I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I started on Weight Watchers when I was a preteen, and I have also tried Jenny Craig, Nutri-System, Atkins, and Carbohydrate Addicts. I lost weight only to gain it back, plus some more. After I gave birth to my daughter in November of 1994, I ended up weighing 249 pounds. In October of last year, some people at work were doing the South Beach Diet and I thought, “Here we go again!” My 40th birthday was coming up, though, and I wanted to be at a weight I’d be comfortable with, so I figured I’d try it. What I soon learned was that this is not a “diet,” nor is it a low-carb fad. It is a lifestyle.

Starting the South Beach Diet while working full-time and taking care of my family was daunting but doable. I had to make the time to prepare meals instead of grabbing unhealthy take-out on the way home. But for the very first time, I changed my habits. I actually had to learn how to eat. (Funny, at age 39, you’d think I would have mastered that!) I printed out the shopping lists, meal plans, and Foods to Enjoy/Avoid lists. I kept this information in a binder, along with an exercise log. I needed to learn how to eat for good healthy, and I studied as if I were in school. Now when I am busy and don’t have time for dinner, I get a salad from McDonald’s or chili from Wendy’s. Same places, just different choices!

I have made life-long friends who supported me on my journey on the South Beach Diet Web site. We plan on meeting next summer when we all get to our goals — no one gets left behind!

I went from a size 20 to a size 8, and I lost more than 37 inches around my middle and thighs. I only wish I had found this diet earlier. My daughter tells people that her mom is skinny thanks to the South Beach Diet. When my 40th birthday came around, I was 6 pounds from my goal! My birthday present to myself was the gift of good health.

FAVORITE SNACK: Granny Smith apple with all-natural peanut butter or almond butter. FAVORITE EXERCISE: I work out with a personal trainer anywhere from two to five times a week. I like the rowing machine, StairMaster, and the elliptical trainer. BEST COMPLIMENT: I was trying on a dress in a department store, and I came out to look in the full-length mirror. The dressing-room attendant said the dress looked great. I asked here if she was sure. She replied, “Honey, if I had a body like that I would buy that dress!” I told her the body was new, and I had just gotten it! She asked me how, and I started telling her about the South Beach Diet. She got a pad and pen and started taking notes! MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY WHEN FACING TEMPTATION: I read a quote on the Message Board that stuck with me: “Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels.” I tell myself that every day! BEST ADVICE FOR OTHER SOUTH BEACH DIETERS: Remind yourself every day why you started the program, and focus on that reason when you feel you may stray. When there are weeks you don’t lose weight — or week you gain — stay the course. If you continue to follow the program, the results will come.