Former weight: 283 pounds
Current weight: 185 pounds
Pounds lost: 98 pounds
Height: 6 feet 2 inches
Age: 31 years
How long he's kept it off: Three years. Started in July 2007 and reached his current weight in July 2008.
Personal life: "I'm a business intelligence consultant at Decision First Technology in Vinings. I live in Atlantic Station," says Labbate. His weight-loss partner was girlfriend, Hillary Bliss (featured in Success July 20, 2011)
Turning point: "We were way too fat. It was primarily a health decision," he says. "The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine came to our workplace with a vegan health program, and we took advantage. It works for us because it's an all-or-nothing diet, which is easier for us than moderation. It's simpler to cut out all animal products and most fats than it is to try to just eat a moderate amount." His workplace was participating in a medical study with nutrition researcher Neal Barnard, M.D.
Diet plan: Breakfast is oatmeal or cereal with a special vegan protein powder. Lunch is often a prepackaged vegan soup or burrito bowl. Dinner is veggie stir fry, black bean soup or butternut squash lasagna.
Exercise routine: He exercises six times per week. "Right now, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday are cardio days, where I try to run at least three miles and do some core exercises. The heavy days are weight training: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday," he says.
Biggest challenge: "Eating less, for sure," he says. "I have a huge appetite and don't get full easily, so it's difficult not to eat as much as I want. I still struggle with it, trying to fill myself with veggies instead of unhealthy foods, and trying to keep snacks and fats out of the house."
How life has changed: "We've gotten much better at cooking at home and buying fresh produce. In general, we have more energy," he says. "My health has gotten better in all ways, from not snoring to plummeting cholesterol. Having Hillary around allowed us to reinforce each other -- I don't think we could have done it alone."
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 Holly Steel, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
