Say hello to Mary Davis Stegall, a 68-year-old retired  nurse who has been married for 41 years. Mary joined Sparkle in 2019 at 210 pounds and has been at her maintenance weight of 160 since 2020. She has lost a total of 50 pounds.  

Mary, how did you learn about Sparkle a New You?  

A friend at church told me about Sparkle. I had lost and gained the same weight many times in various diets and programs. Nothing stuck for long. I was at my highest weight and just sick of it. I felt slow, tired, and hated how I looked. Before I was 45, my weight was healthy and not an issue. The Sparkle community of fellowship is energetic and encouraging. 

What changed for you?

I did my first 5k at the Polar Bear Run at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church with Sparkle Gals. It hurled me into a mindset of “I can do this.” I was steady at making changes to my eating and lost about a pound a week. I had confidence and embraced the idea of being accountable and TRACKING my food. It  is not a diet, but “eating foods that love me back” is a  saying in the Sparkle World. I use My Fitness Pal to track my food. In fact, I have over 1600 days of tracking. That is  key to my loss and maintenance.  

What have you learned on this weight loss journey?

I learned I had a sensitivity to gluten, so I stayed away  from that. I limit sugar and alcohol, but not completely. It  is a lifestyle change that is ongoing. I have been able to  keep the weight within a 5-pound difference for the last  3 years. This is my 5th year in Sparkle. 

How have you been successful?

One reason for  my success is not just the fabulous, energetic Coach  Jacynta Harb, but the Sparkle Community! We hike, walk,  exercise, go Kayaking, some do Marathons and Ragnar  Races. Wherever you are in your journey, someone in  Sparkle is probably there too. Jacynta has wonderful  informative, energetic meetings about many topics. 

What type of exercises do you do?

I do Strength  training 4-5 times weekly via Zoom with Jacynta and  other ladies. It is easy to roll out of bed and go to my  hubby’s mancave where my weights are and just do  it. My body composition has increased in tone and  strength. I am coming up to my 69th Birthday in Oct and  am pleased with what I have changed in my health  and wellness. In fact, I have challenged myself, before the end of 2023, to make my goal weight 155! I said it in  public, so I am committed. 

What has been your biggest challenge, Mary?

My  biggest challenge is the unhealthy foods that can be  tempting. My husband and family have been very sup‑ portive, which is a huge part of my success. Hubby says  he has never tried so many new vegetables since I have  been in Sparkle. He never complains and is a huge  encouragement. 

What are your top tips?

Do not be afraid. Jump in with  both feet and remind yourself that it is a journey, not a des‑ tination. As you lose weight and clothes get too big, give  them away, and get new ones. I never wanted a “fallback”  outfit. If something gets tight, there’s my sign. Clean out the  pantry of stuff you know sabotages your goals, and have  an honest talk with family that this is important to you. The  family will benefit from your good health and inspire others. 

I love how I feel 50 pounds lighter. Who wouldn’t? It’s  worth it. And when I do a 5K race (walking) and play with  my 3-year-old grandbaby, I am so glad Sparkle has come  into my life. 

For more information about Sparkle a New You, visit  www.sparkleanewyou.com or call (404)242-5062.  

Article written by by Ginger Markert-Brusa.