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 / Heather Espinoza, 41: From 220 pounds to 165 pounds
Former weight: 220 pounds
Current weight: 165 pounds
Pounds lost: 55 pounds
Height: 5 feet 10 inches
Age: 41 years
How long she's kept it off: "I started my weight loss journey in May of 2014, and reached my goal in December of 2014. I am still maintaining my weight," said Espinoza.
Personal life: "I live in Kennesaw with my husband, David. We have been together for 24 years. We have two dogs. I had been a personal chef for 20 years, but now my current occupation is a NutriMost Health Coach (www.nutrimostgeorgia.com)."
Turning point: "My turning point in my weight loss story came after seeing my endocrinologist," she said. "My A1C was almost a 9 percent. I had already had partial amputation in my feet due to degenerative bone disease, and severe neuropathy. He told me my weight was a contributing factor to the complications of my diabetes. It would only continue to get worse, my kidneys, my eyesight could all be affected … I struggled with losing weight, and keeping my blood sugars in check … Nothing had worked … I was introduced to the NutriMost program by a family friend who had tremendous success with the program."
Diet plan: "I never ate a meal out of a box, or had to starve myself. I mainly eat lots of lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and a lot of good fat like coconut oil."
Exercise routine: "Because of the neuropathy in my feet, and my balance issues, I cannot run. I have to be careful with putting too much pressure on my feet. I do enjoy swimming, yoga, and walking with my two dogs."
Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge was getting started. I spent years eating what I wanted, drinking what I wanted, and it led me to being in the hospital on the brink of death. I was scared to death to give up all the foods I loved — even though all that junk food was killing me … The power of the mind is more powerful than we realize, and I really had to change my belief system by re-affirming positive thoughts to myself."
How life has changed: "I am off all insulin and diabetes medications. I have more energy; my marriage is healthier, and stronger than ever. I finally have a healthy relationship with food … It should never be about the number on the scale, but about how we need to love ourselves on the inside, because we can't love others, or have healthy relationships when we are hating ourselves on the inside."
About the Author
