Carol Faulkner slims down with wedding weight inspiration

Many brides-to-be use their upcoming weddings as motivation to slim down and get in shape. Thirty-two years after her wedding, Carol Faulkner used her wedding pictures as motivation to do just that.

Carol will be the first to admit that she wasn't taking care of herself for the past 20 years. As a teacher, she was always on her feet. By the time she got home each night, she was too tired to think about a well-balanced meal, let alone do anything active. She usually napped, then grabbed something quick and easy for dinner.

It seemed like overnight, Carol was suddenly dealing with the health issues that came with being overweight. She never had enough energy, and her blood pressure was high.

On the day of her 32nd wedding anniversary, Carol was flipping through old pictures of her wedding. She was 214 pounds, and couldn't believe how much weight she put on since her wedding day, when she fit into a size 6. Then and there she decided to get healthy.

Carol joined her local Columbus, Miss., L A Weight Loss center the very next day. She was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor, Chleo, who taught her the ins and outs of healthy eating.

Carol cut way back on her fried food and sweets intake, and increased her servings of fruits, vegetables, and fish. As a way to stay accountable for everything she ate, Carol kept a food journal. Writing down everything she ate kept her motivated and on track. Even Chleo was impressed with how meticulous Carol was with her journal.

Before she knew it, the weight started to melt away. After losing just 12 pounds, Carol's blood pressure dropped to normal levels. Her renewed health motivated her to keep losing. And a total of 92 pounds later, Carol is healthier than she's been in 20 years.

Carol's friends and family have been completely supportive during her entire weight loss process, especially her husband and daughter. Her husband is ecstatic about her progress, and her daughter loves telling her how small she is.

At 122 pounds, Carol's energy has gone way up. Instead of coming home and napping, she now goes for walks, and does yoga twice a week. Carol enjoys her new walking routine so much, she's even training to walk a marathon this year!

For Carol, the best part about losing almost 100 pounds is her improved health. But she certainly doesn't mind all the compliments on her new look either! Plus, she feels like she gets more respect from strangers when she's out in public. Way to go, Carol! You look fantastic!

Here's Carol at 214 pounds:



And here she is today, looking happier and healthier at 122 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Carol Faulkner
Hometown: Vernon, Ala.
Age: 58
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 214 pounds
Goal weight: 125 pounds
Current weight: 122 pounds
Program start date: May 2007

Favorite food: Grilled salmon.

Biggest temptation: Homemade deserts.

Biggest motivator: Watching the scale drop every week.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Grazing all day, and eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating only when she's hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Staying healthy and her new self image.

Best weight loss secret learned: Write down what you eat because it keeps your accountable.