When he started: Heath Hinton started in November and reached his goal in August.
Age: 48
Personal life: “I live with my wife of 16 years and our 10-year-old son, Sam. I am a chemistry teacher and football coach at Gilmer High School in Ellijay. This is my 25th year teaching and coaching.” He and his family live in Ellijay. Hinton chronicled his weight loss on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsihNyVNJ5k
The lifestyle change: “At the end of last football season, on Nov. 5, I realized that I definitely needed to improve my health for a number of reasons. Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, arrived and I was determined to finally find a way to stick with a fitness and nutrition program that I could truly see a return to a healthy lifestyle. With some honest self-examination, I noticed some things about myself. Part of my motivation was that I will soon turn 50 years old and I did not want to be getting progressively more unhealthy.”
Change in eating habits: “I now usually avoid normal breakfast food and biscuits, instead, eating baked oatmeal that I make about eight to 10 portions at a time, and then just grab one every morning so I never skip breakfast anymore. I also make 10 to 12 lunches at a time, with some version of rice, beans and vegetables.”
Coach Hinton’s how-tos:
1. Weigh every day: “I started weighing myself every morning first thing when I woke up. I recorded each day’s weight in Google Sheets and kept a running table that I would regularly graph to see progress monthly.”
2. A doable plan: “I walked 4 miles on a round trip near my house every third or every other day for the first couple of weeks. I then added a simple bench press and squats in my basement.”
3. Work up to more: “I began running on the track ... at first, right in front of the soccer team’s practicing. I could barely do anything. Before their season was complete, I was running miles and soon worked up to 2, 3, 4 and even 5 miles.”
Exercise routine: “I try to run every other or every third day,” Hinton said. “I try to lift weights and walk in between runs.”
Biggest challenge: “I was desperate to get started when I gained some time each day after the football season ended,” Hinton said. “Now, I am able to keep some of the work going and my weight from increasing much during this new season, but I have to run from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. twice a week after work and practice, and before heading home.”
Coach Hinton’s top tips:
1. More good, less bad: “Eat and drink more of the good and less of the bad was my basic nutrition plan.”
2. Exercise routine: “If possible, include some kind of pure cardio, some weightlifting and some interval training in your exercise routine. These can be done in many ways and at many intensity levels.”
3. Focus on health: “Try to focus on just being healthier, more active and happier doing whatever you are doing.”
How has his life changed: “I am amazed at how much I have enjoyed the process and look forward to new challenges,” Hinton said. “I plan to try a weightlifting competition eventually, a couple of obstacle course races and maybe a 10K soon. I am happier and probably nicer, although you would have to ask others about that. I sleep better and wake up better. I rarely watch TV, and I rarely lack energy for activities. I have more confidence in being able to try new things in general.”
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: ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
About the Author
