Danielle Anyah Latanya Taylor lost 54 pounds

Pounds lost: 54 pounds

Height: 5 feet 4 inches

Age: 32 years

How long she's kept it off: She started in January 2011 and reached her current weight in November. Her goal weight is 135 pounds.

Personal life: "I am currently single living in Lithonia, Ga. with my Chihuahua, Molly," she says. "I work full-time as a project administrator." She is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science in graphic design and runs her own graphic and web design business.

Turning point: "My turning point would have to be when all of my everyday clothes weren't fitting anymore or were too tight," she says. "In this recession…it would be impossible for me to buy a whole new wardrobe to accommodate my weight gain -- I had to take action now."

Diet plan: "I don't follow… any of those diet plans, frankly like many others I didn't have the finances to be keeping up and buying their ready-made cuisines, shakes or snacks," she says. "I created a design by educating myself on nutrition, the human body, and exercise." She starts her day with eggs, boiled or scrambled with cheese, and bacon. Lunch and dinner are typically baked chicken with rice and veggies.

Exercise routine: "I walk at least fifteen minutes or more everyday," she says. "I try little tricks to help myself walk more, like parking the car far away from the stores I go to…"

Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge in the beginning was figuring out how the heck am I going to lose over fifty pounds without any crazy fad diet plan," she says. "…I heard my Aunt Roberta put it in a good way: 'losing weight is just like shopping…watch what you put in your cart, because you will have to pay at the register.'"

How life has changed: "I have a lot more energy now," she says. "I see my walking not as exercise now but as a way to meditate and to appreciate nature. My mom, sister and some aunts are even more closer because we're all in the same boat and now we can all talk to each other about losing weight…"

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, c/o Holly Steel, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.