04-23-2012, 10:33 PM
HARLAN, Ky. (AP) â What began as a three-month weight-loss challenge for an eastern Kentucky couple has turned into a different lifestyle that helped them lose a combined 347 pounds over two years.
Art and Betty Halcomb of Baxter told the Harlan Daily Enterprise (http://bit.ly/IgL2to) that they still have a hard time believing how much weight they've lost since making their decision in 2010. At the time, Art Halcomb weighed 384 pounds and Betty Halcomb weighed 308 pounds.
They began by visiting their doctor, counting calories and exercising every day. Betty Halcomb said they set small goals and once they reached those, they set more.
Art Halcomb said it was difficult in the beginning because they didn't even know what a portion was, but it got easier the more they worked at it.
"God was our main strength," said Art Halcolm, who is pastor at a local church. "We were fortunate to have each other to encourage one another."
Betty Halcolm said watching their daughter fight cancer and survive was a major inspiration to both of them.
"We felt ashamed as we watched her battle as to whether she would live or die. Here we were healthy, but overweight, knowing eventually our health would take a turn for the worse," she said.
Another inspiration came when the found out they were going to be grandparents.
"Jesus says he wants us to have an abundant life," said Betty. "If we can do this, anyone can do it. Make that decision today to lose weight and live a more happier life. Don't give up â keep trying."http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=cincinnati&sParam=39110655.story
Art and Betty Halcomb of Baxter told the Harlan Daily Enterprise (http://bit.ly/IgL2to) that they still have a hard time believing how much weight they've lost since making their decision in 2010. At the time, Art Halcomb weighed 384 pounds and Betty Halcomb weighed 308 pounds.
They began by visiting their doctor, counting calories and exercising every day. Betty Halcomb said they set small goals and once they reached those, they set more.
Art Halcomb said it was difficult in the beginning because they didn't even know what a portion was, but it got easier the more they worked at it.
"God was our main strength," said Art Halcolm, who is pastor at a local church. "We were fortunate to have each other to encourage one another."
Betty Halcolm said watching their daughter fight cancer and survive was a major inspiration to both of them.
"We felt ashamed as we watched her battle as to whether she would live or die. Here we were healthy, but overweight, knowing eventually our health would take a turn for the worse," she said.
Another inspiration came when the found out they were going to be grandparents.
"Jesus says he wants us to have an abundant life," said Betty. "If we can do this, anyone can do it. Make that decision today to lose weight and live a more happier life. Don't give up â keep trying."http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=cincinnati&sParam=39110655.story