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
Donna Price, 62: From 175 pounds to 134 pounds
Former weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 134 pounds
Pounds lost: 41 pounds
Height: 5 feet, 5 inches
Age: 62 years
How long she's kept it off: She started July 4, 2015, and reached her current weight in November 2015.
Personal life: Price is a teacher in Rockdale County. She moved to Conyers 20 years ago with her husband. They have a 26-year-old daughter.
Turning point: "When I received the results from my blood work for my yearly physical, my sugar glucose level had risen to 106, which is seven points above the 99 normal range. In an attempt to slow the progression of diabetes, I decided I should lose some weight. With a goal of losing 10 to 15 pounds, I started researching online and saw the enemy to diabetes is sugar and white carbs. So it was at that point that I gave up sugar and white carbs. I thought that would be a difficult task, because I love sweets and enjoy making cakes for family and friends. However, a dear friend of my husband had his second leg amputated due to diabetic complications, and I knew I had to do what I could to try to stay healthy."
Diet plan: "I pretty much eat protein, fruit and vegetables; however, I avoid sweets, desserts and white carbs including: white rice, white potatoes, white pasta and white flour. I check food labels, and if something has more than a couple of grams of sugar and 12 grams of carbs, unless they are whole-wheat carbs, I put it down." She also traded soda for water.
Exercise routine: "I have to admit that I am not one that enjoys the health club routine, so I walk in my home with the Leslie Sansone Walk at Home DVDs. Keeping up with Leslie and following the music, you can walk one mile in 15 minutes."
Biggest challenge: "In the past, when I lost weight, I always gained it back because I didn't know how to maintain it. … I will continue with this lifestyle change, because if I don't, I will end back up at 175 pounds."
How life has changed: "I have tried many diets in my lifetime and have always gained the weight back. This has been the easiest change for me. It could be because I was motivated for health concerns, but I realized that this really isn't a diet but a lifestyle change. I was excited when I had to purge my closet of my size 12 clothes and purchase my new size 4s. I have more energy and pep in my step. I feel better and people tell me I look younger."
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