which worked in the short term, yet wasn't something she could sustain for the long haul.

Cindy had seen several ads for L A Weight Loss, but unfortunately there were no centers near her home in Oakville, Ontario. Then one day her luck changed: L A Weight Loss had opened a new center in her hometown.

From the minute she walked into the center, Cindy knew the program was "tailor-made" for her needs, as she put it in a letter she sent to me. She especially liked the one-on-one counseling, which helped her build meal plans that were in step with her efforts to control her thyroid and high blood pressure. And getting weighed three times a week helped her keep a tight reign over her progress.

Clearly this double-barrel approach worked: In 38 weeks, Cindy dropped 75 pounds (!!), reaching her goal weight of 150 pounds! But that wasn't good enough. She really wanted to weigh 140 pounds -- a goal she also reached with the help of the Oakville center.

It's been over a year since Cindy lost those 85 pounds (plus five more!), and she's still working hard to keep it that way. She's back at the gym three to four times a week, where she enjoys the elliptical machine, yoga, and Pilates. She's now off two of her three blood pressure medications, and controls her thyroid with medication and diet.

Here is Cindy at 225 pounds:



And, here she is at a slimming 135 pounds. WOW!!!!



FAST FACTS

Name: Cindy Shank
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario
Age: 44

Starting weight: 225 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 135 pounds
Program start date: March 2005

Favorite foods: Fruits and vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Cookies and candy.

Biggest motivator: Finding a realistic diet she could follow for life.

Biggest obstacle: Losing weight while dealing with an under-active thyroid and high blood pressure.

Old eating philosophy: Eating healthy fruits and vegetables, but not knowing how to balance them with other foods.

New eating philosophy: Understanding how to incorporate these nutritious foods into a balanced diet of proteins, carbs, and fiber.

Best thing about losing weight: Being a size 6 for the first time!

Best weight loss secret learned: Keep a food diary. Writing down every thing she ate helped Cindy track her daily intake, and plan accordingly for the next day.

Former athlete gets her weight on the fast track

Christy Daurie knew her weight was a problem when she started choosing fast food and the comfy couch over quality time outside with her daughter.

At 220 pounds, Christy was constantly tired, and had zero self-confidence or esteem. This was a drastic change from her younger days, when she was active in softball and volleyball. But getting married and starting a family shifted her focus away from herself, and left little time for extracurricular activities.

Over the years, Christy tried (and failed at) every diet on the market -- literally -- including one that had her smelling special markers to suppress her appetite.

Nothing seemed to work for Christy until she joined L A Weight Loss in August 2005. That's when she discovered how to eat the right foods for her body -- and how to avoid giving up if she found herself eating the wrong foods. Before L A Weight Loss, if Christy ate a greasy, fatty breakfast, she'd count the entire day as a loss, and quit.

Today Christy's back to her old self, playing volleyball and softball again, while also doing yoga and strength training three times a week. And she has the energy to play with her daughter every day!

Christy lost 67 pounds, which was enough for her to sport a bikini during a recent Mexican vacation!

Here is Christy at 220 pounds:



And here she is with her hubby looking bold and beautiful at 153 pounds!



FAST FACTS

Name: Christy Daurie
Hometown: Chestermere, Alberta
Age: 32

Starting weight: 220 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 153 pounds
Program start date: August 1, 2005

Favorite recipe: Lean ground beef with mushrooms, celery, green pepper, salsa, and grated cheese topped with fat-free sour cream.

Biggest temptation: McDonald's Big Macs.

Biggest motivator: To wear a bikini during her vacation to Mexico.

Biggest obstacle: Feeling self-conscious and embarrassed when going out with her "skinny and beautiful" girlfriends.

Old eating philosophy: Fast food meals every day.

New eating philosophy: She craves fresh fruits such as strawberries and bananas, and vegetables such as carrots, celery, and broccoli.

Best thing about losing weight: Having the energy to keep up with her daughter.

Best weight loss secret learned: Losing weight can increase your sex drive!