66-year-old Lesly Fant found losing 40 pounds easy. Keeping it off is harder. Read on to hear of her journey.
I am married to my husband of 42 years. We have two sons, two precious daughters-in-law, and four amazing grandchildren. We are blessed they live close.
In 2023, I retired after 45 years as a registered nurse. It was a purposeful career which provided the ability to make a difference in people’s lives. After retiring, I began eating a lot of carbs. I became concerned with the increased weight. I noticed more difficulty in getting off the ground after playing with my grandkids and shortness of breath with exertion. My goal had always been to maintain quality of life as I age.
I looked for help from Jacynta Harb of Sparkle Wellness. Her enthusiasm and ability to motivate is what attracts people to her. I followed Jacynta on Facebook. When she started her business, I saw the success of the Sparkle community. After learning she provided a Zoom option, I joined. I began private coaching with Jacynta, which was the motivation I needed. She has kept me challenged and on track to reach my goals. I lost 40 pounds and 8 inches.
I use an app to monitor my food — including macros like protein, carbs, and fats. I am not as limited as with other weight loss plans. No foods are restricted but, for effective weight loss, sugar and carbs were the first to be monitored. I discovered I feel better and more energetic eating more protein and healthy fats, and limiting simple carbs. Committing to the process was principal. Tracking and meal planning has been key in my success. Small consistent steps each day lead to better habits. Eating well and exercise requires self-discipline. I choose to do the right things daily whether I feel like it or not.
I started strength training with Sparkle Fitness a month into my wellness journey. I started with 1-2 days a week and currently am at 3-4. This was a big change, as I enjoyed walking but had not done any weight training. My body has changed in tone and strength over this year. I love that I can get up and workout in my living room. Alternative moves are provided so everyone feels safe and at their own pace or ability. When I had an issue with hip pain after repeated squats, Jacynta worked with me to find an alternative.
My biggest challenge has come since I lost weight. Through the 1:1 sessions with Jacynta, the motivational classes, and attending the maintenance meetings, I am learning new strategies for maintaining my weight long term. The Sparkle community provides many great examples of how consistency and continual goal setting leads to a successful maintenance. We walk before meetings, walk 5k’s and a variety of other activities available to connect with others. This supportive group is not just concerned with losing weight, they want to help others flourish. Because of my success, two friends joined Sparkle to improve their health.
When I began this journey, my expectation was to lose weight, but Sparkle has enabled me to do more. This has turned into a journey for overall wellness. I am excited to see where this way of life leads me. I learned eating whole food helps me feel good and weight training translates into physical strength, increased metabolism helping maintain weight, and strengthening my mental health, which is essential for quality of life.
For more information on Sparkle Wellness, visit www.sparkleanewyou.com or call Jacynta Harb at 404-242-5062.
