L.E.A.R.N. by Example

When the then 48-year-old medical assistant supervisor stepped on the scale at work in 2009 and saw the number “299” come up, she knew enough was enough. It was time for this healthcare profession to get healthy.

Tara works for a prominent Annapolis allergist, so she was familiar with the variety of programs offered by Anne Arundel Medical Center. She thought one in particular was just what she needed. She enrolled in AAMC’s 12-week L.E.A.R.N. program (which stands for Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitudes, Relationships, Nutrition), and started adapting its initiatives into her daily life. The unquestionably successful results are 160 pounds less of Tara. “I completely changed my eating habits and how I shopped for food. My home is a junk free zone,” she says. The L.E.A.R.N. program is designed for overweight individuals who want to become educated about replacing poor eating habits with healthier ones. It also provides a positive group setting for support and informative discussions.

Building up her exercise program from zero hours a week to two hours to eight to 10 hours has been life changing. “I have so much energy!” exclaims Tara. “I started doing low impact workouts and gradually moved up to higher cardiac workouts, and then added strength training. In March, I reached one of my goals. I ran my first 5K race and not only did I finish, but I wasn’t even last!” Tara says that maintaining her new weight is just as much work as losing it, but everything is worth it.

“I went from a size 3X to a size 4 and am no longer borderline diabetic and am off medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol!” We felt that Tara’s perseverance and hard work deserved to be rewarded. And so did a number of generous area experts on beauty, health, and fashion who shared their talents and good taste with a very happy lady…as these photos prove.

(pictured) Diva owner Michele Deckman chose a Suzi Chin black drape neck dress ($155) to be the foundation of Tara’s “evening look.” The chic dress is cinched in the waist and features a delicate scoop neckline. A demure Castings rose-colored linen scarf ($65) draped Tara’s shoulders and really popped against the black dress. Tara’s berry nail polish nicely accented the sleek Diego di Lucca snake skin Tstrap sandals ($230) and her Sondra Roberts black layered grosgrain clutch ($165) and What’s In Store Sheridan black stone ring ($18) that Deckman’s sister, Mary McBride helped style on the set of Tara’s photo shoot.

After carefully looking over the selection of nail polish colors Tara picked a bold metallic berry shade that she reasoned “is perfect for summer and I’m just drawn to it!” At Varuna SalonSpa Tara received an essential manicure and pedicure from cosmetologist/nail technician Meagan Simonaire who used aromatic water and a salt scrub to prep for polish, as well as increase circulation and relax Tara’s mind.

Tara’s makeover continued as she spent hours getting pampered at Varuna SalonSpa in Annapolis on the day of her “after” photo shoot. Senior Stylist Kauilani Goodwyn smoothed and straightened Tara’s hair for a polished look and even taught her several styling techniques so she could duplicate the look at home. “Using a large round brush and 1-inch flat iron, I created soft curls to frame Tara’s face,” explains Goodwyn.

Tara Fencer pictured before (below left) and after (below right) her dramatic 160 pound weight loss.

Photos by Tony Lewis, Jr.