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 Tim Suggs, 36: From 212 pounds to 178 pounds
Former weight: 212 pounds
Current weight: 178 pounds
Pounds lost: 34 pounds
Height: 6 feet 2 inches
Age: 36 years
How long he's kept it off: "Started June 2014," said Suggs. "I reached my target weight of 180 pounds at the end of December 2014."
Personal life: "I enjoy living the ITP (inside the perimeter) single and childless life. I frequent the Atlanta Beltline and Piedmont Park and explore surrounding neighborhoods …" said Suggs who works as a marketing consultant, video producer, mobile app developer and drone pilot.
Turning point: "Over the summer of 2014, I watched a documentary: 'Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead' and decided today is the day," he said. "I changed my lifestyle from what I feed my body and mind along with increasing how much physical activity I do."
Diet plan: "I order my food and get weekly deliveries from Nature's Garden Express (www.naturesgardenexpress.com)," he said. "I eat a protein bar for breakfast, a salad for lunch and a meat plus two veggies for dinner. I try to avoid fried foods and limit carbs. I made a lifestyle change and now eat primarily organic, natural and local items. I have one cheat day a week where I allow myself to indulge at Yeah! Burger."
Exercise routine: "I run 5.5 miles on the Beltline and row on a rowing machine for 21 minutes, four days per week. I also do strength-training three days per week. Also, living in Inman Park, I walk nearly everywhere which definitely helps to burn calories."
Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge was simply getting started. The change in diet was difficult at first because I was dining out for most lunches and dinners. I've found that it really does come down to individual decisions. When dealing with temptations, I ask myself: 'Is this going to get me closer or further to my target body image?'"
How life has changed: "I get more smiles while running the Beltline. I've had to get an entirely new wardrobe after dropping from a 36-inch to a 32-inch waist and from a XL shirt to a M," he said. His advice includes: "Set a reasonable short-term goal followed by mid- and long-term goals. I have a daily checklist along with weekly and monthly calendars to track all of my activities. Also, if you can add people into your life that are on the same trajectory, that is incredibly helpful. It really is true — work to enhance your mind-body-spirit, they all work together."
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