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, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
Success story
Adam Jordan, 37: From 385 pounds to 276 pounds
Former weight: 385 pounds
Current weight: 276 pounds
Pounds lost: 109 pounds
Height: 6 feet, 1 inch
Age: 37 years
How long he's kept it off: Started in April 2015; reached his current weight in June.
Personal life: "I currently reside in Alpharetta," Jordan said. "I moved here after finishing film school in Myrtle Beach, and was lucky enough to begin my career … with the feature film 'We Are Marshall.' I'm currently an assistant director working on film, TV and commercials."
Turning point: "Being in an industry that requires me to be on my feet from 12 to 14 hours plus, I certainly felt the toll of carrying around 385 pounds. … The road map for where I was heading was clear. My dad, in February of 2010, passed away suddenly of a heart attack and was only 54. It was a big shock, of course, to me and really hit hard. He struggled with obesity most of his life and never found a healthy lifestyle that worked for him. I knew then I needed to do something, but after a few failed attempts at weight loss, I just went back to my normal routine and gained any weight I may have lost and more. Last year, I was looking at some photos … and was shocked how unhealthy I looked. I knew then I needed to make a long-term change — I joined Weight Watchers."
Diet plan: Breakfast is an English muffin with guacamole, an egg and turkey bacon. Lunch is turkey on sandwich thins, reduced-fat cheese and avocado spread. Dinner is protein and vegetables.
Exercise routine: Unless he's in production, he works out five or six days a week. "When I started, I could only walk, if I was lucky, a mile." Now, he walks 6 miles and, when biking, he bikes 10 to 12 miles. He also strength trains.
Biggest challenge: "The hardest part was getting started. … Genetics load the gun, but habits pull the trigger, and looking at my family history, that gun was loaded for me. I had to change my habits to give myself a chance to live a healthier life."
How life has changed: "Being able to walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath is a great feeling. … The support I get from my family, friends, and co-workers is amazing. … The best thing I can say is to get started. … Just do something."
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