James Eaton, 64, of Marietta loses 70 pounds

• Former weight: 290 pounds

• Current weight: 220 pounds

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Dr. James Eaton weighed 290 pounds in July 2008.

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Family photos

He lost 70 pounds. This picture was taken in November 2008.

• Pounds lost: 70

• Height: 5 feet 10 inches

• How long he’s kept it off: “I started in July 2008 and have safely and quickly lost this weight,” he said.

• Personal life: “I am a retired chiropractor and am now a faculty clinician and assistant professor at Life University in Marietta,” Eaton said. “I am married to Pam and have three grown children and seven grandchildren. My wife and I have been married 42 years this May.”

• Turning point: “In July of 2008, while watching a football game, two of my granddaughters, Isabelle and Grace, were playing dress-up,” Eaton said. “They appeared in long white princess dresses, each wearing their mother’s old wedding veils. They were holding hands and said, ‘Look at us Papa, you are going to have to dance with us.’ Right then I realized that if I was truly going to dance at their weddings, I would have to make some major changes in my life, weight and health.”

• Diet plan: “Take Shape for Life helps me reprogram the way I look at and think about food. I eat five portion-controlled meals each day and one regular meal with my family. I drink a half liter of water with each meal and average 950 to 1,000 calories per day. Because I eat six times a day and my sugars are leveled out during that time, I don’t get hungry.”

• Exercise routine: “I walk 30 minutes three to four times per week and work out three times per week in the gym at Life University,” he said.

• Biggest challenge: “Sweets, but there [are] lots of choices in the TSFL program,” he said.

• How life has changed: “I just got into my first pair of 38 jeans. My last visit to my cardiologist showed a normal EKG. Blood pressure was 124/76, cholesterol was 154 and trigly-cerides were under 100,” he said. “My energy levels are way up and I feel great.”

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