Mark Mizelle, 25, of Kennesaw loses 70 pounds

By Michelle C. Brooks

For the AJC

Former weight: 248 pounds

Current weight: 178 pounds

Pounds lost: 70 pounds

Height: 5 feet 5 inches

How long he’s kept it off: Since August 2008

Personal life: “Originally from Savannah, I moved to the Atlanta area to attend Kennesaw State University where I graduated in May 2007,” says Mizelle. He works at a bank but his goal is to become a certified language arts teacher. He lives in Kennesaw.

Turning point: “In May 2008, my co-workers and I were gearing up for a breast cancer walk sponsored by our company,” says Mizelle. “After explaining to one customer that we would be walking 3 miles, he turned to me and asked ‘Do you think you’ll make it?’ Well, I did. Not long after the walk, I made a vow to change my nasty habits and become a more sensible and healthy man.”

Diet plan: "It was a step-by-step process of eliminating choice foods that I once enjoyed, and then introducing healthier options,” he says. “I chose chicken and fish over red meat. Beer left the party and wine became my best friend.”

Exercise routine: “I walk the dog 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes after work Mondays thru Fridays.” On weekends, he exercises with his Nintendo Wii Fit.

Biggest challenge: “Knowing that everyone has their bad days in regards to what they eat or how little they may exercise, and that there’s no point in obsessing,” he says. “The trick is to remember that not every day is bad and that tomorrow is another day.”

How life has changed: “I continue to shock people with my appearance,” he says. “I’m a whole new person, with a whole new outlook and that makes life exciting again. This experience has helped me build the needed confidence to accomplish my goals. If I can achieve this, the possibilities are endless. Honestly, I focused on just wanting it bad enough. Every time I considered having a fast food hamburger or gulping numerous Cokes, I would remind myself of what those foods did to my body. I was tired of being ‘Big Jolly Mark’ — there’s so much more to me than that.”

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 ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.