Candice McCain loses 144 pounds

Height: 5-foot-8

Age: 26

How long she's kept it off: I started my weight-loss journey two years ago. I am still losing and have 22 pounds until I reach my goal.

Personal life: I live in Cumming about 45 minutes outside of Atlanta and I work in commercial transportation insurance, although I have my degree in interior design. [She and her husband, Travis, have been married for two and a half years.]

Turning point: Two years ago I was sitting on the sofa with my third plate of sausage balls. A few weeks earlier I had found out I had high blood pressure. I was only 24. Although I have been overweight most of my life, I guess I never thought it would affect my health -- I needed to change. [She decided to join Weight Watchers.]

Diet plan: I eat whatever I want, just not in the quantities that I used to. [She said a typical day begins with grits and applesauce. For lunch, a sandwich or a frozen low-calorie meal. Dinner is turkey tacos, chicken salad or turkey burgers.]

Exercise routine: I developed a love for spinning at the beginning of 2010. I love to participate in the classes offered at my gym [including] spin and weight toning classes. And I recently have taken up the elliptical and try to get in forty-five minutes of cardio most days a week.

Biggest challenge: The biggest challenge for me has been allowing myself to make mistakes. I had to realize that I am only human and there is no need to beat myself up if I overindulge.

How life has changed: When I started this journey, I had over 150 pounds to lose. Weight Watchers helped me focus on the small goals, five pounds at a time -- anyone can lose five pounds. Then five became 10, that became 15, 20, 25 and so on. ... My husband is reaping the benefits of my weight loss as he has actually lost 60 pounds since I started just because of the changes I have made in what I keep in the house and how and what I prepare for dinner."

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, c/o Holly Steel, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or e-mail ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.