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 / Rebecca Becki Gregory, 62: From 209 pounds to 139 pounds
Former weight: 209 pounds
Current weight: 139 pounds
Pounds lost: 70 pounds
Height: 5 feet 2 inches
Age: 62 years
How long she's kept it off: For 14 years, she has consistently kept 30 pounds off. She started August 2000 and reached her goal in August 2001. She reached her current weight in August 2013.
Personal life: "I am a Human Resources Manager for AFL," says Gregory. "I am quite involved in SHRM (Society for Human Resources Manager) Atlanta. I am currently the organization's diversity and inclusion content chair. I am also a charter member of WIT (Women in Technology) book club. My immediate family includes a big golden tabby named Dusty, and Lillian, a grey tabby named after my 103-year-old aunt in Iowa." She lives in Smyrna.
Turning point: "I needed to make some changes in my life. That is when I started asking myself some critical questions," she says. "I decided on three questions to ask myself when facing a decision: Was this thing holding me back? Was this thing moving me forward? Was this thing enhancing my life?" Her three questions helped her see changes that needed to be made in her life which included: the end of a bad relationship, leaving a job that turned sour, having a needed surgery, getting rid of a car that was constantly at the shop, and losing 70 pounds.
Diet plan: "I am a Weight Watchers lifer. I think attending the meetings is important. There is more accountability," she says. "I consider myself a flexitarian — I eat very little meat. If it wasn't for bacon, I would be a vegetarian." Breakfast is toast and cereal with applesauce on it. Lunch is a cheese sandwich, fruit and vegetables. Dinner is something she has made to last all week. "I use a lot of Hungry Girl recipes (www.hungry-girl.com)."
Exercise routine: "I also try to walk at least 30 minutes a day. I enjoy biking and kayaking," she says.
Biggest challenge: "It is easier to lose than maintain. Challenging myself each week to lose something for my weigh-ins was a great incentive. Portion control is a huge challenge for me," she says. So, she buys proportioned treats.
How life has changed: "The weight loss was a huge confidence builder. I look and feel better. I am much more active. It is easier for me now to enjoy the outdoors. I don't feel so self-conscious in shorts or a swimsuit," she says. "I get my strength and inspiration from being outdoors. I walk, bike, kayak and simply stare at my backyard. I love to travel. Just got back from sailing in the Virgin Islands. I've rafted through the Grand Canyon. Although I grew up in Iowa, I love the ocean and go to the beach whenever I can."
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