Bibiana’s how-tos:
1. “First, I changed my eating habits by limiting portion sizes. I then gradually started to avoid some of the unhealthy foods I was eating. … I took the candy bowl away that we had on our coffee table.”
2. “Next, I step on the scale every morning. … While I don’t count calories or points, I can see how I am doing. … Then I make adjustments.”
3. “Third, I added more movement into my daily routines.”
Exercise routine: “Fitting in exercise in a busy life can be challenging,” Marlar said. “During the past school year, I tried to do at least two bike rides a week, but that did not always work out. … I typically ride between 13 and 28 miles on the hills in Marietta, including riding up Kennesaw Mountain. … For this school year, I am trying to get three bike rides in every week. It means preparing dinner the day before so I can ride before dinner and riding in the dark in our neighborhood once it gets dark earlier.”
Biggest challenge: My biggest challenge came when I had to undergo melanoma surgery in mid-July this year. … I was not able to exercise for another four weeks,” Marlar said. “During that time, my weight started creeping up a bit. Now that I can go biking again, my weight has quickly dropped.”
Bibiana’s top tips:
1. Never give up. “You might realize you did not eat right at a meal or two during your weight-loss journey, but you can stop that pattern any time and get back on track.”
2. “Pick a kind of exercise that you enjoy and that you can fit into your lifestyle. I would not enjoy going to a gym, but I love the sights and sounds I experience when riding my bike.”
3. “Go slow and make lifestyle changes that you can maintain.”
How has life changed? “I have not been at the weight I am at now since I was a teenager,” Marlar said. “It felt great to walk into my doctor’s office this April and tell her that I followed her advice from last year to lose weight and start exercising. She seemed genuinely impressed with my success. … My youngest daughter, who is away for college, also gives me compliments every time she sees me. She laments a bit that I am not ‘squishy’ anymore, but I think that is a good change.”
Seeking readers’ stories of lifestyle changes: We’re looking for stories about changing health habits. While The Atlanta Journal-Constitution does not endorse any specific programs, we include names and links for the benefit of readers who want further information. If you would like to share your story of a lifestyle change, please contact reporter Michelle C. Brooks and include your email address, phone number, and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). You can email her directly at: [email protected].