My L A Weight Loss Diary turns 1!

We couldn't let November slip by without celebrating a special birthday -- ours! This month marks the one year anniversary for our blog.

That's right, it's been one year of chronicling the weight loss journeys of people across the U.S. and Canada. One year of sharing their struggles and successes. And one year of inspiring more people to lose weight and get healthy.

We've come a long way since Nov. 2006, when we profiled Jim Barker, our first success story. Since then, we've showcased 210 women and men who also achieved their healthy goals with L A Weight Loss.

Among them are our People Magazine stars, Janene Campbell and Mandy Muniz, who were featured in the publication's January "Half Their Size" issue. Janene went from 371 to 164 pounds, and Mandy from 293 to 126 pounds.

And who could forget our farmer from Wisconsin, Greg Thompson, who lost 235 pounds, the most of anyone featured on the blog! Thanks to his personal weight loss counselor and portion control education, he's well on his way to his 240-pound goal weight -- a far cry from his original 508.

You've gotten up close and personal to these and other men and women through podcast interviews. We've also shared recipes, cooking tips, and expert nutritional advice to help keep your plates low on fat and calories and high on nutrition and taste.

Speaking of which, we introduced Controltrim on the blog last month, the new L A Weight Loss product that helps you feel full and eat less.

And we launched the first-ever Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge last week, where 10 Atlanta women are striving to meet their weight loss goals in six months, and take home the grand prize of $1,000 shopping spree and program reimbursement.

But this birthday wouldn't be complete without giving a big THANKS to you, our loyal readers! You cheer on these women and men, and keep them inspired and motivated to reach their weight loss goals. So please, keep it coming!

Plus, feel free to tell us your favorite story from the hundreds we've shared. What made you laugh? Cry? Or motivate you to start your own weight loss journey? And if you've already reached your goal weight, check in and let us know how you're doing! We love to hear from all our readers!

Media, you're welcome to join the conversation too! As always, if you're interested in interviewing anyone we've featured on the blog or learning more about L A Weight Loss, just contact Jackie Zima at Jackie@GregoryFCA.com, 610-642-8253, or 215-534-2973 (mobile).

In the meantime, we'll be busy talking to more people who've found success with L A Weight Loss. 'Til next time!

P.S. We'll be taking our holiday break the remainder of the week, and will return Monday the 26th. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

From obesity to The Big Apple

Losing weight can do more than boost your health and self-esteem. It can also make you famous!

First Janene Campbell appeared on the cover of People magazine's "Half Their Size" issue. Then she was invited on the Today show,
to talk with Natalie Morales about how she lost 216 pounds on the L A Weight Loss program.



Janene's journey from obesity to the small screen began in January 2005, when her mother, age 64 and 220 pounds, passed away from diabetes, kidney failure, and high blood pressure. Two years earlier, her father, age 62 and 300 pounds, died from congestive heart failure.

Janene weighed 371 pounds. And the handwriting was on the wall. She knew she had to do something, and fast, to make sure she'd be around to see her five-year-old twins grow up. But getting started wasn’t easy. Janene had been heavy her entire life. She weighed 100 pounds in the first grade!

When she hit adulthood, her obesity left her unable to sit in airplane seats. Her feet were always swollen. She escaped the emotional pain of obesity by eating even more sugary, fattening foods, perpetuating a self-defeating cycle.

After trying other diets, Janene tried the L A Weight Loss program. She started just before her mom passed away. She lost 10 pounds in the first week, and found the motivation she needed to keep going -- after 30 years of bad eating habits.

Two years later and, well, she's half her size! You can read the rest of her story as it appeared in People magazine. In total, Janene dropped 216 pounds!!! She now weighs 155 pounds, just five pounds shy of her goal weight of 150.

Here's Janene before, at 371 pounds:



And here's the superstar now, showing off her new 155-pound figure! It’s an amazing transformation that has given her back her life, and her future.



FAST FACTS

Name: Janene Campbell
Hometown: Horn Lake, Miss.
Age: 30

Starting weight: 371 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Program start date: Dec. 2004

Biggest temptation: Salty snacks, like potato chips and Doritos.

Biggest motivator: Avoiding the fate of her parents, who both passed away from obesity-related illnesses before age 65.

Biggest obstacle: Sticking with a diet plan for more than three weeks.

Old eating philosophy: Skipping breakfast and lunch, then snacking on candy bars and chips all day. Dinner was usually a super-sized fast food meal, followed by a sweet dessert.

New eating philosophy: Fresh fruit and yogurt for breakfast; more fruit, vegetables, and sandwiches on low-calorie bread for lunch; and dinners packed with protein and fiber. She hasn't given up on snacking, but has replaced junk food with sugar-free gelatin, diet soda, and sugar-free hard candy.

Best thing about losing weight: When her daughter hugs her and her arms reach all the way around Janene's waist.

Best weight loss secret learned: The biggest reward isn't buying new clothes to look good on the outside. It's how good you feel on the inside.

L A Weight Loss members featured in People magazine cover story

I have some exciting news to share: Two L A Weight Loss clients were chosen by People magazine's editors to appear in People magazine's "Half Their Size" issue, which is now in stores.

Janene Campbell, who went from 371 to 164 pounds, is featured on the magazine's cover and home page (that's Janene on the left). Mandy Muniz, who went from 293 to 126 pounds, is covered in a three-page spread! Way to go, ladies!!!



I'll be sharing my experience with Janene, Mandy, and People magazine's editors in a future entry. In the meantime, you can see the stories of these two amazing women, as they appear in the magazine.

Better still, pick up a copy today! It's a special double issue, and it's filled with stories that will inspire and motivate you -- the best of which are Janene's and Mandy's . OK, I'm biased! :-)