Weight Loss Success Stories

92 pounds Lost With Jillian Michaels

Diet & Body — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 10:24:00 +0000

"With Jillian's help, I lost 92 pounds and gained a new life!"*

Jillian MichaelsProgram: Success Story

I've struggled with my weight all of my life. I went from being a chubby kid, to a slightly overweight teenager, to an obese adult. I was anywhere between 70 and 110 pounds overweight, which is clinically obese and clearly a health risk. As a teacher, I was sending my students a poor message. The example I was setting was unacceptable.

At 28, I decided to take control of my life in a big way. I signed on to be a contestant on The Biggest Loser. But I was still skeptical. I'd tried every diet under the sun and had failed at every one.

Then Jillian Michaels became my trainer. She quickly saw right through me -- she could tell that I didn't believe I could do it. Her first order of business was to teach me that weight loss is a physical and mental game. She never accepted less than 100 percent, and she pushed me to do things I would never have done on my own.

We focused on setting goals and using a journal to keep myself accountable. When I went down a size, I would buy myself an item of clothing I had my eye on -- clothes were my goals! Within a few weeks, I'd replaced my usual food rewards with something even better — a new and improved me.

By the end of my run on the The Biggest Loser, I had lost 79 pounds. After the show, I took everything I learned from Jillian Michaels and went on to lose a total of 92 pounds. She taught me to love myself and put myself first. I still chant my mantra "let it go and believe" when things get tough or I hit a plateau. There is very little I am too afraid to try. Jillian is truly my life teacher.

Kelly Minner, standing next to a cut-out of how she looked before Jillian Michaels

Before:

"I was anywhere between 70 and 110 pounds overweight, which is clinically obese and clearly a health risk."

With Jillian:

"Her first order of business was to teach me that weight loss is a physical and mental game. She never accepted less than 100 percent"

After:

"I took everything I learned from Jillian and went on to lose a total of 92 pounds"

*Remember: Like any weight loss plan, results vary.

65 Pounds Lost With Sonoma Diet

Diet & Body — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 10:01:00 +0000

Suzy Lost 65 Pounds* With Sonoma Diet And Kept It Off!

"Over the course of a year, I've lost 65 pounds* — and I've kept off every pound of it! I can't believe it; I tell people all the time that I feel like a movie star!"

Facing a Challenge

I started gaining weight later in life -- mostly after the birth of my third child. As I got older, however, I also developed arthritis. The medication made me gain weight, and I even got the point where I was getting too big for my wheelchair. I fell down one time and you should have seen my husband trying to pick me up! I knew something had to change.

It's funny; I started following The Sonoma Diet before I had even heard of it! I set some sensible guidelines for myself -- I banished foods like sugar and white potatoes from my diet, for example, and ate smaller portions -- and it worked! I started losing weight right away. Then I saw The Sonoma Diet mentioned on TV and I got so excited. I got the book immediately. There's so much good information in it about eating right. I loved the plate guidelines and the Power Foods list. These were rules I was already trying to follow, and the book took all the guesswork out of it.

A New Kind of Feast

My arthritis doesn't allow me a whole lot of time in the kitchen, so the easier it is to prepare meals, the better. In the morning, I usually have cereal. I used to eat Rice Krispies, but if you read the nutrition facts label, you'll notice that they contain high-fructose corn syrup! Now I eat something like Kashi, or I'll have a piece of toast with peanut butter.

For lunch, I try to keep it simple -- tuna on whole grain bread, cottage cheese, tomatoes, a little bit of avocado. And I eat salads almost every evening with dinner, especially with chicken. I also love fruit! Before I started The Sonoma Diet, I'd eat ten Oreo cookies at once. Now I choose grapes or apples, or almost any kind of fruit, really. I never would have thought this was possible, but I find myself really wanting to eat healthier meals.

The Turnaround

Over the course of a year, I've lost 65 pounds* -- and I've kept off every pound of it! I can't believe it; I tell people all the time that I feel like a movie star! I remember when I finally got below 200 pounds. I never thought I would be there again. And here's a funny story: My whole life, I thought I had big legs. It turns out that's just where I naturally carry my weight. For the first time in my life, my legs actually look skinny! I have ankles and a shinbone and knees. Who knew?

Of course, I never told anyone that I was on a diet. I really don't like that word. I had tried the no-carb fad diets and I hated them! On this plan, you eat such an amazing variety of foods -- I can live without things like beans and nuts. To me, this is truly a lifestyle change, and something that I can really live with for the rest of my life.

