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 / Joyce Kemper, 52: From 213 pounds to 150 pounds
Former weight: 213 pounds
Current weight: 150 pounds
Pounds lost: 63 pounds
Height: 5 feet, 8 inches
Age: 52 years
How long she's kept it off: "I started my weight loss on Jan. 12, 2015, and reached my goal on October 12, 2015."
Personal life: "I am a married mom of two grown daughters, Molly and Morgan. I have been married to my husband, Tim, for 29 years. I'm a special education teacher of mildly intellectually delayed middle school students." She lives in Marietta.
Turning point: "As I got older, my blood pressure rose and my LDL cholesterol was borderline high. It was then that I decided that I needed to get healthy and I wanted to be around to enjoy my retirement in 10 years. I wanted to be of good health so I could travel and do all those things that you cannot do when you have a daily job — I decided that I was worth the effort."
Diet plan: "I followed the Sparkle Plan which was developed by [wellness coach], Jacynta Harb (www.sparkleanewyou.com). It is an overall life change that includes how to eat healthy and the right combination of foods and exercising. It is a life change — not just weight loss." Breakfast is oatmeal or a breakfast sandwich. Lunch is a salad and dinner of stir fry; for dessert she has chocolate-topped Greek yogurt.
Exercise routine: "I walk on my treadmill for 30 minutes, six to seven days a week. I also walk after school with a friend a couple of days a week for anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much schoolwork we need to do."
Biggest challenge: "The greatest challenge was just having the determination to stay with it. In the beginning, the results are hard to see when you have a lot of weight to lose. Once I saw the effects physically, it made it easier to stay on track."
How life has changed: "I have such a better outlook on life. I feel better in my overall health. I have more energy and have so much fun shopping for new clothes. I now walk a 5K without feeling like I am out of breath … No one can push you into it and trying to lose weight for that special event does not work in the long run. I've done that and it comes right back on … I have always looked forward to traveling and being here for my daughters and my husband. Now, I just feel like I will be able to do that. My whole outlook on life is with a happier, more upbeat attitude. Life is just more enjoyable."
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