SUCCESS STORY / Michelle Reeves, 35: From 230 pounds to 155 pounds
Former weight: 230 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Pounds lost: 75 pounds
Height: 5 feet 7 inches
Age: 35 years
How long she's kept it off: "I started June 26," said Reeves, who reached her current weight this month.
Personal life: "I am a single mother of a 3-year-old boy who keeps me on my toes. We live in Peachtree Corners. I currently work full time at Corporate Payroll Services in Norcross. I recently created an LLC, and now I'm CEO of Keto Coach Michelle." She's on Instagram at Michellereeves84 and online at www.ketocoachMichelle.com
Turning point: "My turning point was one day at my day job. I'm on the phones at a call center. While listening back to a recorded phone call, I heard my own breathing through the phone. You could hear it in my breath — I was overweight. I was unhappy in anything I put on. Nothing was flattering. It was not easy keeping up with my son. I knew it was time to make a change," Reeves said. "… I had never tried specific diets, only tried exercise which alone never did anything no matter how hard I worked out." Then she tried the keto diet.
Diet plan: "Keto is more of a lifestyle change than a diet," Reeves said. "… My keto diet is basically staying under 20 net carbs a day. Cutting out all sugars." She eats grass-fed meats and leafy greens.
Exercise routine: "I did not do much exercise at first, light cardio to begin with — about 20 to 30 minutes of walking on the treadmill — as I was still adjusting to the tremendous lifestyle change," Reeves said. "… Currently, I get up three days a week at 4 a.m. to do a two-hour workout … using the treadmill, light weights, a kettlebell and resistance bands."
Biggest challenge: "The biggest challenge for me was the fact that inside you tremendous changes are taking place, but around you, the world still turns," Reeves said. "So while you are trying your hardest to stop from snacking or eating your favorite sweets or snacks, people all around you will continue to enjoy them. Also, another thing that was difficult to handle was people's opinion. Any time you diet or change your habits you will have supporters and you will have those who don't quite understand."
How life has changed: "I feel 10 years younger," Reeves said. "My confidence has returned. My anxiety and depression have calmed down a lot. I sleep better and my skin has even cleared up significantly. I wear clothes that make me feel sexy again. … I am much more conscious about the types of foods I put into my body. … I am currently studying to be a nutrition coach with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. … I just want to help others get back to who they deserve to be."
Share Your Success: Each week, Success Stories focuses on an individual’s unique weight loss journey. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution does not endorse any specific weight loss program but includes names and links for the benefit of readers who want further information. Have you lost weight successfully with a healthy lifestyle change? If you would like to share your story with our readers, please include your email address, phone number, and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG), and contact us at: Success Stories, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
