Ian Tolman, 46, of Hiram Ga., lost 95 pounds
Former weight: 270 pounds
Current weight: 175 pounds
Pounds lost: 95 pounds
Height: 5 feet 6 inches
Age: 46 years
How long he's kept it off: In 2008, Tolman started Weight Watchers, lost sixty pounds, joined a gym and has maintained his current weight for three years.
Personal life: "I am married for twenty-two years to the best woman, wife and mother I guy could ask for," says Tolman. "We have two beautiful daughters and a son we adopted in 2008." For nineteen years, he has worked as a crime scene technician with the Cobb County Sheriff's Office. He and his family live in Hiram.
Turning point: "I reached my all time high of 270 pounds in September of 2008 and was disgusted with myself," he says. "I had thoughts of how could I do this to my wife and kids? I probably won't live long enough to walk my kids down the aisle. I was going to give it my all to be there for myself and my family… I had [yo-yo dieted] my entire life and I needed to also be an example for my kids so they could live a healthy lifestyle."
Diet plan: "I eat a lot of protein: fish, chicken and beef. My carbs are usually slow-digeting carbs such as oatmeal, sweet potato or brown rice."
Exercise routine: "I work out at the gym in the mornings before my shift starts," he says. "I work a different body part each day with forty minutes of cardio. I take rest days as needed [when] my 46-year-old body tells me to chill out a bit."
Biggest challenge: "Having patience to achieve my goal was my biggest challenge," he says.
How life has changed: "My wife says I am hot — that is a benefit for sure," he says, "but most importantly my overall heath and well being has improved tremendously. I can play outside with my kids and not be out of breath…I am much more self-confident and my wife and kids have incorporated a healthy lifestyle as well. I compete annually in a bodybuilding competition to keep me focused on improving each year. I have a passion for health and fitness, and am working to getting my certification as a personal trainer to help people. I know I can help people that feel stuck — I have been there and if I can do it so can anyone."
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.
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