Last November, as she was planning her Thanksgiving menu, Kelli S. was online trying to find out how many calories were in a fried turkey when she stumbled across an ad for the South Beach Diet. Remembering that her stepmom had lost 80 pounds on the diet a few years ago and had kept it off, Kelli decided to give the diet a try. After the birth of her second daughter, Kelli was over 200 pounds and often overindulged in carb-heavy foods, sodas, and lots of chocolate. "I was tired of feeling lazy and lethargic and I knew that I needed to start losing weight," she says. "I really wanted to do something for me, and knew I needed to change my eating habits."

Kelli was amazed at how naturally she took to the South Beach Diet once she got started. And these days, she's really enjoying the fact that she now knows how to pick foods that are good for her and her family. "Sure, I want to lose the weight. And I keep tabs on it, but it's not all I think about anymore," she says. "I'm very happy I started this healthier lifestyle, because that's how I think of the South Beach Diet. Why would I ever go back to eating the way I used to?"

BIGGEST SURPRISE: "Before I started the South Beach Diet, I couldn't get enough pasta and bread. And my sweet tooth drove me to eat chocolate by the pound on a near daily basis! So I was amazed by how easy it was to kick my cravings for carbs and sweets in my first two weeks on Phase 1."BEST PART: "I have much more energy now, so I'm able to be a lot more active with my two girls. The other day I went rollerblading for the first time in nearly 10 years!"

FAVORITE SNACK: "Sugar-free fudgesicles are my favorite dessert. One of those or a sugar-free hard candy takes care of my sweet tooth."FAVORITE EXERCISE: "I really love walking—whether it's taking my dog out for a stroll or hitting the treadmill while I chat on the phone with my best friend. I also play on a co-ed softball team every year. And now that I'm 30 pounds lighter and more agile, I'm able to run faster and hit the ball better."BEST COMPLIMENT: "People say 'You're looking so skinny! How did you do it?' I'm constantly being told how good I look, and I love that!"BEST ADVICE: "You just have to stick with it and keep reminding yourself that the changes you are making are for the long haul. Learning about the foods you are eating and sticking to the plan adds up to a healthier lifestyle."BIGGEST HEALTH BOOST: "I used to be very lax about going to the doctor. But I've become more disciplined about my health and now I go for regular checkups. I recently got blood-work done for fourth time since I started on the diet and my blood sugar has finally reached healthy levels."MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY: "I keep a water bottle with me at all times to prevent me from reaching for sugary drinks. And when I'm grocery shopping, I look at nutrition labels closely. The South Beach Diet totally changed my way of thinking about food. It's made me a lot more mindful, and I always go for healthier foods now."A NEW POINT OF VIEW: "Before starting the South Beach Diet, I was very unhappy with my body and used to think of myself as a number. Now I am so much happier looking at myself in the mirror than I ever was. Plus, I'm way more outgoing now and I don't get down about things as much. I'm more focused on just enjoying life!"