Success Story: Presley Chaney
WEIGHT LOSS: 80 Pounds
At 250 pounds, 14-year-old Presley Chaney was unhappy with her life, suffering from the all too common social, emotional and physical struggles that come from being a severely overweight teenager. “I was really unhappy with myself, my life was far from ideal and I knew something had to change, but I wasn’t sure how to do it,” said Presley. “Kids my age were going out having fun, they enjoyed high school, and I was home feeling lonely and depressed.” Stresses of family, school and friends often left her feeling defeated and overwhelmed. The struggling teen wondered if she would ever be able to find an effective way to lose weight and feel better about herself.
During Presley’s freshman year of high school, her mom, Tammy, joined BodyTech’s weight loss program in Rockville, Maryland along with her co-workers. As Tammy started to rapidly shed pounds, a light bulb went off in Presley’s head. “I watched my mom and her co-workers experience great success on the Ideal Protein diet, and I just knew I had to give it a try. I saw it as a serious opportunity for me to gain control of my weight for the first time in my life,” said Presley. The teenager asked her mom to join the diet program, only to be met with some reservations. Her mother worried that it wasn’t the right option for her daughter, but Presley persisted with her appeals. After privately meeting with the BodyTech team to discuss the special needs of a teenager on a weight loss diet, Tammy agreed to allow Presley to start the diet.
Larry Kay, the owner of BodyTech, took the lead role counseling and supervising Presley’s weight loss. In time, the entire coaching team came to know and develop a special affection for this remarkable young lady. Weekly, Presley would meet for weigh-ins and counseling and rapidly began to lose weight. Dieting together, mom and daughter formed a support team, rallying each other through weak moments and temptations. As Presley shed pounds that literally weighed her down physically, emotionally and socially, a new person began to emerge. “It was as if this beautiful, bright-eyed, confident young lady emerged from a cocoon,” said Larry, “Honestly sharing in Presley’s transformation has been one of the most heartwarming and rewarding experiences for me and the entire BodyTech team.” While she experienced great success, there were also days when she experienced set-backs, but she never let them get the best of her. Thanks to a healthy mindset and the on-going support of the BodyTech coaches, Presley achieved an amazing 80-pound weight loss to date.
The entire BodyTech team holds a special place in their heart for Presley. Every Saturday when she arrives at the clinic, the vibrant teen’s enthusiasm is contagious to others around her. When asked what made this program work for her, she will tell you it was a combination of the supportive, non-judgmental BodyTech community, as well as the straightforward dieting principals of the Ideal Protein regiment. Even though her initial target weight has been since realized, Presley now recognizes her new way of eating as essential to her long-term weight loss success. She has also adopted other healthy lifestyle behaviors that have helped her reach new heights both academically and socially. BodyTech has helped set a bright and exciting new course for her life. Now preparing college applications, this transformed teen has set her sights on earning a degree related to health and fitness. It would be fair to say her story is truly an inspiring one!
These days Presley can regularly be found in the gym or out at track practice, not just working out with teammates, but also helping fellow classmates realize their fitness goals too. As her weight loss journey has unfolded, Presley has found new friendships at school and has even been asked by other students to help with their weight loss challenges. They view her as a source of real world inspiration. Talk about a positive role model!
Presley has become a well-loved and popular senior high school student, far from the wallflower of her younger years. When asked what the future holds, Presley confidently replied, “Great things! I know my life has taken some amazing turns lately, thanks to my experience at BodyTech. I now know I can live limitless opportunities as long as I put my mind to good use. I feel ready to take on the world and know my mission is to help others who struggle like I used to. I’m ready to show them the way to a better path in life, one based on healthy eating, positive thinking, and regular exercise. I can’t wait to get started!”
Life is good for Presley now, and her mom, brother and extended family and friends are thrilled for her. Who would have ever imagined how the right weight loss program and support system would have ever transformed a sweet, shy teenager into such a powerhouse of health and fitness. If the BodyTech team had to pick a theme song for Presley, there’s no doubt it would be “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys.
Presley, you go girl!
Presley’s Advice
PRESLEY’S ADVICE TO DIETERS
“Recognize that you will have cheat days or weeks on your diet. Everyone does. Don’t let them defeat you. Just stay positive and get back on track and you can do it, just like I did. BodyTech weight loss works! You just have to believe in yourself and meet with them regularly. Trust that it will happen for you.”
SECRET TO WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS
“My secret to success has been all the BodyTech Coaches, my Mom, and also me.”
SETBACKS WHILE DIETING
“Setbacks happen. What’s most important is what you do once you’ve had one. No one is perfect so don’t fall prey to negative thinking and beating yourself up over a cheat. AND DON’T GIVE UP!”
OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
“Avoid temptation by first drinking water before eating anything. Wait 20 minutes and see if you are still hungry. Busy yourself. Remove yourself from places where “danger” foods are on display or stored. Go for a walk or call a friend to chat to get your mind off foods that are a part of the protocol.”
FAVORITE IP FOOD
“Premade IP chocolate shakes, they’re fast and taste really good.”
FITNESS TIP
“Fitness is a great way to feel great and meet new friends. Establish a set daily regimen and you’ll find it easier to work into your life. Both cardio and weight training are essential to your success.”
WORDS OF INSPIRATION
“Anything, and I mean anything is possible if you dedicate yourself to the right mindset. Really.”
Read more weight loss success stories.
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