Women Lose Holiday Pounds

March 5, 2004 -- After New Year's, many of us found ourselves tipping the scale a little bit heavier, thanks to all the holiday goodies.

Jim Karas, a weight-loss expert who wrote "The Business Plan for the Body" and "Flip the Switch," joined "GMA" to help three viewers, in their 20s, 30s and 40s, shed 10 holiday pounds each.

To lose weight, you must follow a plan and mentally believe that you can do it, Karas said.

"If you tell your mind you are going to lose weight, your body will follow," he said. "Remember, body and mind work in tandem."

Samantha Angrand, 24, of Bronx, N.Y., is a single receptionist at a health club who has been struggling with weight gain since graduating college. In eight weeks, she lost 15pounds.

Stasia Harris, a 35-year-old stay-at-home mother from Bedford, N.Y., gained about 60 pounds after pregnancy that she had a hard time shaking off. She has lost 20 pounds in eight weeks and gotten out of her maternity clothes, thanks to finding a gym with a day care, throwing herself into a diet, strength training and cardiovascular exercise.

Beverly Delandro, a 44-year-old nurse and single mother of a 17-year-old daughter, has a busy schedule and doesn't find time for exercise. Sweets are her downfall, and her holidays were filled with traditional Caribbean foods, including favorites like fruitcakes, pork and ham. She lost 13 pounds in eight weeks, thanks to a four-day-a-week exercise program. It helped her increase her energy level, and lose weight.

Trainer Jim Karas had each of the women keep food diaries, which he had them e-mail or fax to him daily. Harris, who lost the most weight, also did the best at e-mailing him her daily food diary, and following his plan, Karas said.

One of the most important things you can do is count your calories, Karas said.