Michelle Menifee, 47, of Stockbridge lost 35 pounds

Pounds lost: 35 pounds

Height: 5 feet 3 inches

Age: 47 years

How long she's kept it off: "My most sincere start was August 2017," said Menifee, who reached her current weight in May.

Personal life: "I've been a widow nearly five years. I'm a member of Beulah Baptist Church and Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Sorority." She is the CEO of Southeastern Management Business Development Co. LLC and lives in Stockbridge.

Turning point: "My husband's transition was very difficult. I grieved so hard until I found myself in a depressive state. I continued functioning with daily tasks and responsibilities, never stopping to process what had transpired. I grieved inwardly, but publicly, I did my best to present a good front. Stress took its toll on me with excessive weight gains and extensive loss of hair. Once, while sitting at home behind closed doors and blinds, my young niece asked me: 'Auntie, are you a monster?' She was the first person who told me my appearance had changed significantly. That was my turning point."

Diet plan: Breakfast is egg whites, oatmeal or veggie smoothie. Lunch and dinner include fish or turkey meatballs with veggies. She eats six meals and drinks a gallon of water daily.

Exercise routine: She does up to two hours of cardio each weekday with twice-a-day sessions with her trainer Monday through Thursday. Throughout the week, she does Fitbit challenges.

Biggest challenge: "I'm a snacker. In the past, I could eat a whole family-size bag of Lay's in one sitting. So identifying tasty and satisfying treats has been my biggest challenge. Now, I snack on popcorn, nuts and fresh nut butters, fresh fruits and veggies."

How life has changed: "My level of confidence has increased. Grief and depression are no longer residing. More heads are turning — unsolicited." Part of Menifee's success has been her four gym-mates. "I have one friend who happens to be a gym junkie. … I have two other friends who love to run. … My gym-mates start texting early morning, 5 to 6 a.m., to make sure we're up and moving, ready to go, prepared for our 7 a.m. workout. … Mottos from my late husband, Edward Menifee, kept me going: 'I have what it takes' … 'Plan with your mind, not your behind' … Your behind will say, 'I'm tired, I don't feel like moving' … Your mind will remind you … of the goal line. Keep a motivational outfit … something you haven't worn in a minute or two. There's something to be said about the feeling you get when you try on an outfit you haven't worn in quite some time — you tend to sashay a little more."

Share Your Success: Each week, Success Stories focuses on an individual’s unique weight loss journey. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution does not endorse any specific weight loss program but includes names and links for the benefit of readers wanting further information. Have you lost weight successfully with a healthy lifestyle change? If you would like to share your story with our readers, please 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, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.

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