Julia Fleming, 59, of Sandy Springs lost 18 pounds

Pounds lost: 18 pounds

Height: 5 feet 5 inches

Age: 59 years

How long she's kept it off: "I started this weight-loss journey in January 2018 and hit my goal in March 2019," Fleming said. "While this seems like a long time frame for 18 pounds, I was working against Father Time. The older you are, the harder it is to lose the weight, in my opinion. In addition, it took me some time to get back into exercising on a regular basis."

Personal life: "I currently work at Northside Hospital as a payer relations specialist," Fleming said. "… My husband and I live in Sandy Springs with our fur baby, Ike. Our married offspring are scattered around Georgia, including (Roswell), Smyrna and Rome, (and) Missouri."

Turning point: "I began this journey back in January 2018 when a co-worker asked if I would like to attend a Sparkle meeting (www.sparkleanewyou.com)," Fleming said. "She knew that I was trying to lose weight and that I wanted to obtain a healthier lifestyle. My first meeting with wellness coach Jacynta Harb was an eye-opener. She had more energy and passion for what she was teaching than anyone I had ever heard before. … I was tired of not having any energy and feeling bad. I needed to find a healthier lifestyle, and that's what Sparkle (taught me). This is not a diet — it is a lifestyle that will give you more energy and zest for life."

Diet plan: Breakfast is eggs with almond milk and fruit. She snacks on carrot sticks, and lunch is a kale salad with tuna. Dinner is a savory meal such as ground turkey and roasted Brussels sprouts. "I have tracked every meal/snack in MyFitnessPal app to assist me in keeping on track," Fleming said.

Exercise routine: "I have a bad back, so my exercise routine consists of yoga stretches in the morning and going to the gym three to four times a week and working out on the elliptical machine or stationary bike and lifting weights. I also walk three to four miles on the weekend," Fleming said. "… Sparkle encourages group participation in 5Ks … and kayak outings, which makes exercising … more fun."

Biggest challenge: "Getting started — I had to make a lot of changes in my eating habits," Fleming said. "I no longer eat pasta, bread, cake or cookies. Cutting out sugar was definitely a challenge. I also had to eliminate processed food. I now eat a lot more vegetables and fruit."

How life has changed: "I have a much more positive outlook on life," Fleming said. "I know that by taking care of myself, I can be there for others. I want to be that 80-year-old grandmother who can still take care of herself and make others laugh and smile."

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 our reporter, Michelle C. Brooks at: Success Stories, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email Michelle: ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.