Chaunda Walker Walls, 40, of Lawrenceville loses 101 pounds

By Michelle C. Brooks

For the AJC

Former weight: 227 pounds

Current weight: 126 pounds

Pounds lost: 101

Height: 5 feet 2 inches

How long she’s kept it off: “I began my weight-loss journey in April 2007. I reached my goal weight in May 2009,” she said.

Personal life: “I am the owner of Bella Grace Interiors, an interior design firm in Lawrenceville (www.bella graceinteriors.com). I am married to Tony, and we have three children: Gracie, Brandon and Olivia.” She and her family live in Lawrenceville.

Turning point: “I finally got sick of being sick, tired and fat,” she said. When she had a physical and her blood pressure was elevated, she knew health problems would soon follow. “I decided right then and there to change my life.” She read Bob Greene’s book “The Best Life Diet.” “The book taught me how to eat, when to eat, what to eat and it made the entire process simple and to the point. It is a healthy-lifestyle eating plan — something that you will need to do for the rest of your life.”

Diet plan: Breakfast is turkey sausage with double-fiber bread and strawberry spread. Lunch is grilled tilapia with broccoli and fruit. Dinner is usually fish with veggies or a salad.

Exercise routine: “I hit the gym six or seven days a week. I do a mix of cardio, plyometrics, weight training and yoga/ballet.”

Biggest challenge: “Initially, I was so fat that it was painful to walk on the treadmill. My knees hurt and I would be winded very easily,” she said.

How life has changed: “Everything is completely different now. I have been given a second chance at life. I wake up every day with renewed vigor, and [I’m] eager to get out there and live. Before, I was fat, depressed and hated my life. Now, I feel that I can accomplish all the goals I’d put aside years ago.”

She is studying to become certified as a personal trainer and has plans to open a gym. “I am who I always was. I have just found myself again, and now, I am me!”