Lora Bills: Weight Loss Success Story
Lora Bills: Weight Loss Success Story Save Email Print
Posted: 6:01 PM Jan 6, 2009
Last Updated: 12:13 PM Jan 19, 2009
Reporter: Carrie Cline
Email Address: carrie.cline@wsaz.com

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- As many of us set out with renewed vigor to swing into that healthy lifestyle -- you know, diet, exercise, weight loss -- one woman is proof some New Year's resolutions really do come true.

If you needed a little kick in the rear to get into gear, listen to Lora Bill's story.

“I was tired all the time and felt bad about myself and I thought I want to set an example for my kids and be that fit mom and try to live a healthy lifestyle with nutrition and exercise,” said Lora.

That was one year ago. Then, Lora Bills was overweight and overwhelmed. So, she made a New Year's resolution.

“I’m going to try to look like a fitness model not be one just to really get my body in the shape I want it to be in,” said Lora.

Like many, she started the year working out hard. But, unlike many, she stuck with it.

“I started seeing results and thought how much more could I see if I continued,” said Lora.

Now, one year later and nearly 30 pounds lighter, the 35-year-old mother of two has dropped from a size 14 to size 8 and she's still going strong.

“I'm much more satisfied. I have tons of energy. I can play with my kids and just really enjoy life. I'm not at the point where I want to be, but I'm striving this year to continue my goals,” said Lora.

Lora's regimen is very practical. She does cardio and weight training for a little more than an hour five days a week. She jumpstarted her routine by working out with a trainer for a few months to learn the proper form and technique.

“I do my ‘Weight Control’ oatmeal and then put a scoop of my muscle protein powder in with that so I'm getting extra protein and a slow digesting carbs--keeps you fuller longer,” said Lora.

She starts the day with a sensible breakfast and continues the nutrition regimen all day with careful planning.

“I'll do carrots as a snack with light Ranch dressing. I steam broccoli or asparagus with grilled chicken breasts. I do egg whites, I'll do three egg whites and one egg. I boil the eggs and eat them on a salad.
My key is that on Sunday I try to prepare all of my meals on Sunday until Wednesday and have them stacked in the frig so I don't have to think about it because when you're hungry you don't want to have to think about it. For dessert, I do sugar-free Jello and sometimes I get the light cool whip. This is good, refreshing and 10 calories.” said Lora.

From frumpy to fit -- that's how Lora describes herself and she looks fantastic.

Don't forget about Healthy Tri-State. It's a new initiative sponsored by WSAZ, myZ and Cabell Huntington Hospital. Stay tuned to WSAZ.com for more information about how you can get involved in our own version of the 'Biggest Loser' and learn about healthy options throughout the Tri-State.

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Posted by: Aimee on Jan 16, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Congrats on your success Laura, but size 8? Seriously? Don't lie to yourself to make yourself feel better. A healthy size 10 or 12 is perfectly ok.

Posted by: Becky on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:42 PM
Hey Lora, I work with your "dear" brother Chris.We just watched your video you are definatley and inspiration! We are all trying to be healther here as well. Congratulations!

Posted by: Brooke on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:42 AM
I agree witjh Shayla. She is an attractive person. She doesn't need to wear that make-up mask.

Posted by: Shayla on Jan 10, 2009 at 08:25 PM
What is with the "Cleopatra","Amy Weinhouse" eyeliner? You are pretty, but the make-up has to go.

Posted by: Heather on Jan 9, 2009 at 06:20 PM
Lora you are an inspiration! Keep up the good work!

Posted by: Alma on Jan 9, 2009 at 05:33 PM
I am a 72 year old lady and would like to lose 30 pounds. Exercise is difficult because of arthritis. Can you give me suggestions. Thanks

Posted by: Tabitha on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Lora I want to commend you on all that you have accomplished. I am 30 and the mother of one, trying to be the mother of two, just wanting to get in better shape before that happens. I have gained 30 pounds in the last year and half. I try the healthy eating and exercise, but I just dont stay motivated. What has helped you stay motivated, do you have any suggestion's? I dont know if I can add my myspace page here, but if it gets posted please feel free to email me personally. http://www.myspace.com/silvertigereyes Maybe we can be email accountability buddys.

