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.
Former weight: 186 pounds
Current weight: 135 pounds
Pounds lost: 51 pounds
Height: 5 feet 2 inches
Age: 41 years
How long she's kept it off: "I started Weight Watchers in February 2012," says Landers. "Made my goal with Weight Watchers in November 2012, and I became a lifetime member in January 2013."
Personal life: Kim and her husband, Kyle, live in Atlanta with their two daughters, 20 months and seven years. She's a sales representative for a women's health care company.
Turning point: "I had low expectations and really thought I would try just losing about ten or 20 pounds at the most," she says. "I was exercising, but wasn't eating right and couldn't figure out why I wasn't losing weight."
Diet plan: "The Weight Watchers program has worked for me. I am in sales and I travel, so it is something I can do on the road and at home as long as I plan ahead," she says. "In the morning, I will have a banana and oatmeal. Lunch would be a turkey sandwich with baked potato chips. Dinner is usually chicken, pork or turkey with steamed vegetables. I do not eat carbs like I used to at night and use a lot of the easy Weight Watchers recipes for a dinner guide. I also measure and weigh my food for complete accuracy. I also eat until I am satisfied, not stuffed."
Exercise routine: "I exercise two times a week with a personal trainer, 45-minute sessions," she says. "Personally, I need the accountability. If he isn't there telling me what to do, I would not exercise. I also make sure to do some walking on the weekends with the kids."
Biggest challenge: "I have to continue to track my food, activity and do weekly weigh-ins for the accountability. The weight does not come off as easily as it does going on," she says. "I also realized how much of my kids' leftovers I was eating when I shouldn't have. Also, having to track everything I put into my mouth helped me second-guess if I really wanted to eat it or not."
How life has changed: "Life is completely different today," she says. "I enjoy being active and it really helps with spending time with my daughters. I love having the strength and energy to keep up with both a toddler and a seven-year-old … We go golfing, rock climbing, ice skating, bike riding, and walking together. My Husband, Kyle, has lost a lot of weight and has become active as well. So we are now a completely active family and there is no excuse for not trying anything new. My husband and I are healthier than we have ever been in the 18 years we have been together. Both of us feel like we have new-and-improved spouses. It is so much fun enjoying life together this way!"
