Tackling weight loss together is the name of the game for Connie and Marvin Johnson. The couple has lost a combined 119 pounds since beginning their joint effort of dieting and exercising just over a year ago. Connie has lost 61 pounds and Marvin is down 58 pounds.

I started out eating around 1,200-1400 calories a day and I am now eating around 1,400-1600 calories a day to maintain my weight loss," said Connie.

Tackling weight loss together, exercising has become a huge part of their lives. Marvin quickly got onboard with the weight loss, "I liked what I saw," said Marvin. "Connie looks amazing," he said.

Connie spends an hour to an hour a half in the gym five days a week. hey try to spend time in the gym together as often as possible.

In August last year, Marvin began meeting with Kathleen Viau, Kenner Dietitian. Tackling weight loss together is the key to their success. Medical issues made Marvin realize that losing weight was a "must." Knowing how much knee pain he was suffering from helped him stay motivated to make healthy choices until the habits became second nature.

"One and a half years ago, I had all sorts of pain, especially in my knees, before losing my weight," said Marvin. "After dropping the weight, I no longer suffer from knee pain and I have more energy," he said.

The Johnson's have been married 28 years. Their relationship revolved around their eating habits. They would go out to eat and indulge in one unhealthy meal after another.

They knew that in order to get healthy, they needed someone to steer them in the right direction. So they sought help from Kenner's dietitian, Kathleen Viau.

Ms. Viau began first with Connie. "Connie came to see me almost two years ago, having tried everything from supplements to extreme dieting to lose weight and keep it off, said Ms. Viau. "We started with small changes, such as simply increasing her awareness of her food choices. I wanted Connie to realize that those food products she was eating would never really satisfy her nutrient needs or her hunger, but would just drive her to eat more and more calories."

"I started eating a whole lot more fruits and vegetables, instead of sweets and processed snacks," said Connie. "But I wasn't really tracking calories the first few months and I had a lot of lose a few, gain a few weeks, even though I was making healthier choices overall and exercising. It wasn't until I really started tracking calories that I saw the weight steadily come off. Plus, I was seeing Kathy every week for accountability, encouragement and advice for managing difficult food environments or situations. After five months I had lost 31 pounds and there was no stopping me after that," she said.

The couple started using a smartphone app, "My Fitness Pal" to track the calories they consumed. In the beginning, they ate at restaurants only on special occasions and prepared all meals at home.

Connie found recipes for healthier versions of the foods they loved. Their diet primarily consists of lean meats with lots of fruits and vegetables. Even today, everything they eat goes into a food journal.

The weight came off quickly for Marvin during the first month alone. Connie has maintained her weight loss and then some for almost 1 year.

They tried to keep the weight loss steady after that, knowing they couldn't expect to see such a big number month after month without being disappointed. Weekly meetings with the dietitian helped keep them on track.

"Marvin was the perfect patient, commented Ms. Viau. He was highly motivated and once he saw that it was a matter of knowingly eating fewer calories, he started tracking from day one."

"We use the app to help determine if we should partake in that cheat or opt out for a healthy snack," Marvin said. And going to the Dietitian was fun! The first meeting she asked what I ate and I told her Dove. 'Like the bird?' she said. "Yes," I told her, I hunt."

"I remember that," said Ms. Viau. "The next visit they showed up bearing a gift wrapped in foil and told me since I had never eaten Dove; they wanted me to try it. I was really hesitant to open up the package, but, well, I needed to be polite. I was very pleasantly surprised and relieved to find two bags of Dove chocolates! Working with Marvin and Connie over the past two years and being witness to their transformation has been such a great experience. They are a testimony to changing lifestyle habits to feel better, be healthier, can- be-done.

As they begin to move into the maintenance phase of their diet, the couple has allowed themselves to indulge and Marvin's birthday is one time they plan to treat themselves.

"August 31, Marvin's birthday, we will treat ourselves to all you can eat crab legs," Connie said.

They still give in to cravings from time to time. Connie says she has a sweet tooth, but she controls cravings by distracting herself with activities such as walks or opting for a healthy alternative, like strawberries with cool whip. "Typically, we do not have starches very often and do not keep breads in the house."

What keeps her on track is understanding that "No matter how many times you slipped or messed up, you just make your very next choice a healthier one, and eventually you'll get there," she said. "You have to stay positive and remind yourself that you're human and nobody is perfect."

Even though they've managed to lose a substantial amount of weight the couple still face daily struggles, that's where their weekly meetings with Viau helps them stay focused.

"I don't see myself as quite as small as what Marvin tells me I look," said Connie.

Through both the struggles and triumphs they have found support in each other. They say that doing this as a team has brought them closer together, and they feel like they are almost newlyweds again.

"We are a lot more adventurous and outgoing now that we have dropped weight. Our outlook has changed almost completely thanks to the guidance and support from Ms. Viau and our own perseverance" said the couple.

To learn more about Kenner's nutrition counseling services for diet, and health, weight management, stress and emotional eating, vegetarian guidance, building muscle, and more, please contact your provider team for a referral.