Strategies for Every Day

Holidays and parties have been a breeze. When I first started on this plan, it was right before Thanksgiving, so I got through that holiday, then Christmas, and then my birthday without a problem. I just learned to say no to unhealthy food. It's as simple as that. I went to a barbecue at a friend's house and there was pasta and lots of food with creamy sauces. I just promised myself that I wouldn't touch any of it. At one point, however, someone brought out a vegetable tray, and I knew I could have some of that. It's just a matter of making the right choices.

And I can go to any restaurant I want. That has never been a problem. At a place like Red Lobster, almost everything on the menu is fried, but there are options. Last time I went, I ordered a piece of salmon, some shrimp, and wild rice -- it was delicious, and I didn't feel stuffed afterward. At Chili's, I found a wonderful salad with black beans. I've learned that I can make the right choices anywhere. And boy, do I feel empowered!

Tips and Tricks From Suzy

Banishing the bad stuff: Before I started The Sonoma Diet, I'd go through a jar of mayonnaise or whole sticks of butter in a week. I don't even buy those things now. Unhealthy food just isn't important anymore, and really, it's not even appealing to me.
A fix for fish: I've always loved fish, but I ate it breaded and with fatty dipping sauce. Now I grill or bake my salmon with just lemon, olive oil, and herbs, and it's every bit as delicious.
Favorite compliment: I can't tell you how I love to hear these words: "Wow, Mom! You're getting so skinny!"
Managing the occasional treat: Of course, there are times when I will allow myself to have a treat. I lost the weight slowly, so I know that I won't gain it back immediately. But I also know that if I really want that ice cream cone, I need to be especially conscientious about what I eat the next day.

* Results not typical.

Dropping 103 lbs Was a Matter of Life or Death

Diet & Body — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 13:58:00 +0000

By eDiets Staff Writer

For most of us, weight loss is a matter of better-fitting clothing and more energy. For featured slimmer Dean W., losing weight was a frightening matter of life or death.

Morbid obesity had dragged poor Dean down to the lowest point of her life. She admits that before finding help and hope from Oprah-trainer Bob Greene and a low-carb lifestyle, she considered ending it all.

It wasn't just the weight that she was dragging around that made Dean's outlook so bleak. Declining health also played a huge role in her suicidal thinking.

Dean suffered from severe depression and the first stages of type 2 diabetes. She also endured fibromyalgia, a nightmarish disease characterized by chronic pain in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding joints, fatigue and uncomfortable tenderness in various areas.

She took 12 different medications daily. She was only 34, yet she felt like her life was over.

At her top weight, she tipped the scales at 215 pounds. Dean spent much of the past seven years trying every diet she could find -- everything from Weight Watchers to the cabbage soup diet. Nothing seemed to work.

Dean estimates that since her marriage nine years ago, she’s spent at least 25 months in bed suffering from various ailments. Just last year she underwent five surgeries and nearly died when her liver failed. But Dean has proven to be like a cat with nine lives.

"I was severely depressed and suicidal," she tells eDiets. "Physically I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t play with my kids. I couldn’t function. I was absolutely miserable. I felt worthless. When I felt bad physically, I stopped caring about stuff. I didn’t do my hair or makeup. I didn’t care that I lived in a t-shirt and sweats. I was a full-time mom and figured, 'No one sees me.'"

Dean pulled off her remarkable made-for-TV transformation from obese to "Oh, my!" when she hooked up with Bob Greene, Oprah Winfrey’s personal trainer. Since following Bob’s Get With The Program, Dean has gone from 190 to 112 pounds for a grand total of 103 pounds trimmed from her petite 5-foot-2 figure.

The best part: A year later, the size-20 clothing remains packed away and she's sporting form-fitting size 4s and 6s.

Dean is living proof that where there’s a will there’s a way. Even when she spent months in the hospital last year, she never wavered on her goal. She refused to deviate from her healthy eating regimen and she stayed active -- even when that meant slow walks down the hospital hallway, IV and all.

She credits her mental toughness to Bob Greene, who she'd seen on the Oprah show many times before she finally decided to take that first step and seek his help. After reading Greene's "Make The Connection," Dean realized that Oprah's personal trainer had cut through to the heart of the matter.

Emotional eating had played a huge role in Dean's weight gain. She turned to food in times of sadness and in times of joy. She followed up with Green's book Get With The Program. It proved to be a lifesaver.

"'Get With The Program' connects emotional eating with physical being," Dean tells eDiets. "That was my problem. I’m an emotional eater. I didn’t know that. When I was happy, sad or stressed, I would go to the drive-thru. I didn’t get the connection until I read the book and then I thought, 'Wait, he’s talking about me.'"

Dean remains an emotional eater, however, she’s learned to make smarter choices. When she does turn to food to "medicate" her feelings, she reaches for a healthy snack, goes for a walk, reads a book, drinks water or practices yoga. She no longer makes a beeline for her favorite fast-food haunts.

