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 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
Katherine Alt, 31: From 215 pounds to 150 pounds
Former weight: 215 pounds
Current weight: 150 pounds
Pounds lost: 65 pounds
Height: 5 feet, 6 inches
Age: 31 years
How long she's been at it: "Since October 2015, about 10 months, I have lost 65 pounds."
Personal life: "I am a first-year high school Spanish teacher." She lives in Savannah.
Turning point: "I was diagnosed with clinical depression in my mid-20s. Binge eating was a big part of my depressive episodes, along with sleep issues and fatigue — a perfect storm for weight gain. I had always been chubby in my teen years, but had eventually ballooned from 170 to 220 pounds. I began to experience other health problems related to my weight. In October 2015, I was let go from my job as an executive assistant. … I was missing many days of work, under a dark cloud that kept me trapped in my bed. When I did drag myself in, I was performing far under my ability and was too demoralized and embarrassed to seek real medical help. Getting fired was a huge wake-up call. I was 30, feeling like a loser and deeply unhappy. … I realized that if I didn't take the steps to gain control over my mental and physical health, it would only get worse."
Diet plan: She cut refined sugar, carbs and alcohol. "I was eating real food and as I started to feel better about what I was eating, I was ready to introduce exercise."
Exercise routine: "I applied for a scholarship to the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, which they graciously awarded. … I fastidiously worked out, first on the stationary bike, then the elliptical, at least three days a week. … Working out brought me back to life."
Biggest challenge: "The hardest part was staying social … but staying engaged with my friends and family is good for my mental health. So, I'm happy to drink (sparkling water) while others drink beer."
How life has changed: "I'm now at 150 pounds — from a size 20 to a size 10. … The school where I was substituting hired me full time. … I went from exhausted and dull … to rising at 5:45 a.m. to do Pilates. … During my weight-loss journey, I also met the love of my life. He always supports me, he is immensely proud of me, and he even loves my stretch marks, which he calls my battle scars. I'm confident and happy for the first time ever."
