Portly Portland chef reveals secret recipe for healthy weight loss

Never trust a skinny chef. Unless, of course, he's John Paulk.

John became a chef five years ago to fulfill his lifelong passion for cooking and entertaining. Equally lifelong -- his struggles with weight. So imagine his dilemma in a new profession where being overweight was socially acceptable.

John took this as an excuse to gain more weight, and quickly hit 233 pounds. He took Prilosec for gastric reflux, experienced serious heel pain, always felt short of breath -- and even suffered a mild stroke!

John felt like a young man trapped in an old man's body. Worse, he was hiding behind his weight, fearful of what people might think or say. John knew he had to make a change, or risk losing his health, happiness, and career.

He sampled many diet programs with little success, and didn't know what else to try. Then John heard a local radio host share his story about slimming down on L A Weight Loss.

The chef was inspired to experiment. He contacted the Lloyd L A Weight Loss Center in Portland, Ore. At first, John was skeptical, but the friendly, helpful counselors quickly put him at ease.

His personal counselor, Rhonda Leigh, met with John one-on-one to set goals and develop a meal plan based on vegetables, fruits, lean meat, and fiber. She also had him step on the scale every other day. This kept him accountable for his eating decisions.

Ever the cook, John adapted recipes at home and at work to fit his new menu and seasoned palate. This meant cutting fat, cooking without oil, grilling and roasting food, and opting for fewer calories. His favorite creation: a fat-free, flavorful marinade made without oil.

John also added exercise to his routine. He hit the gym six times a week, and worked with a personal trainer. Soon, he was doing 800 crunches, where before he couldn't even do 20!

The potent combination of diet and exercise helped John lose weight at a rate of 2 pounds per week. It wasn't long before he hit his goal weight of 180 pounds. He also shrunk his waist from 44 inches to 32, and built up muscle through his workout regimen.

The best part: having the energy, strength, and coordination for new adventures with his family. John went skiing for the first time with his sons, and started working out with his wife during the week. Plus, he no longer needs medication, and feels 10 years younger!

Now John can't wait to share his story with others. He always brings up L A Weight Loss on his radio show, “Food Talk.” And he cooks L A Weight Loss recipes during culinary segments on a local TV program.

John's inspiring message: If a chef can do it, so can you! Well done, John!

Here's John, on-air and overweight at 233 pounds:



And here he is at 180, hotter than a jalapeno! Talk about epicurean delights ;)



FAST FACTS

Name: John Paulk
Hometown: Portland, Ore.
Age: 44
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 233 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 180 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Nacho Cheese Doritos.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to set a healthy example for his three young sons.

Biggest obstacle: Becoming complacent and falling into old habits.

Old eating philosophy: Living to eat, drink, and be merry!

New eating philosophy: Adopting a healthier lifestyle, and choosing the right foods in the right portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more confidence, and adding years to his life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Write down what you eat, weigh in three times a week, and don't give up until you're finished!

No baby weight on board for this Oregon mom

For Becky Harrold, stepping on the scale after giving birth to two babies 17 months apart was a much needed wake-up call, which she describes in a personal essay she sent me.

Here's the short version: Becky had been yo-yo dieting her whole life. After getting married, she traded dieting for newlywed bliss. A year later, she became pregnant. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with high blood pressure, and put on bed rest. She spent her days "eating for two," and by the time she gave birth, Becky was 255 pounds.

Nine months later, Becky was pregnant again. She faced the same restrictions, and continued to put on weight. After her daughter was born, she worked hard to lose the weight by eating right and counting calories. Imagine her shock when she got on the scale four months later and weighed 257 pounds.

Becky heard that her cousin Tammi had been successful on the L A Weight Loss program. So she visited the Eugene, Ore., center to check it out. She was immediately impressed with Katie, her personal counselor, and how easily she could follow the program while raising two small kids. She signed up that day.

Ten months later, Becky had lost 127 pounds -- about half her total body weight! She now weighs 137 pounds and wears a size 6! She's also off her blood pressure medication.

And to help her keep up with her toddlers, Becky's set a new goal for herself: training for a 10K in July. Good luck, Becky!

That's Becky on the left at 225 pounds:



And here she is at a stunning 137 pounds!



FAST FACTS

Name: Becky Harrold
Hometown: Eugene, Ore.
Age: 27
Height: 5’7"

Starting weight: 257 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 137 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Chicken Fettucini Alfredo.

Biggest temptation: Polishing off what her kids leave on their plates.

Biggest motivator: Being able to play with her kids.

Biggest obstacle: Getting her mind to catch up with her new body.

Old eating philosophy: Pizza, ice cream, chips, and other junk foods.

New eating philosophy: Meals packed with protein from fresh vegetables and chicken.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining the confidence to know she looks great.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat the foods you love, just in the right portion sizes.