SUCCESS STORY / Rowland Zellars II, 34: From 335 pounds to 243 pounds
Former weight: 335 pounds
Current weight: 243 pounds
Pounds lost: 92 pounds
Height: 5 feet 11 inches
Age: 34
How long he's kept it off: He started in March 2017 and reached his current weight in May.
Personal life: "God has blessed me with a phenomenal wife and partner, who, second only to God, is my top motivating factor for living a healthier lifestyle. I also have the privilege of being the father of two amazingly anointed young men," Zellars said. "… I am the proud owner of an electrical contracting company, Real-Time Electrical Services." He lives in Stockbridge and coaches youth football and baseball.
Turning point: "I've always been an athlete. … My main issue was my diet and my discipline. I'd tried several trainers over the past four years. But it wasn't until I stopped trying to get healthy for others and started caring about being healthy myself. I was tired of my body constantly aching," Zellars said. "…Finally, I realized that I wasn't being fair to my wife. I wasn't the man she'd married, and I wasn't even trying to be. At that point, I got serious about life and haven't looked back."
Diet plan: "I starting looking at food as a source of fuel and not for taste and enjoyment. I only eat to fill the void and to provide my body with the vital nutrients it needs. .. My wife and I started juicing … to ensure that we were getting enough of the good vitamins and nutrients." His plan: no bread, sweets, alcohol or fried foods. He drinks a gallon of water daily.
Exercise routine: "I've invested in a personal trainer. His name is Rico Strong (Rico's Body Training, mr_lafitness on Instagram). There I met my secret weapons: my four gym mates. … I swear iron really does sharpen iron. We train at least four times a week unless one of us has a special goal in mind in which we all grind together for that goal." Workouts include cardio, weights, cross-fit and aerobics.
Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge would have to be time management. Once I lost the first 25 pounds, I was all in. … But because I hadn't mastered the art of preparation yet, I struggled with making bad food choices because I was on the go all the time, or I was working so many hours that I couldn't make it to the gym."
How life has changed: "My life is new. I feel younger, more energetic. … My wife remains my top motivation," Zellars said. "One of the things I say often in the gym when the workouts get tough, I yell: 'She's gonna love it!' Which simply means my wife is going to love that part of my body that hurts. She's going to love the new me. … If your motivating factor is valuable enough to you, you'll be able to overcome."
Share Your Success: Each week, Success Stories focuses on an individual’s unique weight loss journey. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution does not endorse any specific weight loss program but includes names and links for the benefit of readers who want further information. Have you lost weight successfully with a healthy lifestyle change? If you would like to share your story with our readers, please include your email address, phone number, and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG), and contact us at: Success Stories, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
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