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 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
Success story
Diane Proffitt, 57: From 179 pounds to 128 pounds
Former weight: 179 pounds
Current weight: 128 pounds
Pounds lost: 51 pounds
Height: 5 feet
Age: 57 years
How long she's kept it off: "I started trying to lose weight in March 2011," Proffitt said. "I am 5 pounds from my goal and expect to be there soon."
Personal life: "I live in Marietta with my husband of 32 years and our cat. Our son lives nearby and teaches at a Christian school. I am a retired pharmacist. I worked for an independent pharmacy in Roswell for 32 years."
Turning point: "I got tired of where I was weight-wise, especially when my clothes didn't fit me anymore and I didn't want to go up yet another size," she said. Her weight gain occurred "gradually over a long period of time. I started with Weight Watchers, but did not embrace the program. I didn't count points; I was aware of them, but never really got into counting points that much. It just was not really a good fit for me. In November 2014, I started with wellness coach Jacynta Harb and her Sparkle a New You wellness coaching program (sparkleanewyou.com). I have lost 30 pounds since starting with Jacynta."
Diet plan: "I track my food every day with the My Fitness Pal app. I limit portion sizes and try to limit snacking as much as possible. My breakfast is Greek yogurt with fruit. Lunch is a salad or turkey on a sandwich thin, and dinner is chicken and vegetables. I always have a safe snack available."
Exercise routine: "I try to do cardio and weights at the gym three to five times a week. I also hike trails 12 times for a total of 68 miles a week."
Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge overall has been realizing and accepting that this is a new lifestyle. I intend to maintain my weight loss by embracing my new lifestyle."
How life has changed: "Weight loss has enabled me to be more active," she said. Her secret to success was "the help and support of my husband Steve (and) staying focused and using the support of Jacynta Harb." Her tips include "using My Fitness Pal every day and having safe snacks available." She said she "never had blood pressure (problems) or anything like that — not a real dramatic health change. Health wasn't necessarily the issue, but I do feel a lot better about myself."
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