Nancy’s journey to losing weight and feeling great

Ever since she joined the Mayo Clinic Diet in April 2025, Nancy Baranczyk has lost 65 pounds and is proud to say she is feeling and looking better than ever.

The moment everything shifted

“In March 2025, everything changed for me when I had cataract surgery,” Nancy said. “The doctor discovered that my blood pressure was very high. I knew then that it was time to get healthy, but I needed a weight loss plan that would work for me.” She explained how she had tried other weight-loss programs in the past, but none were sustainable. “I needed a plan that would give me the structure and tools I needed to succeed. I searched online and discovered the Mayo Clinic Diet. It has been a life-changing experience for me, and for my husband, Wayne.”

A life lived at full speed

At 70 years old, Nancy explained how she’s lived a full and busy life. “I’m an identical twin and one of eight children. My dad was in the U.S. Army, so I’ve always considered myself an ‘Army brat,’” she said lovingly. “We moved from place to place, so life was busy and stressful at times.” Nancy later joined the U.S. Coast Guard, where she met Wayne, her husband of 46 years. “I was a legal secretary, Yeoman First-Class (YN1). I worked 12-hour days in a stressful environment, so exercise wasn’t part of my routine.” Nancy admitted her eating habits were not ideal either. She began to see gradual weight gain, but said it was after her son was born that she really began her struggle to lose weight.

Nancy with her grandson before she joined Mayo Clinic Diet

Her road to success

A month after her cataract surgery, Nancy started the Mayo Clinic Diet and said it’s been a true game changer for her and her husband. “My starting weight was 245 pounds,” she said. “I jumped right in and began enjoying the recipes on the Simple meal plan. It didn’t take long before Wayne joined me. He’s been my ‘partner in crime,’” she joked. “He has lost 36 pounds and is feeling great!” Nancy said the Mayo Clinic Diet has changed the way they both look at food. “We’re eating food we’ve never eaten before—and loving it! Fish was never part of our diet. Now, we look forward to trying new seafood recipes. I even made a cookbook with all of our favorites. It’s truly made all the difference.”

Nancy said the tips and techniques she has learned on the Mayo Clinic Diet have been critical to her success. “Prepping is key,” she stated. “It makes life easier so you’re not spending hours in the kitchen.” She went on to rave about her favorite tools on the plan. “I absolutely love the Swap feature and Tracker. I track everything,” she said, laughing. “They keep you accountable and structured.” When it comes to exercise, Nancy said she’s committed to walking 40 minutes each day. “Now, I look forward to my walks. It’s not only energizing but it motivates me to stay on track to reach my goal weight of 165 pounds.”

Celebrating the wins

Nancy is thrilled with her weight-loss success but said her off-scale victories are also worth celebrating. “My blood pressure is down and I’m feeling so much better. 

Nancy worked long days as a legal secretary in the U.S. Coast Guard, which left little time for exercise.

It’s amazing how losing weight can change your wellness and lifestyle.” But weight loss isn’t the only change Nancy has experienced. She was excited to share the smaller size she’s now wearing. “I went from a size 24 to a size 14,” she proudly proclaimed. “I don’t have to buy plus sizes anymore. I bought all new clothes and coats. Now, I can wear everything that is in my closet. It’s a wonderful feeling.” Nancy added one last win that she says most coffee drinkers will relate to. “My biggest challenge was giving up Starbucks!” she said adamantly. “I loved my fancy coffee, but now Wayne and I enjoy a delicious smoothie instead. That’s one win I wasn’t expecting.”

Turning new energy into a new venture

Retirement is not keeping Nancy down, especially now with her newfound energy. “I started a quilting business on Etsy, which is keeping me very busy,” she said. “I have a treadmill in my sewing studio so there’s no excuse why I can’t exercise, especially since we live in Colorado.”

Her message to anyone considering change

When asked what advice she would give someone who wants to lose weight, Nancy said: “I wish I did this years ago. Don’t wait to be the healthiest you can be. 

Nancy with her husband Wayne who also lost weight with the Mayo Clinic Diet

Jump in with both feet and keep an open mind. The Mayo Clinic Diet is life-changing. You’ll be amazed at how much better you will feel.”

Inspired by Nancy? Learn more about the Mayo Clinic Diet and how balanced meal plans, simple tracking tools, and a supportive community can help you feel better, gain energy, and build a healthier future at any stage of life.