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.
Former weight: 206 pounds
Current weight: 150 pounds
Pounds lost: 56
Height: 5 feet 4 inches
Age: 26
How long she's kept it off: "I started my weight-loss journey May 2012 and reached my goal in April 2013," says Wells.
Personal life: "I am an accounts-payable clerk for Fresenius Medical Care in Atlanta and currently obtaining a bachelor's degree in communications," she says. "I am a mother to a beautiful five-year-old girl who is always keeping me on my toes." She lives in Smyrna.
Turning point: "My turning point was actually when I was going through pictures of myself since my weight gain. I was never a big girl, always active until a few years later after having my daughter. I was definitely in denial about gaining weight until I saw pictures of myself. I then started walking outside for an hour and changed my eating habits cutting out fried foods, unhealthy starches, sodas, juices, chips and candy."
Diet plan: "My day usually [starts with] breakfast, a fruit smoothie, with scrambled egg whites or oatmeal. Lunch is fish, brown rice and a green vegetable. Dinner is a veggie patty with a salad," she says. "I also eat snacks during the day which are whole grain crackers, fruit and nuts. I don't have a strict plan that I go by, but I eat clean. I treat myself from time to time - [making sure to eat] only a portion size."
Exercise routine: "I work out six days a week," she says. "Three times a week I do cardio. The other three days, I do weight training working different body parts: core, triceps, biceps, shoulders and gluteus. I change my workouts up by doing Zumba , running and climbing Kennesaw Mountain. I also do the stairs at my job on my 15-minute break."
Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge when I started my weight-loss journey was realizing that it will take time for the weight to come off. I had to set in my mind that this was going to be a lifestyle change for me. My biggest challenge now is not beating myself up if I have a treat. Being healthy doesn't mean you can never treat yourself, you have to treat yourself and keep it moving."
How life has changed: "I'm happier now that I have lost weight and became healthier. I'm now able to go into stores and buy cute outfits and not feel insecure," she says. "I have received positive feedback from people in the gym, family members, friends, co-workers and classmates stating that I have inspired them. You never know who is watching you. I'm proud of my hard work and hope that I can continue to motivate others … Being healthy and fit is a lifestyle change, not a one-week thing. Be dedicated and you will see results."
