Cathy Canfield, 58, of Woodstock lost 15 pounds

Pounds lost: 15 pounds

Height: 5 feet 2 inches

Age: 58

How long she's kept it off: She started in November 2017 and reached her current weight this month.

Personal life: "I live in Woodstock with my husband, Don, and our dog, Sparky. I have an adult son and an adult daughter, two stepsons, three daughters-in-law and one grandson."

Turning point: "I never really struggled with weight until after menopause. I was in my mid- to late 40s when I started putting on weight. … I could see continuing (to gain weight) if I didn't make some changes. My mother struggles with weight, and she became diabetic. … Before I started this diet last fall, I tried. I'd lose three to four pounds (and think) maybe I should give in to being a menopausal over 50 woman getting fat. I didn't want to take medication for anything — that was my driving force for any of these chronic illnesses. … I didn't want to become diabetic." Last November, she started Sparkle A New You (www.sparkleanewyou.com) wellness classes.

Diet plan: Breakfast is eggs with fruit. Lunch and dinner are protein with veggies. "I use lots of fresh spices and herbs," Canfield said. "I grow a lot of my own veggies that I use, and I shop the local farmers market."

Exercise routine: "That's something I've always been really good about — I've always been one to exercise," Canfield said. "I've been a runner since my early 30s. I've run the Peachtree Road Race every year since 1992. I run two to three times per week. I do some type of cardio with weight or strength resistance. I exercise five to seven times per week."

Biggest challenge: "For me, the challenge was cleaning up my diet," Canfield said. "I thought I was a healthy eater. I love veggies, but I ate a lot of junk processed foods. I love potato chips, I love crackers. It was big for me to realize that my diet was not as healthy as I thought it was. I wouldn't say I am perfect at it even now. … It took perseverance and sticking with it. It took me a year to lose 15 pounds — it will work if you continue to work it. … It has to be a lifestyle change."

How life has changed: "I'm definitely happier, I'm more energetic, I feel great," Canfield said. "I don't feel anywhere near age 58 or 59. I definitely have more confidence. … I feel just very thankful that I am going into 60 with good health. I'm just very grateful to have the health and the ability to continue to have good health. In no way is it ever too late to try and improve your health — it's never too late."

Share Your Success: Each week, Success Stories focuses on an individual’s unique weight loss journey. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution does not endorse any specific weight loss program but includes names and links for the benefit of readers who want further information. Have you lost weight successfully with a healthy lifestyle change? If you would like to share your story with our readers, please include your email address, phone number, and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG), and contact us at: Success Stories, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.