Minn. mom becomes mini mom

Losing weight doesn't just change your eating habits, it changes your life. For Jess Zacharias, life changed dramatically for the better.

Jess was never thin. She had bad eating habits, and rarely exercised. And after two pregnancies, she lost control completely.

Her weight soared to 217 pounds. She developed kidney and gall bladder stones, was constantly winded, and had high blood pressure. Jess was also embarrassed to be seen in public, and felt ugly compared to girls who weighed less.

In 2006, Jess was asked to be a bridesmaid in her sister-in-law's wedding. When she went to the dress fitting though, she realized she was "the heavy one."

Then and there, Jess decided to take control of her weight. So she joined her local St. Paul Park, Minn., L A Weight Loss center.

Jess worked with the center's one-on-one weight loss counselors, who offered her tips and tricks to revamp her diet and lifestyle. She added plenty of fruits, vegetables, and chicken to her diet. Jess also started making smarter snacking choices. Instead of chips, she reached for rice cakes or yogurt.

Since joining L A Weight Loss in Nov. 2006, Jess has shed 61 pounds. She passed her weight loss goal of 160 pounds, and now weighs in at 156!

Jess hasn't just changed her diet, she's changed her entire life. She can do things now she couldn't before, such as wear cute clothes. Jess no longer tries to hide her body, and enjoys swimming in public pools.

The best part about losing weight is the confidence she's gained. She's no longer shy, and loves going out to meet old friends -- many of whom don't even recognize her. She's smaller now than she was in high school!

Jess's success has even inspired others to join L A Weight Loss. Her cousin and mom's best friend are now on the program, too. Congrats, Jess! We knew you could do it!

Here's Jess at 217 pounds, shortly before she joined L A Weight Loss:



And here she is today, at a slender 156 pounds. You look fantastic, Jess!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jess Zacharias
Hometown: St. Paul Park, Minn.
Age: 29
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 217 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 156 pounds
Program start date: November 2006

Favorite food: Chicken breast.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Getting encouraging responses from everyone.

Biggest obstacle: Eating out and still eating healthy.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Making healthier choices.

Best thing about losing weight: Seeing people's reactions.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's not a diet, it's a healthy lifestyle.

Texas man becomes the life of every party

Food is often the center of parties, and linked to good times and people you love. Just think birthday cake and grandma's apple pie.

But food comes into play during negative experiences and emotions as well, to comfort and console. This is typically called emotional eating. Before you know it, that bag of chips or carton of ice cream is gone.

Take Allen Gaines. Allen was skinny his entire life. A track runner in high school and college, his dad fondly nicknamed him "bones" because he was so trim.

After college, however, Allen went through some turbulent experiences, including a near-fatal car accident, a stressful divorce, and custody battle. Allen turned to food for comfort. After all, what's a pity party without the eats?

But even when his life started looking up after overcoming these setbacks, Allen ate. His second wife was his emotional rock, and incidentally, an amazing cook. Over the years, he packed on the pounds.

By 2005, Allen was weighing in at a hefty 317 pounds -- and suffering the consequences. His cholesterol and blood pressure were dangerously high, he could barely climb the stairs without becoming winded, and had to undergo three different surgeries to treat a varicose vein and two kidney stones.

Allen knew he needed to lose weight, and tried a number of diets. After years of eating prepared foods, counting calories, cutting carbs, and always feeling hungry, nothing worked. None of the diets showed Allen simply how to eat right, and he gained the weight back.

On New Year's Eve, Allen resolved to lose weight. And two days later, Allen joined his local Lubbock, Texas, L A Weight Loss center.

Allen's one-on-one weight loss counselors helped him transform his diet and his life. He learned the importance of portion control, and eating more meals but in smaller sizes. He cut out a lot of fatty foods, and started paying attention to nutrition labels.

His diet now consists of fresh fruits and vegetables, baked fish and chicken, lots of water, and an occasional steak. Allen never skips breakfast, and he cut out all late-night snacking.

The best thing Allen learned from his counselors is he can still eat the things he loves while losing weight. He enjoys eating out, and he treats himself to his favorite candy bar (just not every day).

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Allen has lost 104 pounds. His cholesterol is down, his blood pressure is normal, and his energy level has sky-rocketed. He walks every morning, and hikes trails that he hasn't been able to tackle in years. He also runs and plays with his dog.

For the first time in 20 years, Allen is spiritually, mentally, and physically in great shape. And the constant compliments about his weight loss aren't too bad to hear, either. Food is no longer the center of the party ... Allen is! Way to go, Allen!

Here's Allen before his life-changing New Year's resolution, at 317 pounds:

Here he is 104 pounds lighter, and 110 percent healthier. Looking great, Allen! Great job!



FAST FACTS

Name: Allen Gaines
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
Age: 56
Height: 6'1"

Starting weight: 317 pounds
Goal weight: 213 pounds
Current weight: 215 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Steak and baked tilapia.

Biggest temptation: Snacks.

Biggest motivator: Receiving support from family and friends every day.

Biggest obstacle: Standing in his own way.

Old eating philosophy: Eating for the sake of eating.

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

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling great about himself.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's all about discipline.