When she started: July 28, 2020
Personal life: “I live in Atlanta,” Wooten said. “I’m a high school financial literacy teacher, and I have a 6-year-old daughter.”
The lifestyle change: “I was at my worst. I didn’t feel good physically,” Wooten said. “I reached out to my sister; she’s always been interested in health.” Her sister, Brandi Turnipseed, also appeared in this column in 2019 (https://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/health/brandy-turnipseed-mcdonough-lost-pounds/T6cICjH6F0HLxa0f1ydV6I/). “I was contemplating getting a gastric sleeve, and my sister told me about metabolic specialist Nancy Masoud’s program, LockedIN Wellness (www.lockedinwellness.com),” Wooten said. “I didn’t believe it would work for me. You see people and they are successful with something and you’re like, ‘Nah, I don’t know about this.’ I took my sister’s advice and did a consultation with Nancy. She did the food allergen test and hair analysis to see what all I was allergic to.”
Changing eating habits: “Processed foods — I had to get rid of that. Desserts have always been my weakness, so my mindset had to change. I used to use food as a crutch. Food had to become more like fuel for my body.”
Crystal’s how-tos
1. Food intolerance testing: “All the things I put in my body caused my body to react in various ways. I could no longer eat wheat, soy, dairy, gluten or sugar.
2. Shop the perimeter: “I started shopping the perimeter of the grocery store: lean meat, veggies and some fruits.”
3. Meal prepping: “I woke up at 6 o’clock this morning to meal prep. A lot of the time we tend to eat the wrong things if we’re hungry. If you have things that are prepared, you don’t have to munch on things that are not good for you.”
Changing exercise habits: “I go for walks, I prefer that.”
Biggest challenge: “I hit my one-year mark and it’s becoming more challenging because I’ve done the same thing for a year. I have to continue to remind myself that this is a lifestyle change, but I have to give myself a little grace realizing that out of 365 days at this point I might desire something, so not beating myself up too much.”
Crystal’s top tips
1. Remain focused on your goal: “Realize weight loss takes discipline and it takes sacrifice. If you’re not ready, you won’t find that success you’re trying to look for.”
2. Get moving: “Have some type of physical activity you incorporate.”
3. Drink water: “I try to drink a liter and a half of water before leaving for work. I do that because I am not a big water drinker. I keep water at work and in my car, so I drink throughout the day. You can infuse your water with fruits and vegetables.”
How life has changed: “I had eczema real bad, and that’s gone away completely. I feel a lot better. I’m more confident. I feel like I am the best version of myself. I feel like I have me back. ... My family has been very supportive. There were times I wasn’t feeling good and my mom or my sister would come over and make food.”
Seeking readers’ stories of lifestyle changes: We’re looking for your stories of changes in health habits that are leading to successful lifestyle changes. We want before and after photos, plus your step-by-step suggestions and how-tos. 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 change in health habits, please contact reporter Michelle C. Brooks and include your email address, phone number, and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG), and contact us at: Success Stories, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks directly at: ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
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