Heather McCranie, 29, of Stockbridge, loses 86 lbs.

• Former weight: 247 pounds

• Current weight: 161 pounds

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Family photo

Heather McCranie, at 27, weighed 247 pounds in this photo from April, 2005. She credits her parents’ weight loss efforts with giving her the extra push she needed to start losing weight.

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Family photo

In May, 2008, McCraine was down to 161 pounds. She plans to run a 10K in the Spring and train for a triathlon afterwards.

• Pounds lost: 86

• Height: 5 feet 2 inches

• How long she’s kept it off: Started in October 2007 and still losing. “My ultimate goal is to be at 145 pounds and to run a triathlon,” McCranie said.

• Personal life: “I am a nurse recruiter for DeKalb Medical, and I love hanging out with my friends from Buckhead church.” She lives in Stockbridge.

• Turning point: “Over my lifetime, I have always struggled with weight,” she said. “When I was in high school, I got diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome.” PCOS is a leading cause of infertility and weight gain. Because of the severe insulin resistance that accompanies this hormonal disorder, losing weight through diet and exercise alone is difficult without insulin-sensitizing medication or medical help. “In December 2006, my dad had to have triple bypass surgery. My parents began changing their diet to be more heart-healthy and exercised frequently. I finally got fed up with how I felt and wanted to join my parents on the healthy journey. So I called the DeKalb Medical Wellness Center (www.dekalbmedical.com) to request the help of a personal trainer.”

• Diet plan: “I eat very low-carb, low-fat, heart healthy,” she said. Breakfast is two eggs with a slice of turkey bacon, followed by a snack of banana and almonds. Lunch is tuna, lettuce and light dressing. Late afternoon, she has a snack of oatmeal with almonds and grapes, and dinner is fish with vegetables. After dinner she has a protein shake or fruit smoothie.

• Exercise routine: “I work out six days a week for an hour of cardio and strength circuit training,” she said. “I got connected with Daryl Madison with Lifestyle Fitness and this was the turning point of my life. I train with him about two to three days a week for an hour. I am now at a fitness level I could never imagine. I am looking to compete in a 10K in the spring and hope to one day complete a triathlon.”

• Biggest challenge: “Overcoming the addiction to sugar,” she said.

• How life has changed: “I have confidence. I am setting big goals for my life and look forward to each day. My stress level is down and my energy is up,” she said. “I would love to thank Daryl and DeKalb Medical Wellness Center for opening the door to a new life of health and fitness.”

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