Unhealthy eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and the fact that her husband's job gave them restaurant discounts made dentist Nina Llanura gain unwanted weight. Comfort food like pasta, pizza, and burgers were her diet staples. At her heaviest, she weighed 175 pounds.

With her family's medical history including diabetes and hypertension, Nina decided to take action and she enrolled in a gym. But after losing 25 pounds with spinning and cardio, she hit a plateau. To get over her slump, Nina hired a personal trainer and cut out highly processed food.

The result is a 50-pound weight loss and a new appreciation for her body. Nina admits there are times when she feels a little deprived. “But when I think of the diseases that my parents and siblings had, and the beauty of what I’m seeing in my mirror, I’d rather stick to my regimen and maintain it.”

NINA'S TIPS:

1. Be specific. “Don’t just decide that you want to lose weight. Decide how much you want to lose.”

2. Put your mind to it. “Determination, focus, and belief in yourself are key.”

3. Make the right choices. “It’s a matter of discipline—eating the right food and exercising regularly.”


(First published in Women's Health Magazine, Slim Down Strategies section as "I see beauty in the mirror" on November 2009; photos by At Maculangan and Nina Llanura; adapted for use in Female Network)