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 email address, a daytime phone number and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). Write: Success Stories, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
Success Story
Debbie Touart, 52. From 180 pounds to 149 pounds
Former weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 149 pounds
Pounds lost: 31 pounds
Height: 5 feet, 7 inches
Age: 52 years
How long she's kept it off: She started in August 2015 and reached her goal weight in January.
Personal life: "My husband, Wayne, and I have been married for 26 years," Touart said. "We have one son, Evan, and two cats, Ellie May and Missy. … I am a contract manager at Northside Hospital."
Turning point: "I have a long history of losing and gaining weight, which started when I was in high school," she said. "In August 2015, I decided I needed to do something different to achieve and maintain my weight-loss goals. I was tired of dieting, only to see the weight come back. I wanted to make lifestyle changes that would be permanent." She worked with wellness coach Jacynta Harb (sparkleanewyou.com). "Sparkle has been exactly what I needed to change my thinking about eating, food choices and exercise. I now view food as fuel, not as a reward or a way to manage stress."
Diet plan: "I am not on a diet. I have adopted a healthy lifestyle, which consists of making healthy food choices, tracking … using myfitnesspal.com and a healthy dose of activity." Breakfast is a homemade breakfast muffin. Lunch is a turkey sandwich, vegetables and dip. Dinner is baked chicken, fresh veggies, with yogurt and fruit for snacks.
Exercise routine: Jazzercise three to four times per week and 20 minutes of walking five times per week. She also enjoys hiking and biking.
Biggest challenge: "During my weight-loss journey, the biggest challenge was breaking the habit of eating the same foods day after day, which becomes boring. I was able to overcome this by trying new foods, making new recipes and giving foods I previously didn't like a second chance, such as Brussels sprouts."
How life has changed: "I have gone from a clothing size 12 to 6. When I shop for clothes, I now choose clothes that I think look good on me. Before my weight loss, I chose clothes that I felt concealed my weight. … I know I will have to put as much effort into maintaining a healthy weight as I put into losing the weight." Any tips? "When eating out, look at the kids menu. Some restaurants offer healthy food options on the kids menu; this is a good way to limit portion size and eat healthy for less. At home, cook a double portion and freeze half for another meal."
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