Arlene Weiner Lost 66 Pounds

BY KATE SCHWAB

Name: Arlene Weiner, 55

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Worst of times: 225 pounds

Best of times: 159 pounds

My turning point: I was driving to work one day and felt really tired. My lack of energy coupled with my clothes getting tighter and tighter prompted me to change my habits—and start living healthier.

My slim-down techniques: I exercise six days a week and control my portions. (I used to sit down and eat a pint of ice cream in one sitting!)

Kept the weight off: One year, so far.

My best motivator: Seeing how much better my body looks. My exercise trainer recently put up my “before” photos at the gym, so I’m constantly reminded that I never want to look that way again.

My greatest temptation: Cake, especially chocolate cake and cheesecake. Now if I do get tempted to eat a cheesecake I bake, I let myself have just a small slice.

My favorite diet food: Roasted turkey (about 1/4 pound) with a plain baked potato and half of a corn on the cob.

My snacking tips: At night—when I’m most tempted to nosh—I’ll pop a snack-size bag of 94 percent fat-free popcorn in the microwave or grab a “Skinny Cow” ice cream sandwich or Weight Watchers fat-free ice cream cone. Another tasty snack that helps me control portions: Take two skinned apples, remove the cores, place the apples in a loaf pan and pour one can of diet black cherry soda inside. Then bake it for an hour at 350 degrees.

My exercise routine: I walk on the treadmill at a moderate pace for one hour, six days a week. Plus, I strength-train two hours each week: One hour is spent firming my upper body and abs; the other on my lower body.

Slim-down advice: Control your portions, make exercise a really important part of your life and reward yourself when you’ve reached your goal weights. (I’m nearing the 75-pound mark and plan to buy myself a beautiful bracelet.)

The payoff: I feel younger, look better and have a lot more energy!