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 Patty Murphy, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
SUCCESS STORY / Barbara Hudson, 65: From 206 pounds to 142 pounds
Former weight: 206 pounds
Current weight: 142 pounds
Pounds lost: 64 pounds
Height: 5 foot, 4 inches
Age: 65 years
How long she's kept it off: "Started February 2009 and met my goal weight in September 2012," said Hudson.
Personal life: "I love to volunteer, especially with the homeless population and the USO (www.uso.org). I have an amazing daughter … who lives in Boston. I love that city and visit as often as possible. I am active in my church, Providence United Methodist, with the women's ministry. I am a human resources section manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta in Midtown." She lives in Peachtree City.
Turning point: "[My] blood pressure was elevating beginning in 2010 and I needed to go on medication," she said. "That was when I truly began to embrace the Weight Watchers' program and lost my weight. I was committed to tracking my points and exercising regularly while attending weekly meetings."
Diet plan: She followed Weight Watchers' simply filling technique, instead of counting points. She chooses from a list of foods which include fruits, vegetables and protein. Breakfast is fat-free Greek yogurt with red grapes and granola. Lunch is grilled or baked fish or lean meat with roasted veggies and fruit. Dinner is grilled or baked lean meat or fish, roasted veggies and whole-wheat grains.
Exercise routine: "[I do a] minimum of 10,000 steps each day via walking or using my treadmill, and tennis once a week."
Biggest challenge: "Not giving into temptation when possible as well as eating out," she said. "I always look up the nutritional values of interested menu choices before I enter a restaurant with co-workers or friends."
How life has changed: "Of course I have more energy and love being able to wear trendy clothing. I also enjoy the compliments of how well I have done keeping my weight in check. I am not living life differently — just enjoying it more." Her secret to success throughout the process was the help of others: "a supportive daughter … as well as an encouraging Weight Watchers at Work consultant … and co-workers and friends. Her advice includes: "If you trip up one day or two days, there is still tomorrow to get back on track … My future plans are still the same, to one day retire, travel and continue my volunteer work with the homeless and USO. My healthier lifestyle will enable me to do this longer."
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