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, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
Success story
Kimberley Craft, 58: From 217 pounds to 127 pounds
Former weight: 217 pounds
Current weight: 127 pounds
Pounds lost: 90 pounds
Height: 5 feet, 6 inches
Age: 58 years old
How long she's kept it off: "I began my weight-loss journey with Weight Watchers in August of 2012. I reached my initial goal weight of 135 pounds in October of 2014 and have been a lifetime member, remaining at or below goal weight, since November of 2014."
Personal life: "I am an artist with a polyglot background in various industries as well as being a full-time student. I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful stepchildren, now grown." She lives in Decatur.
Turning point: "I was working on an art project on the floor one evening and experienced difficulty getting to my feet and catching my breath. At that moment, I saw a future that would become increasingly limited if I did not make different choices about my health and, more specifically, my weight. I signed up with Weight Watchers the next day."
Diet plan: Breakfast is a hard-boiled egg or turkey with a cheese stick and Greek yogurt. Lunch is a turkey sandwich with a bowl of homemade lentil soup. Dinner is grilled chicken or fish with steamed vegetables and quinoa.
Exercise routine: "A dedicated gym routine was not an option for me but increased movement was, and is, always possible. See a flight of stairs as an invitation, make several trips to the car to bring in the groceries; offer to be the delivery person at the office for errands. I love my pedometer — those daily steps add up quickly."
Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge was staying the course during the inevitable valleys and peaks. Now I am as committed to weight maintenance as I was to my weight-loss journey."
How life has changed: "My life and health are in balance now. Fresh fruits and vegetables are mainstays in my diet, along with lean proteins, good oils and grains such as quinoa and farro. Spices are my go-to for flavoring and there are many delicious recipes available on the Web and in cookbooks to expand your menu," she said. "Be easy with yourself; this is one area where being the tortoise rather than the hare is, I think, an advantage. Hunger and deprivation have no place in good health, and I did not sacrifice my health in any way as I took off the weight. Make your health and happiness a priority — it will be the greatest gift you give your loved ones."
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