Melissa Cleveland-Calvert Lost 65 Pounds

BY JENNIFER WYSMULLER

Name: Melissa Cleveland-Calvert, 39

Location: Houston

Worst of times: 200 pounds

Best of times: 135 pounds

My turning point: When my doctor warned that I’d have a heart attack because I wasn’t taking care of myself. It made me come face-to-face with my weight problem.

My slim-down technique: Eating smaller portions. When I go to a Mexican restaurant now, instead of eating the whole enchilada platter, I’ll split half with my husband. Or when I go to a fast-food joint, I don’t order super-size meals anymore. I get the kids’ meal!

Kept the weight off: Eight years

My best motivator: My family. I want my kids to see how a person can live fit and healthy.

My greatest temptation: Sweets. I still eat them now, but only on occasion and as a reward. For example, if I work really hard at the gym, I’ll let myself eat a candy bar.

My favorite diet foods: A handful of baby carrots or a sugar-free Popsicle—they’re very satisfying when I’m craving something sweet.

My snacking tips: Keep your mind off food and your hands busy (and out of the cookie jar). I’ll now sit in front of the TV at night with a cross-stitch project instead of eating mindlessly.

My exercise routine: I go power-walking with my husband four or five times a week. I also joined the gym and take 30-minute circuit-training sessions during my lunch break. It has really helped me tone up.

Slim-down advice: Listen to your body. Instead of eating “just to eat,” hold off until your stomach grumbles. This way, you’ll know you’re really hungry when you sit down to a meal.

The payoff: I’m more of an extrovert than I used to be. My confidence has been built up so much that I can now speak about my weight-loss experience at church retreats.