Norman Merritt, 45, of Atlanta loses 50 pounds

By Michelle C. Brooks

For the AJC

Former weight: 250 pounds

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Current weight: 200 pounds

Pounds lost: 50

Height: 6 feet 3 inches

How long he’s kept it off: “It has been an ongoing and gradual process since late 2007,” he said.

Personal life: “I am a writer and instructional designer who works from home in Midtown Atlanta near Piedmont Park.”

Turning point: “There was no actual turning point,” he said. “As with so many people, the weight sneaked in bit by bit, inch by inch until one day I woke up and realized that I had had enough — enough gravy, enough grease, enough goodies.”

Diet plan: “I didn’t go for the quick fix. It’s a matter of slow change,” he said. “I’m a Southern boy; the first and hardest thing I did was cut out sweet tea. ... I gradually worked in more changes on occasion [such as] baked not fried, low calorie instead of low fat.” He still eats what he wants but in moderation, and he doesn’t eat late at night.

Exercise routine: “I hate gyms, so I bought the Perfect Pushup, the Ab Lounge and, eventually, the Perfect Pullup. I do abs daily and use the other equipment every other day,” he said. “I threw in a couple of 5- to 25-pound adjustable weights for a few additional exercises. And I started walking wherever I could: grocery store, local restaurants and coffee shops.” He also walks three miles a day five days a week.

Biggest challenge: “Food, I love food,” he said. “When I go out to eat, which I often do, I have to realize that [appetizers and desserts] aren’t necessary. And my mother, like a good Southern woman, she’s an excellent cook, and when I go home to visit, it’s always: ‘... Have some more gravy. Have another biscuit. I made banana pudding [double boiler, not instant] for dessert. Take home the leftovers.’ ”

How life has changed: “All in all, I just feel better, and I feel better about myself,” he said. “I didn’t realize how self-conscious I was 50 pounds ago. The after picture was taken on my 45th birthday — still a work in progress but the most fit I’ve ever been.”

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.