Gary A. had no idea when he started the South Beach Diet that it would give him, a 51-year-old man, a new lease on life! Although he had agreed to read The South Beach Diet and lose weight along with his daughter, he was concerned about getting involved with what he figured was yet another "fad diet." Still, he couldn't deny that he was overweight, that he was on blood pressure medication, or that he had unhealthy levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides (fats that circulate in the blood). After reading the book, he learned how his weight was contributing to these health problems. After a year of eating the South Beach Diet way, Gary had dropped 55 pounds — a loss he's been able to maintain. But most important, he was able to discontinue his blood pressure medication and improve his cholesterol and triglyceride levels — and therefore, his health. FAVORITE SNACK: "Celery with a little peanut butter keeps me satisfied." FAVORITE EXERCISE: "Cardio exercises and working out with weights, as often as I can." BEST COMPLIMENT: "Friends who haven't seen me in several months say, 'I didn't recognize you!'" MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY: "Find something healthy to snack on. Keep the right ingredients, like plenty of vegetables, on hand so that you're prepared and have an alternative to eating something you shouldn't." BEST ADVICE: "After an occasional indulgence, don't give up and completely quit eating the right way. Instead, get back on track at the next meal."