Posted by: T B on Jan 8, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Lora greta job keep it up minnie hush who cares what size you are and Lora sounds like she has what she needs on the inside as well as the outside. Minnie if you have 7 kids then you have other things you need to worry about and it isnt what size you wear

Posted by: LORA on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Thanks to all of you that are proud of what I have accomplished so far & the encouragement to continue with my fitness goals! I really appreciate it! Just to let the size 2 woman know, I am 5'8 and do not want to be "skinny", my goal is to be "Healthy" & "Fit". I think that it is foolish to say that anyone can be a size 2 "if they tried" that is not true! Everyone has different body types and should strive to get their body in the BEST shape they can be! Good Luck to everyone who have set weight loss & fitness Goals!! Don't give up-Keep pushing yourself! It takes alot of hard work, but it is SO WORTH IT!!

Posted by: I agree with Love to Workout!!! on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Haha that is so true if someone has to come on a blog to tell everyone how skinny they are...they are probably sitting behind the computer and obese...hahahaha. Congrats to Lora I hope that America changes its ways!

Posted by: Love to Workout on Jan 7, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Poor Minnie you have to get on a blog to tell everyone that you are skinny you must NOT get very much attention if you have to do this!! Great job Lora you make us proud at least you work at it unlike some other people on here! Love ya Lora!! Minnie keep eating your lettuce, and stop hating on beautiful women!!

Posted by: bobby on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:40 PM
OK...to Minnie- just for laughs- i am employeed at a power plant from which i am responding to your comment. The guys and I had a vote on what we find more attractive/healthy. The days of the super skinny size 1-3 that look like nothing but bones/skin are over- or so the vote states. Give us a little bit of muscle and something to hold onto. By majority of the vote- 31 of us are here who are ages 20-45 in the shop today- out of those 31, 29 men are more physically attracted to a woman who is YES a size 8 to 10. So why not go grab you a burger???? congrats Lora!

Posted by: Brenda on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Lora you should be very proud of yourself for attaining your goals. Keep up the great work!!

Posted by: Impressed on Jan 7, 2009 at 03:23 AM
I think that you have made an awesome decision to make yourself healthier and a better role model for your children. To lifetime size 2, how many size two women do you see walking around? I sincerely hope that one of your seven children does not have a weight issue, because unlike this mother I am not sure you have what it takes to be that positive role model in your young childs life. Obviously, this is just another way of showing that you must be lacking in education. Not to mention your spelling "tryed" and lack of punctuation. Again to this young lady keep up the good work in 2009.

Posted by: DESI RAE on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:21 AM
TO HOTTIE: OH SO YOU TOOK THE WOMANS HUBBY AND MARRIED HIM, HUH? SOUNDS LIKE WHAT SOME OLD BONEY LADY DID TO ME. I WEIGH IN AT 350 AND AM VERY PROUD OF MY BODY. SO WHO CARES!!!

Posted by: MINNIE on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:10 AM
TO ANN, SOUNDS LIKE YOU MAY BE JUST A LIL JEALOUS OF MY BODY AND WEIGHT. ANN I RUN 3 MILES EVERY MORNING AND AM IN EXCELLENT PHYSICAL SHAPE, I GET WOLFWHISTLES FROM MEN DAILY, MAYBE FROM YOUR HUBBY, SO YES I AM VERY VERY FIT AND ATTRACTIVE.

Posted by: Ann on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Congratulations Lora! To Minnie, you don't have to be a hater! Sounds to me like someones JEALOUS! Just because you have always been size 2, doesn't mean you are fit. When was the last time you ran a 5K? Keep up the good work Lora!

Posted by: hottie on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:04 PM
congrats lora!!so proud of you. i also through diet and pills lost over 75 pounds . i just got married to a wonderful, loving, beautiful man, (who is 20 years younger, i might add) and am very happy.he was in a miserable marriage and i was alone for years.i think without my weightloss my life wouldnt be the way it is.i was fat and unhappy, now, my hubby tells me i look better than his last girlfriend, who may i add, is 30 years younger than me. wink wink...again congrats !

Posted by: Jamie on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:03 PM
I am sooo proud of you! I hope to follow in your footsteps! Woooo Top Gun!

Posted by: minnie on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:12 PM
a size 8 is too big, im sorry but if your overweight losing a little isnt going to help. im a size 2, have been all my life, or adulthood, and have 7 kids, people could all do it if they tryed.

Posted by: Anon on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:59 PM
GOOD FOR YOU!!!! Weight loss is never easy and I'm glad to see a success story that didn't involve surgery.

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