Erika Hayes, 34, of Cumming loses 103 pounds

By Michelle C. Brooks

For the AJC

Former weight: 340 pounds

Current weight: 237 pounds. Pounds lost: 103 pounds

Height: 5 feet 9 inches

How long she’s kept it off: “I started my weight-loss journey Oct. 6, 2008.  I am still in the process of losing,” Hayes said. Her goal is to lose 170 pounds.

Personal life: “I am a photographer and currently in school for cosmetology.” She is married to Charles H. Hayes and they have two dogs, Shiloh and Chelsie.

Turning point: “[I] started working for a local doctor who does health and wellness,” she said. “I had many female problems which I could never figure out; he ran blood work and put me on supplements that helped with digestion and adrenal issues. I knew it would be pointless for me to be on any type of supplements if I didn’t change what I ate. After changing everything in my diet — no carbs, no sweets, bread or pastas — I began losing weight.”  

Diet plan: “Basically, I eat leans and greens, fruit and raw nuts in between,” she said. Breakfast is a protein shake with natural peanut butter or eggs with veggies on top. For lunch and dinner, it’s chicken or salmon with vegetables.

Exercise routine: “I usually work out three to five days per week.  Sometimes, if I really want to ramp it up, I’ll go bust it out in the evening so I can see the scale go down the next morning — I love that part.”

Biggest challenge: “Beating the thoughts in your mind,” she said. She listens to music, preachers and teachers with encouraging messages. She also focuses on positive self-talk, telling herself she can do it, she will do it and she is doing it.

How life has changed: She can now ride amusement rides and no longer needs a belt extender on airplanes. “When I hit that 100-pound mark, something in me just shifted; I feel like I can do anything,” she said. “I have stepped out in many things; it’s like I’m not afraid anymore.  I’m just going to go for the dreams I’ve had in my heart for many years. I pray a lot and ask God to help me.”

Be an inspiration: If you’ve made positive changes in your diet and/or fitness routine and are happy with the results, please share your success with us. Include your e-mail address, a daytime phone number and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). Write: Success Stories, 
c/o Suzanne Van Atten, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Sixth Floor, 72 Marietta St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303; or e-mail ajcsuccess
stories@gmail.com.