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 / Rhonna Beasley, 56: From 234 pounds to 160 pounds
Former weight: 234 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Pounds lost: 74 pounds
Height: 5 feet, 5 inches
Age: 56 years
How long he's kept it off: "I'm just beginning the maintenance phase," says Beasley. She started in August 2014 and reached her goal this month.
Personal life: "I am a retired elementary school teacher in Gwinnett County. I have two miniature dachshunds, rescues, who are my fur babies." She lives in Grayson.
Turning point: "Constant joint pain from arthritis made me know I had to do something. Talking with [my trainer] about Advocare products and finding BioCharge was my game changer. BioCharge … is not a weight-loss product, but it … relieved the pain in my joints to the point where I was moving easily and was then able to exercise. This lack of pain, plus the massive support from my friends [and supportive trainer], made the whole plan work."
Diet plan: "I followed a 1,300-calorie per day meal plan which was monitored by a physician." She cut out white foods replacing them with protein and healthy carbs. A typical day starts with an Advocare shake or an egg, egg white and toast. Lunch is tuna or turkey on salad. Dinner is fish or chicken with fresh veggies.
Exercise routine: "While I was still working, I attended Zumba classes three times a week. Once retired, I added another Zumba class and a step/abs class once a week and three circuit training classes per week. So then I was typically working out seven to eight times a week; still working out that much — I'm hooked!"
Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge was staying away from bread. It's my big comfort food, and it was torture to go to a restaurant with bread on the table and not attack it."
How life has changed: "I am happier, more confident person now. I've become a gym rat — I didn't even know that was possible," she says. "I have a wider scope of friendships and love every single person in my orbit. I won't ever go back to my former habits. Life is an adventure, and I'm in for the long ride." She adds: "You control your own life and health. Make positive choices in every area of your life … I'm a breast cancer survivor, seven years now, and that was a major life hurdle. The weight loss journey has been that same kind of difficult, on a very different level. Survivors fight hard, and I've got all sorts of fight still in me. Look out, life — here I come!"
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