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
Genevieve Cadet, 29: From 280 pounds to 155 pounds
Former weight: 280 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Pounds lost: 125 pounds
Height: 5 feet, 6 inches
Age: 29 years
How long she's kept it off: She started in August 2014 and reached her current weight a year ago.
Personal life: "I was born in Haiti and I've been in the (U.S.) for 18 years now," Cadet said. "I work for the Hyundai corporate office. I work in collections and I'm a personal trainer on the side." She lives in Lithia Springs.
Turning point: "When I was back in my country, my mother kept me in ballet and gymnastics," she said. As she got older and was less active, "I gained a lot of weight. It wasn't until a couple of years ago I started working on it." During a visit to Kennesaw Mountain, "I was in so much pain, my knees were hurting and my back was hurting. It wasn't even the pain — (I thought) how am I not able to do this with my body when I used to do flips and splits? How did I let myself go that bad? … That was my turning point."
Diet plan: "Just changing my eating habits." She eats small meals with lots of vegetables, and fish as her primary protein.
Exercise routine: She started with a personal trainer. Now, she works out four to five days per week, sometimes six. "I do different body parts on different days. … It's become a lifestyle for me, because it's really about being active."
Biggest challenge: "At first, honestly, it was trying to make my diet interesting. I think a lot of people get discouraged with eating healthy and eating salads all day. … I've learned to substitute my cravings for something healthier. … The eating is really important; it doesn't matter how much you are working out if you are not eating right."
How life has changed: "Everything has changed. … I think working out builds your confidence. I have no more back pain. My knees hurt a little bit; I think that is because of how long I had the heavier weight. But … now it's like 90 percent less pain. … I went back to school; I finished my degree in marketing. I think it definitely gives me more energy to do more. … I think it's really a lifestyle change."
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