Former weight: 247 pounds
•Current weight: 161 pounds
•Pounds lost: 86
•Height: 5 feet 2 inches
•How long she’s kept it off: Started in October 2007 and still losing. “My ultimate goal is to be at 145 pounds and to run a triathlon,” McCranie said.
•Personal life: “I am a nurse recruiter for DeKalb Medical, and I love hanging out with my friends from Buckhead church.” She lives in Stockbridge.
•Turning point: “Over my lifetime, I have always struggled with weight. When I was in high school, I got diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome.”
PCOS is a leading cause of infertility and weight gain. Because of the severe insulin resistance that accompanies this hormonal disorder, losing weight through diet and exercise alone is difficult without insulin-sensitizing medication or medical help.
“In December 2006, my dad had to have triple bypass surgery. My parents began changing their diet to be more heart-healthy and exercised frequently. I finally got fed up with how I felt and wanted to join my parents on the healthy journey. So I called the DeKalb Medical Wellness Center to request the help of a personal trainer.”
•Diet plan: “I eat very low-carb, low-fat, heart healthy.”
Breakfast is two eggs with a slice of turkey bacon, followed by a snack of banana and almonds. Lunch is tuna, lettuce and light dressing. Late afternoon, she has a snack of oatmeal with almonds and grapes, and dinner is fish with vegetables. After dinner she has a protein shake or fruit smoothie.
•Exercise routine: “I work out six days a week for an hour of cardio and strength circuit training. I got connected with Daryl Madison with Lifestyle Fitness and this was the turning point of my life. I train with him about two to three days a week for an hour.
“I am now at a fitness level I could never imagine. I am looking to compete in a 10K in the spring and hope to one day complete a triathlon.”
•Biggest challenge: “Overcoming the addiction to sugar.”
•How life has changed: “I have confidence. I am setting big goals for my life and look forward to each day. My stress level is down and my energy is up.”
Source : AJC