Lisa DeMoss, 46, of Marietta, Ga., lost 31 pounds

Lisa DeMoss weighed 159 pounds when this photo was taken in May. Photo contributed by Lisa DeMoss.

Lisa DeMoss weighed 159 pounds when this photo was taken in May. Photo contributed by Lisa DeMoss.

SUCCESS STORY / Lisa DeMoss, 46: From 190 pounds to 159 pounds

Former weight: 190 pounds

Current weight: 159 pounds

Pounds lost: 31 pounds

Height: 5 feet 5 inches

Age: 46 years

Lisa DeMoss weighed 190 pounds when this photo was taken in September. Photo contributed by Lisa DeMoss.

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How long she's kept it off: "I started August 1, 2016, and reached my current weight on May 15, 2017," DeMoss says.

Personal life: "I live in the east Cobb area of Marietta, where I work as an administrative director for a local Chick-fil-A franchisee. I have been married for 21 years to David and have two children, Abby, 10, and Duncan, 8."

Turning point: "The last few years I always knew that I need to lose weight and take better care of myself. In February of 2016, I went to the doctor for a physical because I just knew something was wrong. I had no energy, discomfort in my gut and was depressed. My fear was that I was going to become a diabetic because diabetes runs in my family. The doctor did not find anything physically wrong with me. His suggestions were more exercise and change my diet. A friend of mine was attending a Sparkle a New You class led by Jacynta Harb (www.sparkleanewyou.com) and was getting great results. … Jacynta talked about how weight loss was going to be hard but worth the journey. Giving something a 'try' was giving me permission to back out. If I was going to succeed, I needed to make a commitment to myself. … I always resisted the thought of keeping track, but (My Fitness Pal) was exactly what I needed. Being able to see where the calories and sugar were coming from was so important."

Lisa DeMoss weighed 159 pounds when this photo was taken in May. Photo contributed by Lisa DeMoss.

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Diet plan: "I try to use the Mediterranean way of eating." Breakfast is Greek yogurt, granola and fruit. Lunch is a grilled chicken salad or wrap, and dinner is chicken or fish with vegetables and quinoa.

Exercise routine: "With kids and working part time, it has been a challenge to incorporate exercise in my daily routine. I do a lot of walking in my neighborhood. I enjoy seeing how many steps I can get on my Fitbit. I also take group fitness classes at Johnson Ferry Baptist. I was challenged to do one 5K a month — I have completed nine since September."

Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge is not feeling like a failure when my day gets off track or when my kids don't eat or like what I make for dinner. I'm having to retrain them as well as myself. … Taking one day at a time was key for me at the beginning. … I knew making small changes would provide big rewards later."

How life has changed: "I love how much energy I have now. I am more engaged with my family, friends and work. … I look forward to the future. I feel like I have added years to my life. My goal is to stay on track and be an inspiration to my kids."


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.