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 / Shannon McCune, 44: From 197 pounds to 135 pounds
Former weight: 197 pounds
Current weight: 135 pounds
Pounds lost: 62 pounds
Height: 5 feet 6 inches
Age: 44 years
How long she's kept it off: "I started Weight Watchers in November 2012 at 197 pounds; I reached my goal weight of 135 pounds in June of 2013," said McCune.
Personal life: "I live in Kennesaw and am a registered nurse, wife of 17 years, mom to two awesome girls," she said. "[I'm] working on an as-needed basis at my daughters' school — I love it. I also proudly served in the military."
Turning point: "[My] a-ha moment was the day my 'before' picture was taken. I was on a field trip with my daughter at the Atlanta Zoo, and my friend took the picture of me and Sydney, and texted it to me. It was at that moment, seeing that picture and the reality of my weight and health, that I decided that I desperately needed to make some serious lifestyle changes. The woman in that picture was not who I wanted to be, for myself or my family. Ironically, on the same field trip, another friend asked me if I would be interested in joining her at a Weight Watchers' meeting. I went … and was hooked."
Diet plan: Breakfast is fruit, yogurt, nuts and applesauce. Mid-morning she has cheese, a boiled egg or yogurt. Lunch is a colorful salad with lean protein. Dinner is quinoa, vegetables and lean protein.
Exercise routine: "I enjoy running, and try to log a few miles, two to three days a week. I alternate running with stationary biking and the elliptical. I also love to try a variety of classes at the gym and I strength train two to three days per week."
Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge has been accepting that this is not a diet; it is a lifestyle — my lifestyle."
How life has changed: "Life is so different now. I am no longer living life behind the scenes; I am confident and unafraid of what adventure any day may hold and actually welcome new challenges with a can-do attitude … My relationships are healthier because I have the confidence to set boundaries … I am enrolled this coming fall in KSU's personal trainer course — I have such a passion for helping others … I am currently training for my third half-marathon, which I never dreamed possible." Her advice: "There will never, ever be a perfect time to start your journey; life is always crazy — just take that first step … Become the person you know that you were meant to be."
About the Author
