Jeanie Mahoney lost 56 pounds

Current weight: 151 pounds

Pounds lost: 56 pounds

Height: 6 feet

Age: 55 years

How long she's kept it off: Started in May and reached her current weight in November.

Personal life: "I am retired and live in Peachtree City with my husband, two rescued cats and a recently rescued dog," says Mahoney.

Turning point: "I have slowly put on weight year after year since I turned 40. I felt I was healthy and was not concerned about the additional 60 pounds that I had gained over time. I enjoyed rich foods and wine with no thought as to how they were impacting my body. In May 2016, seven months ago, I experienced a cardiac incident, atrial fibrillation, that was a wake-up call that I needed to make some changes in my life. My cardiologist said that I did not need medication but that I should lose weight, eat healthy, drink less and exercise. … I saw a Facebook post searching for volunteers to walk rescued dogs in boarding while they wait for a foster home or to be adopted. … I love dogs so this seemed to be a good fit for me."

Diet plan: "I started eating clean. This meant I avoided processed foods, sugar, bread, pasta and alcohol. … My diet is made up of lean meats, vegetables and fruit. I do have an occasional glass of red wine."

Exercise routine: "I purchased a Fitbit Charge along with some new walking shoes and started with a plan to walk a few times a week. This quickly changed to walking 5 to 6 miles at least five days a week. The dogs held me accountable. They only get out of their kennel when a volunteer comes to walk them. … The dogs rewarded me with kisses, tail wags and the pure doggie joy of going on a walk with me."

Biggest challenge: "The goal of eating healthy continues to be challenging. It was difficult at first to decline dishes prepared by friends that did not fit in with my new eating habits. I was concerned that they would be offended. … Once my friends started seeing the results of my new habits, they became more accepting of me bringing my own dinner."

How life has changed: "I am in the best physical shape of my life and feel great. My bloodwork has dramatically improved. … The memory of how I felt prior to exercising and eating healthy keeps me motivated. … I also want to live to see our 18-month-old grandson grow up. Going from a size 16 to a size 6, I am looking forward to wearing a swimsuit for the first time in several years next summer. I have more energy for the things I love and look forward to what the future holds with my husband, family and friends. I am excited to start this next chapter."

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 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30346-1301; or e-mail Michelle C. Brooks, ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.