He’s ‘lighter,’ ‘happier’ after losing 158 pounds

>> us, that's what happens.

>> patrick duffy started that, not us.

>>> up next, wait till you see him now.

>>> time for the joy fit club and the induction of its newest member. chase is a 23-year-old student from new orleans who lost a whopping 158 pounds. before we meet him, let's take a look at chase's incredible story.

>> my name is chase. i wasn't always a big kid , but in fourth grade i became depressed and my weight started to balloon. i enjoyed eating cajun fried foods , some laden with cream. i attaway too much. my parents tried to help me lose weight but i didn't believe i could do it. after getting my driver's license as a teenager, my eating habits got worse. i would drive to fast food restaurants and binge. i was emotionally attached to food. by the time i reached my freshman year of college i weighed 370 pounds. i needed a change. i decided to transfer to a bigger and more diverse school which put me in an environment where exercise was accessible. i followed the nutri-system diet. now my diet and exercise routine is easily different than my childhood. i run four miles and eat whole, clean food. i'm the lightest on my feet and the happiest i've ever been.

>> we are here with the leader of the joy fit club joy bauer.

>> another incredibly special story. one thing that helped to seal his weight loss and beginning and throughout the journey he asked if i start losing weight today, where will i be tomorrow? the thought was so exciting and encouraging that it helped to motivate him. i want to show you something. he was a college student . like so many students, he would like to sleep in the morning till the very last minute. woe zoom out to class not eating breakfast. by lunchtime eat everything. so he came up with three super simple quick breakfasts he now eats which helps control his hunger at lunch. a bowl of cereal with soy milk, apple and out the door. or a slice of toast with almond butter and bananas, out the door. or he makes this really delicious cool green drink with spinach, almond butter .

>> we love that.

>> he gave me permission after the show to tweet it out and put it on facebook so people can get his recipe.

>> let's meet him. chase's before photo one more time. let's see the new you. wow!

>> howe, wow, wow, wow!

>> you look great, chase! how do you feel?

>> very good. totally different.

>> i can't believe that's the same you.

>> how much time has passed since you started your program?

>> about a year and a half, a little bit.

>> now he's showing his parents how to be healthy, as well.

>> let me point out dad is here. you must be proud of your son.

>> very proud.

>> he was getting teary-eyed.

>> we all want the best for our children.

>> what are your goals?

>> i want to show people if they want to lose weight they should start now and they'll be at a good spot tomorrow.

>> that is a great saying. i wish your mom could have been here. tell her hi for us.

>> we love her, too.

>> he is an awesome cajun cook.

>> tomorrow usher performs. and ivillage's hottest dads.