I was always a little overweight growing up, and I spent a lot of time bargaining with the scale. I would lose a few pounds, only to gain them right back. However, the extra weight really began to pile on after the birth of my second child and my transition to becoming a stay-at-home mom. I was heavier than I had ever been, weighting in at 179 pounds, and I knew that if I was going to lose the weight it had to be for good — not some quick fad diet, but a true lifestyle change.

I tried several weight-loss plans, but I was always hungry and thought about food constantly. Meanwhile, my parents had started the South Beach Diet. After seeing them start to shed the pounds, I decided to give it a try myself.

I figured that the most challenging part of changing my old eating patterns would be the first two weeks, but I was determined to make it — and actually found it quite easy! I even encountered several birthday parties and banquets during the beginning of the South Beach Diet, but I planned ahead. I brought my own food or ate before I went to the event, and I kept a water bottle in my hand the entire time. These strategies helped me get though (and continue to get through) what could have been a slippery slope. I also followed Dr. Agatston’s advice and stopped compulsively getting on the scale. Instead, I allowed the looseness of my clothes to show me that I was losing weight. All of a sudden, buying new clothes for the new me became the biggest thrill.

Now that I’m down 35 pounds and maintaining the weight loss, I know that this diet is truly a way of life. And with my parents following the South Beach Diet, as well as having a supportive husband, there is never a lack of fun dinner parties. I love this way of eating and I am enjoying my new lifestyle on the Beach!

FAVORITE EXERCISE: I have to admit I am not big on exercise, but riding my bike with my daughter has been very helpful.

BEST COMPLIMENT: “You look so much younger.”

MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY WHEN FACING TEMPTATION: I remind myself that I never want to go back to my old appearance.

BEST ADVICE FOR OTHER SOUTH BEACH DIETERS: If you want to feel great about your looks and your health, stick with this fabulous lifestyle.