SUCCESS STORY: Mary Stegall, 64, of Woodstock, GA, lost 33 pounds

Pounds lost: 33 pounds

Height: 5 feet 6 inches

Age: 64 years

How long she's kept it off: "I started in January 2019; I reached my current weight September 2019."

Personal life: "I've been married for 37 years, and we have three children and six grandchildren. My husband and I travel a lot; one of our sons and his family lives in Wales. We previously lived on our sailboat for six years after he retired." She is a registered nurse and lives in Woodstock.

Turning point: "I was tired of tight clothes and fatigue. I have six grandkids under 8, and I wanted to have more energy and look better. … The program I follow is Sparkle Wellness. I attend Sparkle meetings with wellness coach, Jacynta Harb, in Roswell every week, where we track our calories, focus on eating good food, exercise, and enjoy the camaraderie of others on the same journey."

Diet plan: "One hard-boiled egg and a healthy muffin for breakfast. Lunch is often a salad and a half-turkey sandwich. Snacks are hummus or nuts. Dinner is lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, and lean meats. … I prep and plan my meals ahead of time. I blanch and chop my vegetables, and I hard-boil eggs every week. I always track my calories, even if I go over — I don't lie to the tracker."

Exercise routine: "I exercise four times a week at least, using a combination of walking, water aerobics, and morning sessions at my Woodstock Curves. I did my first 5K in January with the Sparkle community. … Because of Sparkle, I have explored other ways to exercise. Sparkle also has walking groups throughout the week."

Biggest challenge: "It's scary to give up our comfort foods. We are inundated with so many unhealthy food options. I am exercising my 'resistance muscle' as Jacynta would say, and looking towards of goal of wellness. This community of ladies and men seeking wellness has been my inspiration. … This column featured another of Jacynta's clients, Terri Bever (featured in January). Terri's success and encouragement has been a great help to me in achieving my own results. The Sparkle Wellness members encourage each other, and this helps me to be accountable for my commitment."

How life has changed: 

“My clothes look better. I’ve given away my larger things so I don’t have any fall back. I have more energy and confidence. I still have about 15 pounds to lose. I am now an ambassador for Sparkle, and I want to share my success and encourage others. Even as a senior citizens, we can lose weight and have a more active life.”

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.