While she does enjoy a treat every now and then, she prefers eating fruits, grains, vegetables and protein. Dean has used a winning combination that includes two popular programs. She attributes the bulk of her weight loss to the Atkins Diet Nutritional Approach. But she’s also sold on Get With The Program for lifetime maintenance.

"I eat more balanced," she notes. "I watch my portions. I try not to eat late at night. Balance is the essential key to success. This is something I can do for the rest of my life."

One reason Greene’s program fit Dean’s needs perfectly was that the fitness aspect could be modified to match her lifestyle. When she first got started, she couldn’t lift weights or power walk because of her fibromyalgia. She relied on yoga and Pilates to build up her strength. Slowly she got into the step of the things. When strength training, she uses light weights and does more repetitions. On a good day, she power walks 4 miles with 2 1/2-pound weights wrapped around her ankles. It wasn't that long ago she couldn’t manage one lap around the block.

Dean says her healthy eating and exercise routines have done what her many medications couldn’t: They've improved her quality of life so much that even the worst days of pain are bearable. And the more she exercises, the better she feels. She has much more energy and far less pain.

"I wake up every day and my body aches for the first hour," she says. "After that I have the energy to get up, make breakfast, play with the kids and exercise. Bob asked me how things are different for me now. I told him that just like brushing my teeth and taking a shower, exercise is something I do every day. It’s something I can’t go without. Even on a bad fibro day I still do stretching or some kind of activity. Before, I would just lay here."

Dean says she never would have come this far without making a major change in her way of thinking. That meant looking for a permanent solution, not a short-term fix.

"I was ready to change, not go on a diet," she says. "I wasn’t going to try one more diet or one more program and fail. I changed my entire life for the rest of my life. I decided that even on a bad day when I’m bedridden, which is half the time, I accept it instead of fighting it. It goes by faster and I forgive myself for being sick. I don’t use it as an excuse.”

Dean still suffers from depression though it’s not as severe. She’s also reduced her daily medications to three. She no longer dwells on negative. Instead, she works on what she can do -- even on the bad days. There’s no stopping her. Her next goal is to write a book about her experiences and inspire others who think it can’t be done.

"I have fibromyalgia, diabetes and three kids. If I can do it, anyone can," she notes.

Getting fit will have a huge impact on all areas of your life! Are you ready to get in great shape fast? eDiets and Bob Greene can help you get there. Sign up for Bob Greene 's Total Body Makeover workout -- you won't need a gym or fancy equipment -- just Bob Greene and eDiets.

I finally stopped dieting and managed to lose weight

Diet & Body — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 09:31:00 +0000

eDiets Exclusive: 'Biggest Loser' Chef Spills Secrets!

By Glenn Mueller
eDiets Senior Writer If you want to lose weight without giving up your favorite foods, Chef Devin Alexander has your recipe for success. In fact, shes got more than 125 of them. This celebrity chef and best-selling author recently joined forces with some of the cast members and experts behind NBCs smash hit series The Biggest Loser to create a cookbook that finally bridges the gap between delicious meals and healthy eating.

Now, even if you arent selected to be a contestant on the popular weight-loss reality show, you can still become the biggest loser in your very own kitchen by preparing these healthy recipes for yourself. According to Chef Devin, healthy eating doesnt have to be about deprivation or missing out on your favorite meals.

"I dieted for seven years and got fatter and fatter," Chef Devin tells eDiets . "Then I finally stopped dieting and managed to lose weight."

Though she struggled with her weight when she was younger, Chef Devin finally managed to drop a whopping 55 pounds, which she has kept it off for more than 12 years now (you can see her remarkable transition in the pictures to the left). And instead of depriving herself to slim down, the cooking enthusiast decided to tinker with some of her favorite recipes to make them healthier.

"People look at my before and after pictures and assume that I must be starving myself," Chef Devin says. "I heard that by cutting just 100 calories a day from their diet, a person can lose about 10 pounds in the course of a year. This led me to tweak some of my favorite recipes, so that I could still eat the same stuff."

When her grandmother first taught her to cook, Chef Devin never dreamed that this simple hobby would one day become her full-time vocation. Today, she is known as one of the most popular caterers in all of Tinseltown, hosting parties for Reba McEntire, Carol Burnett and the cast of the Late, Late Show With Crag Kilborn. In addition to working with The Biggest Loser, shes shared her healthy cooking tips with Good Morning America and the Discovery National Body Challenge. And when she isnt cooking up a storm in the kitchen, Chef Devin writes articles for many popular magazines, including Prevention, Shape, Muscle & Fitness and Women's Health, where she is the Contributing Food Editor. Alert eDiets readers may even remember a popular series Chef Devin wrote for our newsletters last year about restaurant nutrition.

"I am not a stick figure, and I am not overweight," