SUCCESS STORY / Amy Pizzati, 46: From 187 pounds to 149 pounds
Former weight: 187 pounds
Current weight: 149 pounds
Pounds lost: 38 pounds
Height: 5 feet 9 inches
Age: 46 years
How long she's kept it off: She began in August 2008 and reached her current weight in October 2015. "I've been successful in maintaining over the last two years," Pizzati said. "My lowest weight was 143 pounds, but with the additional muscle development, I'm at a healthy 149 pounds."
Personal life: "My husband, Gary Pizzati, and I … downsized a year ago when our youngest daughter went off to college. We relocated from Alpharetta to Cumming. … I'm a vice president of sales for First Citizens Bank," she said. "We have two daughters: Brittany and Hannah. We also have two furry children, Daisy and Lily, both Maltese."
Turning point: "I was born with a congenital heart defect called aortic stenosis. By age 21, I'd had three open-heart surgeries. I was never able to participate in sports as a child. … Because of this, I never developed much muscle tone. When first moving to Atlanta, my husband and I made a deal. Believe it or not, although I had a heart condition, I smoked cigarettes. He offered to buy the P90X video that caught my eye on an infomercial if I quit. … I did two rounds of P90X and never picked up another cigarette. … I learned to eat healthier to maintain the results. I would not say I diet, but I certainly am more conscious with what I put in my body. … It's been a long journey of ups and downs, but ultimately at age 46, I feel better now than I did when I was younger."
Diet plan: "I'm not on a diet but just watch what I eat." Breakfast is a protein shake. Snacks are Greek yogurt or cheese and nuts. Lunch and dinner are a combo of grilled chicken and vegetables or salad. Dessert is Halo Top ice cream.
Exercise routine: She has a personal trainer at Onelife Fitness. "These are typically HITT-type workouts focused on core, legs, upper body, with bursts of cardio. … Other than training four days at the gym, I enjoy biking, hiking and running."
Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge … was maintaining. I find having a trainer holds me accountable. … If you have someone who expects to see you, you'll be more likely to show up."
How life has changed: "I'm definitely more confident about myself. … I don't mind putting on my bathing suit in the summer. … As I've gotten older, I find life moves very fast. Keeping myself in the best shape allows me to live life to its fullest. If being healthy was easy … everyone would do it. It's being dedicated to yourself, and it's really not about weight loss but feeling good about yourself and knowing you're living a healthy life."
Share Your Success: 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, a daytime 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.
