Debi Lowry, 55, of Atlanta lost 38 pounds

Pounds lost: 38

Height: 5 feet 4 inches

Age: 55

How long she's kept it off: She started in October 2011 and reached her goal in June 2012.

Personal life: "I live with my roommate and two Jack Russells, Sake and Sammy, and work as an office administrator in Midtown Atlanta," Lowry said.

Turning point: "For some people, it takes longer then others — we lose focus or just get lazy," Lowry said. "In 1998, when I moved to Atlanta, I weighed about 191. No one believed I was that heavy. They said I carried my weight very well. I must have since I held on to it for about four years. Then the people I worked with all agreed to have a weight-loss competition. I agreed, slightly altered my diet, stopped drinking sodas and lost about 20 pounds. The contest ended and so did my weight-loss efforts. I was lighter, but still overweight. Fast-forward to October 2011 — my roommate and I decided it was time to focus on our health. We made a conscious decision to change how we ate. In November, the building I work in added a gym that was free to tenants. The two ingredients for healthy living were there for me — I grabbed the opportunity."

Diet plan: "I watch all the nutrition documentaries: 'FoodMatters,' 'Forks Over Knives,' 'Food, Inc.' I eat more fresh produce and less animal protein," she said. Her day starts with fruit, granola and Greek yogurt. Lunch is quinoa, beans, veggies and tofu. Dinner is chicken or fish with veggies.

Exercise routine: "I run five miles on the treadmill Monday through Friday. I throw in weight training and other types of exercise to keep it interesting," she said.

Biggest challenge: "Biggest challenge is seeing the real me. I look in the mirror and see a size 16," she said. "When I go to the store, I have to force myself to look at the smaller size racks — it's a good feeling."

How life has changed: "I am a living example that even the smallest detours can be overcome 1 pound at a time," she said. "What we often see in the mirror when losing weight is not our true self. I don't see the skinny person everyone around me sees. I know I am thinner because my clothes fit differently." And her motto? "If you put cheap gas in your engine, your motor will suffer. If you put good fuel in your engine, it will be a high-performance machine."

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 email Michelle C. Brooks: ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.