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 / Joey Stanley, 33: From 286 pounds to 174 pounds
Former weight: 286 pounds
Current weight: 174 pounds
Pounds lost: 112
Height: 5 feet 8 inches
Age: 33
How long he's kept it off: "I started August 27, 2012 at 286 pounds," says Stanley. "[I'm] trying to get to 170 pounds."
Personal life: Stanley and his wife have been married for ten years and have a seven-year-old daughter. He is a personal banker for SunTrust bank and lives with his family in Loganville, Ga.
Turning point: "I was tired of being tired all the time and just didn't like what I saw in the mirror," he says. "It's definitely something you have to want, and not take lightly. I've struggled with my weight since I was a kid, so this has been not just a physical transformation, but a mental one as well."
Diet plan: "I use MyFitnessPal (www.myfitnesspal.com) to help me determine what I can eat. It calculates how many calories I can have per day," he says. "For breakfast, I have coffee, with Splenda and almond milk, and a Clif bar. For lunch, I'll get a smoothie at Smoothie King: medium chocolate gladiator with a banana, half scoop of peanut butter and diet-down enhancer or raspberry ketones. Dinner is a protein: turkey, chicken or fish, vegetables, [Birds Eye] Steamfresh veggies are the best."
Exercise routine: "Joined Bodyplex gym … and I see a personal trainer once a week. Then started using MyFitnessPal app first week of January 2013, and combining the two was incredible," he says. "I try to get to Bodyplex at least three times a week, and I see a trainer for 30 minutes on one of those visits. I start with cardio on the treadmill or the stationary bike, then free weights, kettle bells, and ropes focusing on specific muscle groups."
Biggest challenge: "Not falling back into bad eating habits," he says. "Also, I'm dealing with Achilles tendinitis (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00147) right now because I overdid it working out, so I'm limited on what I can do physically, which is driving me nuts."
How life has changed: " I have a lot more energy, I'm a lot more positive and actually pay a lot closer attention to what I eat," he says. "I will continue to use My Fitness Pal once I reach my ultimate goal to keep me in check. If you're married or living with a partner, it's very helpful if you both do it. It keeps you both motivated and you'll both eat healthier." As for his top tips, he recommends tracking and carving out a spot in the schedule. "Use My Fitness Pal religiously and make time for yourself to get exercise. Anything is better than sitting on the couch." He also says it's important to remember: "Weight loss is a journey, not a destination."
