Jeanne Cathell lost 56 pounds

Current weight: 200 pounds

Pounds lost: 56 pounds

Height: 5 feet 7 inches

Age: 70 years

How long she's kept it off: She started in August 2015 and reached her current weight in January.

Personal life: "I am retired from the federal government after 20 years, where I was employed as an administrative officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services. Steve and I have been married 38 years and have a beautiful and talented 29-year-old daughter. We are the caregivers for my 91-year-old mom." She and Steve, who will be featured next week in Success Story, live in Marietta.

Turning point: "The before picture actually inspired me to begin thinking about losing weight again. I have struggled with weight my entire life and tried every fad diet that I heard of. … I was always successful losing 40 to 50 pounds, but couldn't wait for diets to end so I could enjoy eating again. Of course, I gained the weight back along with more. … Steve and I began to notice a dramatic weight loss of a friend, and found that she was working with wellness coach Jacynta Harb and the Sparkle program (www.sparkleanewyou.com). … It is not a diet, but encourages personal accountability and lifestyle changes, along with positive reinforcement of healthy options and exercise. … Jacynta teaches that we control our thoughts, our thoughts control our actions, and our actions control our results. This more positive approach finally changed my way of thinking about food and resulted in a lifestyle change for me."

Diet plan: Breakfast is high-protein cereal with berries. Lunch is a sandwich and fruit or a salad. Dinner is grilled or broiled fish with fresh veggies.

Exercise routine: She walks three times a week and takes a fitness class. "I like to walk at the park when the weather is nice."

Biggest challenge: "The difference this time has been changing my mental capacity. I am 70 years old and I learned that I have to control my brain to make this work. I don't feel like I am on a diet, I am eating healthy foods. … You just have to get to a point in your life where you realize … it is your mind that helps you do what you want to do."

How life has changed: "Results are not just on the scale, but in our health with lower A1-C numbers so much that we both have discontinued medication for diabetes. … Doctor appointments are no longer scary. We also have more energy and a healthier outlook. A big bonus for me is being able to shop in regular size women's clothing rather than in plus sizes — shopping is now fun."

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