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 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
Success story
Tracy Woollen, 37: From 250 pounds to 170 pounds
Former weight: 250 pounds
Current weight: 170 pounds
Pounds lost: 80 pounds
Height: 5 feet, 2 inches
Age: 37 years
How long she's kept it off: She started October 2012. "I have kept the weight off for over two-and-a-half years," Woollen said.
Personal life: "I live in Roswell with my wife and our 10-year-old French bulldog, Brie. I am a senior account specialist at a benefit technology, communication and enrollment firm." Four weeks into her weight loss, she became a health coach with Take Shape for Life; her blog is: toofit2quit.tsfl.com.
Turning point: "When my then-fiancée and my chiropractor had an intervention about my health. I was morbidly obese, pre-hypertensive and pre-diabetic. I had also recently gone to the doctor and been told that I had the health of a 50-year-old at which time I was only 33 years. I have tried everything from Weight Watchers to Jenny Craig as well as the HCG shots."
Diet plan: "I followed the Take Shape for Life dietary program, which really is a one-to-one ratio of carbs to protein and teaches you to eat every two to three hours to keep your blood sugar leveled. The program utilizes Medifast meal replacements and lean protein and three green vegetables."
Exercise routine: "In the beginning … I did not work out much … but as the program went on I introduced movement into my life. I started out with a walk or two per week. Then, after about six months on the plan, I signed up for tennis, which I had not played in 10-plus years."
Biggest challenge: "I hate to exercise. I have never liked it and can only play so much tennis, because I might not have a partner to play with, so I had to get creative. The way I did this is working with my vice, which is TV. My rule was: I could not watch 'Scandal,' or whatever show I was trying to catch, during the week unless I was on the treadmill."
How life has changed: "Oh, wow, has life changed. I do feel a lot better and have stopped taken medications that I was on prior to this journey. I can shop in any store and find clothes that fit me. … It has made me more positive in life and less self-conscious. … Find your why — find the thing that drives you to want to be a healthier version of you."
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