The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Success story
Craig Tilley, 42, of Buford lost 17 pounds
Former weight: 157 pounds
Current weight: 140 pounds
Pounds lost: 17 pounds Height: 5 feet 9 inches Age: 42 years
How long he’s kept it off: “I lost 22 pounds but have gained eight pounds of lean muscle since,” Tilley said. “My goal was reducing the fat, but now I am building muscle to gain. I started November 2016 and reached my current weight June 2017.”
Personal life: “My wife of seven years, Lisa, and my 14-year-old son, Nic, are my world. They are what keep me going, and I do all I can to show them how much I love them and try to be the best role model for Nic. … I am an environmentalist and artist. … My art website is www.grapevinewall.com. I am also visually impaired. I worked in agriculture … I was exposed to many secrets of our food industry and use this knowledge to personally educate the community.” On Saturdays in Suwanee, he provides free seminars. He blogs at www.tilleybros.com/craig-tilley/.
Turning point: “After being diagnosed in college with a rare form of macular degeneration, I was determined to live a life of purpose and inspire others. … (When) my 20-year bout with an incurable genetic eye condition left me empty and drained of charisma and confidence … I was worn out, tired and giving up on the belief that I would show the world that having a disability can’t stop you from reaching your highest goals.” When his older brother introduced him to Isagenix, he didn’t try it, but his twin brother did. “(He) revealed his results and I was blown away. … After getting started, my inflammation disappeared as I began to shrink-wrap into a body I never thought possible. I began to think clearer, my energy ignited, and I was back to my ambitious self. … Our results as brothers has gone a bit viral.”
Diet plan: He has a shake for breakfast, lunch and before bed. Midmorning he has oatmeal or tuna salad. Dinner is salad and chicken or fish.
Exercise routine: “I work out five times per week, no longer than one hour in the gym. I do very little cardio and mostly resistance training.”
Biggest challenge: “My biggest challenge was wanting a quick fix. … (My brothers) reminded me to trust the process, and it helped me get through to a healthy inside, which is more important than how I look on the outside.”
How life has changed: “I am living my life differently now. I have combined my passion of art and the environment with my passion to help others to create a life of overwhelming purpose. My son has learned about … faith and hard work. My attitude toward the future and my success has gone from one of anxiety and stress to hope and excitement.”
Be an inspiration: If you’ve made positive changes in your diet and/or fitness routine and are happy with the results, please share your success with us. Include your email address, a daytime phone number, and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). Write: Success Stories, The Atlanta JournalConstitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.