LA Weight Loss Diet Centers

What You Can Eat continued...

The LA Weight Loss Centers plan is in line with national recommendations of approximately 50%-55% carbohydrates, 25%-30% protein, and 20%-25% fat. Emphasis is on moderation and portion control.

Here's a sample meal plan for a 1,500-calorie diet:

• Breakfast: 3/4 cup corn flakes, 8 ounces skim milk, and 3/4 cup blueberries
• Lunch: 4 ounces tuna in water, 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise, 1 slice rye bread, 1 1/4 cup watermelon
• Snack: Lemon LA Lite (company product), 1 small banana and 8 ounces light yogurt
• Dinner: 4 ounces shrimp, 1 cup green beans and 1 tablespoon reduced-fat margarine
• Snack: Chocolate caramel LA Lite (company product) and 1/2 cup cottage cheese

No foods are banned. The menu plans are based on your designated calorie level with specific portions of recommended foods. "Our plan is very flexible -- allowing clients the ability to go out to eat, manage social events, and prepare their own food as long as they adhere to our recommended menu plans and balanced approach," Boyer says.

Counselors encourage clients to purchase the company's brand-name products, which are designed to help people stave off hunger and stick to the plan. Vitamins, minerals, and herbs are also available from the centers to supplement the diet plan. 

How It Works

LA Weight Loss Centers menu plans range from a low of 1,200 calories to a high of 2,400 calories and are divided into three phases.

Phase one is for designated weight loss.  Clients are assigned a calorie level based on the information from the questionnaire and their individual needs. During this phase, they see the counselor three times a week for guidance, support, education, coaching, and monitoring weight and food choices. "Counselors advise clients on three issues: menu and food choices; movement and how to help them be more active; and mindset," explains Boyer.

Phase two is a six-week stabilization period that clients advance to after they have met their weight loss goals. Calories are slowly increased during phase two in accordance with client progress as noted during the twice weekly counselor visits.

The last phase is maintenance. Clients are encouraged to check in with counselors once a week during maintenance and remain in the program for at least a year to help keep the lost weight from returning.

Counseling occurs only at the centers. There are no email or phone consultations nor are there any group meetings, online communities, or chat rooms. Some centers have walking clubs and occasionally offer group programs.

Exercise is encouraged although there are no specific exercises or individualized plans. "Most of our clients are not very physically active so our aim is to meet them where they are and build upon it to get them to be more active," says Boyer.