Tim Reader, 51, of Suwanee, Ga. lost 83 pounds

Height: 5 feet 8 inches

Age: 51 years

How long he's kept it off: He started in 2000 and re-started last summer.

Personal life: "I'm in research and engineering with Kimberly-Clark in Roswell," says Reader. "My wife and I live in Suwanee…we have one son, who is in law school."

Turning point: "After seeing myself in some family pictures in 2000, I didn't even believe it was me. I lost about fifty pounds that year," he says. "My father died early at 68 years old with heart disease...the writing was on the wall and I decided to make real changes."

"I came across the research of Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr., and decided to commit to his philosophy. I first saw Dr. Esselstyn on Sanjay Gupta's special on CNN, "The Last Heart Attack.” I then read his book and followed his web site...After 30 days or so, the cravings for fat and sugar just faded away. As I began to look and feel better, that became the driver...along with great blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. I learned that your genes are not your fate, and if you think so, you are a helpless victim – you are what you eat, no doubt about it.”

Diet plan: "I follow a vegan life style and eat whole grains, fruits, nuts, legumes and vegetables," he says. "Vegan was a huge change -- I never met a BBQ I didn't like...I stay away from meat, dairy, eggs, oils and all animal-based products."

Exercise routine: "I run five miles on the treadmill, five days a week, and lift weights on the other two," he says. "Most days, I walk two miles in the afternoon."

Biggest challenge: "Far and away, the biggest challenge was the first thirty days, which involved breaking a lot of old habits and addictions," he says. "Also, the social aspect of dining out and cookouts was a huge challenge."

How life has changed: "I feel better than I felt twenty years ago, and all of my health numbers are good," he says. "It feels good to look healthy in the mornings, and buying clothes has become a sport."

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 Holly Steel, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com. [END]