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 E. Dodd, 41: From 271 pounds to 157 pounds
Former weight: 271 pounds
Current weight: 157 pounds
Pounds lost: 114 pounds
Height: 5 feet 8 inches
Age: 41 years
How long she's kept it off: She started in 2008 and reached her current weight in January.
Personal life: "I currently stay at home in Marietta with my 2-year-old son, Jackson," said Dodd. "I have been married for 16 years to my husband, Jeff. Before choosing to stay home with my son, I taught special-needs preschool at Russell Elementary in Smyrna."
Turning point: "I have been overweight my whole life. I can remember some of the silly diets I tried in high school. Some have worked, but I always gained the weight back plus more," she said. "The turning point came when I realized how unhealthy I was and that the dream of having a baby wouldn't happen if I didn't lose the weight. I also looked at how my mother's health contributed to her daily suffering before passing away at the age of 67. This time was different because I have had group and one-on-one support … from [wellness coach] Jacynta Harb (www.sparkleanewyou.com). This time was also different because removing grains [on the Wheat Belly diet] … removed the opiate-like addiction that drove me to think about and crave food every two to three hours."
Diet plan: "I eat full fat meats because I agree that eating these fats helps brain health," she said.
Exercise routine: "The Wheat Belly lifestyle has not required a great amount of exercise to aid in weight loss, but exercise is still important for heart health. I enjoy walking …"
Biggest challenge: "Since most packaged foods are made with obvious or hidden grains, sugar or starches, learning to make salad dressings, spaghetti sauces, crackers, cereal, and broths from scratch has been challenging yet rewarding."
How life has changed: "I attribute most of my weight-loss success during this last year to eliminating grains … not only am I at the lowest weight since the fourth grade, but my blood pressure has been reduced, resulting in the elimination of most medications. My cholesterol numbers have improved. My IBS symptoms are gone. The joint pain in my hips and hands are gone. My seasonal allergies are gone. A mysterious, recurring skin rash is gone. I've had to buy a whole new wardrobe, including shoes because my feet also shrunk. I'm way more energetic and can do more with my toddler."
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