AFTER: Sixth months after her complete pantry overhaul, Deeanna Marshall had lost 25 pounds and reversed her diabetes. She continues to lose weight, and says her complexion is better and energy level is up. She also put on her first pair of jeans in three years, instead of her usual elastic waist leggings. She and her husband, Tim, follow the healthy lifestyle advice of Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s “Eat To Live” book. (Photo provided)

Fear is what motivated Deeana Marshall of Warsaw to seek change to her obesity one year ago. Last July, she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and weighed 267 pounds. Her husband of two years, Tim, weighed 260 pounds.

“I was scared when I found out I had diabetes. I had a new husband, kids and grandkids. I didn’t want to lose them,” she said.

It was her doctor, Gary Pitts, who recommended she read Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s book, “Eat To Live.” This book wound up changing both Marshall’s and her husband’s lives.

“It showed me a new way of life,” said Marshall about the book. “It taught me exactly what food to put into my body — fresh fruit, vegetables, beans and white fish — and what not to put into my body — processed food, sugar, dairy, bread and cheese.”

Sixth months after her complete pantry overhaul, Marshall had lost 25 pounds and reversed her diabetes. She continues to lose weight, and says her complexion is better and energy level is up. She also put on her first pair of jeans in three years, instead of her usual elastic waist leggings.

“I’ll always be diabetic, but I now don’t have be actively medically treated,” she explained. “I am happy to report my A1C was 6.5 prior to ‘Eat To Live’ and as of April, it was 5.5. I go back for a three month A1C checkup on the 17th and I’m confident my number will be either the same or a bit lower.

“I’ve worked very hard and still have a long way to go. By no means am I at my ‘goal’ weight nor is my husband, but we are well on our way and it’s a long range goal for both of us,” she continued.

Marshall has started a Facebook group to motivate others to start or continue a healthful lifestyle.

BEFORE: Fear is what motivated Deeana Marshall of Warsaw to seek change to her obesity one year ago. Last July, she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and weighed 267 pounds. Her husband of two years, Tim, weighed 260 pounds. (Photo provided)

“My goal with the group is to show people there is no miracle and it does take time and different things work for different people,” she said.

The group is called “Healthy and Fit or Trying to Get There” and there are currently 168 members.

“It’s a very active, awesome, supportive group who are all doing something to get healthier (no one program or regimen is forced on anyone). We share recipes, support each other when having a bad week, and I loan out my ‘Eat to Live’ books and cookbooks.

“It’s so awesome to be at the front of such an amazing group and know that you are a motivation and inspiration to so many.

“While the pictures I post are quite embarrassing, I throw that out the window with the hopes of sharing with other people it can be done the healthy way without spending a ton of money,” she explained. “There is no miracle weight loss pill and you can eat so much food and still lose weight. It’s amazing.”