Richelle Horvath Sam’s Club #8146; Omaha, Neb.

I started turning to food for comfort after losing both of my parents to a drunk driver when I was 10. Eating felt like the one thing I could control. Then in March 2018, I lost my brother to a heart attack. It was a big wake-up call. I’m a single mom and I know how hard it is to grow up without a parent. I knew I needed to make changes so that I’m around for my son. He’s my whole world. I’m making better choices so I can be healthier and set a good example for him. Before I started, it used to hurt just to get up. I could barely breathe while walking up the stairs. With ZP, I’ve changed my eating and started exercising. My weight has dropped from 280 pounds down to 160, and I’m an all-around happier person. I’ll never forget when my son hugged me after I lost so much weight. “Mom,” he said, “I can hug you all the way around!”

• Losing 120 pounds has made my whole life better. • If I crave something sweet, I look for sugar-free options. • I’ve joined a gym so I can workout regularly. • Friday mornings I take my son to breakfast as a reward for knowing his spelling words.

I used to have horrible eating habits. I loved comfort food like pasta, pizza, breads and sweets. I was also drinking a 12-pack of pop a day. Now I’m doing things in moderation and am watching my carbs. You can find a low-carb recipe for just about everything these days, including cakes and cookies. I’ve had so much support at work too. Sam’s Club isn’t just my job. It’s family. Making changes has boosted my confidence and given me the ability to do more things. I’m excited to see what each day’s going to bring. I’ve learned that nothing’s impossible. Losing the weight and starting new habits can absolutely happen. You can achieve anything.