Former weight: 255 pounds
Current weight: 180 pounds
Pounds lost: 75 pounds
Height: 5 feet 10 inches
Age: 25 years
How long he's kept it off: He started in January 2010 and reached his current weight in September 2011.
Personal life: "I graduated from the University of Georgia in December of 2011 with a bachelor's in business administration in economics through the Terry College of Business. I have been working for Chick-fil-A since 2002, and I currently manage a store in Roswell." He lives in Roswell.
Turning point: "Sadly, it took my grandmother telling me 'you need to lose weight' on Christmas 2009 to get the wheels turning," he says. "I was never happy with my body the way that it was, but not being happy and actually doing something about it are two completely different stories. It was a very good feeling when my Grandma saw my transformation a year later."
Diet plan: He eats five to six times a day usually char-grilled chicken in a sandwich or salad. "One day a week, I will cheat a meal and have some sushi rolls with my girlfriend," he says.
Exercise routine: Cohen trains with Pete Estes featured in Success March 28. They've run marathons and their ultimate goal is Ironman. "Our main routine is working out five times a week with each day: abs, arms, chest, shoulders, back, abs and legs with swimming, biking and running incorporated into it."
Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge in the beginning was breaking the plateau effect," he says. "Whether in training or weight loss, you will always reach a point at which you feel stuck. The key... is to evolve your workouts."
How life has changed: "I was very insecure in many facets of life prior to the weight loss, but now those things have definitely changed. Although there are a lot physical changes one will go through with weight loss, the mental and psychological changes are almost more overwhelming," he says. "One of the most important things in the process has been having the ability to train with a friend. A friend holds you accountable on the days that you are struggling to put the running shoes on."
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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