Jamie Carbonetto, 25, of Sandy Springs, Ga., lost 58 pounds.
Former weight: 210 pounds
Current weight: 152 pounds
Pounds lost: 58
Height: 5 feet 6 inches
Age: 25 years
How long she's kept it off: "Ever since I lost the first seventeen pounds in March 2010, I have been slowly and steadily losing weight every month," says Carbonetto.
Personal life: "I live in Sandy Springs, Georgia with my dog, Chase," she says. "I am currently a full-time student at Georgia Perimeter College as an engineering major."
Turning point: "I couldn't fit the largest sizes they had at these cute fashion stores in the mall and consequently sought comfort at the food court -- when you're overweight, every day is a struggle to be happy with yourself," she says.
Diet plan: "I eat a 250- to 300-calorie meal every three to four hours which consists of balanced macronutrients such as protein, fat and carbohydrate," she says. Her day starts with oatmeal, whey protein and almond butter. Lunch is a salad with chicken. Snacks include egg whites with spinach or Greek yogurt. Dinner is tilapia with broccoli followed by a protein shake.
Exercise routine: "I try to do something every day, even if it's small," she says. "This works best for me so that I don't get complacent...I weight train three to four days a week and do cardio three to four days a week but I always make the routines different." She also worked with a personal trainer which motivated her to continue on her own. "He helped me to push through that fear of change," she says.
Biggest challenge: "Peanut butter," she says. "I've accepted that I have absolutely no control so I don't buy it at all."
How life has changed: "Life is a beautiful thing for me now; just to feel healthy and actually see it with my eyes is wonderful," she says. "I've learned that saying no to junk food is saying yes to myself and a better quality of life. I have truly found a passion in fitness and am currently in the process of becoming a certified personal trainer. To keep it, you've got to give it away and I can't wait to help others achieve their fitness goals."
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.
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