SUCCESS STORY / Annette Caldwell, 57: From 242 pounds to 187 pounds
Former weight: 242 pounds
Current weight: 187 pounds
Pounds lost: 55 pounds
Height: 5 feet 4.5 inches
Age: 57 years
How long she's kept it off: She began in August and reached her current weight in April.
Personal life: "I have been married to my husband, Mike, for 37 years," Caldwell said. "We live in Canton." They have three adult children and two granddaughters. Caldwell is a registered nurse.
Turning point: "I've tried many times to lose weight and have even had some success in losing but never able to maintain the loss," Caldwell said. "As I got older, I became complacent and discouraged with myself, which led to more weight gain and multiple medical issues. Over several years, I was diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and began to experience increased problems with asthma. … I finally reached a point where I was pretty much disgusted with myself and wanted to change but knew I couldn't and wouldn't do it on my own. I had heard about wellness coach Jacynta Harb with Sparkle Wellness through several friends … but never had the courage to do it — I didn't want to fail again. When my oldest daughter was diagnosed with hypertension in her early 30s, I felt guilty. After all, I was her mom and a nurse, and the example I had set for her and the rest of my family was leading her to have the same medical challenges I had faced. Also, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. … I talked with my daughter and told her what I knew about Sparkle."
Diet plan: Breakfast is usually oatmeal or yogurt. Lunch is leftovers. Dinner is lean meat, chicken or fish with fresh veggies and rice or potatoes.
Exercise routine: "Walking or hiking is my main source of exercise," Caldwell said. "I try to walk at least a mile a day in my neighborhood, but most days it's between two to three miles."
Biggest challenge: "Actually making the lifestyle changes that I needed such as eating fresh healthy foods and being more active," Caldwell said. "I am a creature of habit, and change is hard for me, especially since, in the past, I have not had a lot of self-confidence in believing that I could actually change."
How life has changed: "My self-confidence has improved tremendously. I feel so much better, both physically and emotionally," Caldwell said. "… So far this year, I have walked in a 5K per month. … I have to give a huge shoutout to my daughter Ansley. If she sees me becoming discouraged or getting off track, she … reminds me. … And truly, I think the fact that I do feel so much better, both physically and emotionally, has had a huge impact on my sticking with my commitment to change — I do not want to go back to the old me."
Share Your Success: Each week, Success Stories focuses on an individual’s unique weight loss journey. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution does not endorse any specific weight loss program but includes names and links for the benefit of readers who want further information. Have you lost weight successfully with a healthy lifestyle change? If you would like to share your story with our readers, please include your email address, phone number, and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG), and contact us at: Success Stories, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
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