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 / Michael and Tina Marsh, both 55: Together they lost 90 pounds
Former weight: Michael, 289 pounds; Tina, 135 pounds
Current weight: Michael, 222 pounds; Tina, 112 pounds
Pounds lost: Michael, 67; Tina, 23
Height: Michael, 5 feet 10 inches; Tina, 5 feet 2 inches
Age: Michael, 55; Tina, 55
How long they've kept it off: They started August 2010 and reached their goal in 2011.
Personal life: Michael and Tina live in Newnan and have two children in their 20s. He works in Midtown as an IT security manager and Tina teaches fourth grade.
Turning point: "My husband had started having some health issues because of his weight," says Tina. "He had severe snoring and sleep apnea, swelling in his ankles, and would get out of breath easily … I convinced him that we could do this together." When Michael got on the scale and couldn't see his feet, he agreed.
Diet plan: "For the first few months, we followed recipes from 'The 17 Day Diet: A Doctor's Plan Designed for Rapid Results' by Dr. Mike Moreno," says Tina. "Once I started watching the carbs and sugar, I realized that many of these prepackaged meals contain tons of carbs … Now, we eat very little pre-packaged food. I love grilling chicken, fish, and veggies outside in the summertime," she says.
Exercise routine: "I started doing sword work when I was in my early teens," says Michael, who exercises two to three times per week. "Kendo, (a Japaneese martial art) it's great exercise and is more interesting than just running or weights." As for Tina, "I really hate exercise," she says. "I tend to walk a lot at work, and I'm on my feet a lot and always moving as an elementary teacher. I try to do stomach crunches now to firm up my abdomen area.."
Biggest challenge: Michael's biggest challenge was his sweet tooth while Tina missed carbs. "The first few weeks were the hardest because I really craved the carbs, but right away, I noticed that eating more fruits and vegetables at a meal filled me up more."
How life has changed: "More energy, more activity — I sleep better," says Michael who credits Tina as his secret to success, "The fact we both did the diet was a great help." Tina adds, "We did it together and encouraged each other and were able to cheer each other on." Tina also says it's important to find what works with your lifestyle. "We were just telling someone the other day, it's not a diet, it's a different way to eat … I am much more conscious of the types of foods I eat … I've discovered ways to fix vegetables that I couldn't stand before that I really enjoy eating now: brussels sprouts … and I no longer worry about him having a heart attack when he walks up the stairs!"
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