Team Members: Candy Harris and David Tabacco
Relationship: In-Laws
La Vida Lo-Cal Blog

Starting Weight: 650 lbs.
Last Weigh In: 363 lbs.
Loss Percentage: 44.11%

David Tabacco and his mother-in-law Candy Harris make up Team La Vida Lo-Cal. David is known for having a sincere drive once he puts his mind to something and Candy knows that David’s heart and determination will keep her going as well. They are the only two individuals in their family who have trouble with their weight, but they’re looking to change that with the Slim Down Challenge.

David, a Heavy Equipment Operator, is the heaviest in the competition, but his weight loss thus far has been staggering, with a loss of 11 pounds the first week and ten pounds the second week, David is on his way to dwindling down to his desired weight and you can rest assured he’ll give the competition 110 percent.

David, who’d like to lose 175 pounds, credits his determination toward his desire to be more involved with his wife and two daughters. “I want to be able to go on rides at Disneyland with my five-year-old daughter,” he says. His wife Melinda and his teammate, Candy, have been his main support base thus far. “This competition has brought me a little closer to my mother-in-law,” David says.

Candy has tried various diets to include the Rotation Diet, Diet Center and the Atkins diet. She lost nearly 60 pounds on the Atkins diet, but the weight loss didn’t seem to last long once she started eating normal again. Now, due to high blood pressure, Candy can’t afford to try gimmick diets and mystery weight loss pills. She’s hoping to take advantage of the professional help that is now available to her. “I look forward to seeing the nutritionist,” Candy says, “Though it has been difficult to find the time to eat as often as I should.” The challenge seems to be working, though, as Candy happily proclaimed, “I feel great!”

Candy, a retired High School Library Media clerk, has a smile that could warm anyone’s heart and her eagerness to try new things got her into the Slim Down Challenge. Candy, , who would like to lose 100 pounds, hopes her experience will help her to get into better shape so she can enjoy more outdoor activities like hiking or bicycling.

Candy and David are reserved, yet determined individuals. They both are working hard and it seems the combined support within their family is keeping them ahead of the game.