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, c/o Patty Murphy, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
SUCCESS STORY / April Jacobs Edington, 45: From 308 pounds to 213 pounds
Former weight: 308 pounds
Current weight: 213 pounds
Pounds lost: 95 pounds
Height: 5 feet, 5 inches
Age: 45 years
How long she's kept it off: "I started my journey March 19, 2013. I am still working on my journey with approximately 50 more pounds to go," says Edington.
Personal life: "I live in McDonough, originally from Fayetteville, N.C. [I've] been in the Atlanta area since 1993. I have two adult children," she says. "I am a real estate agent with Re/Max Advantage in McDonough."
Turning point: "I actually went to a casting call for NBC's 'The Biggest Loser' in April of 2012. Nearly a year later, I received an email stating they were holding casting again. It hit me at that point that I had let a year go by and had not done a thing," she says. "That was my wake-up call, I was not going to let another year pass me by and not do anything about my weight."
Diet plan: "I started out just trying to cut down and eat as healthy as possible. It wasn't until several months and over 40 pounds lost that I became a vegetarian. It is not necessary to do that and lose weight, I just did more research and found that I felt better," she says. Breakfast is usually a scrambled egg with tomatoes and avocado. Lunch is a lighter meal because she's not as hungry, usually a protein shake. Dinner is vegetables. "I like to experiment, and may have zucchini that has been cut to resemble spaghetti and put sauce on it." She tries not to eat processed foods.
Exercise routine: "I started Crossfit Over the Limit in McDonough over a year ago and absolutely love it," she says. "It is an intense workout and I feel much better. I also try to run on occasion and participate in 5Ks."
Biggest challenge: "Chocolate – I love it and try to limit it, but it does become a challenge at times. I also love pasta and bread. I can have it, just not as much."
How life has changed: "I am a much healthier person inside and out. I have much more energy and can actually cross my legs and tie my shoes. Walking up the stairs does not make me winded and I am a much happier person all the way around. I have a much better outlook on life," she says. "My motto has become: Do not let the time it will take to accomplish it be the reason you do not do it, the time will pass anyway, might as well do something about it — do not give up, you are worth the change."
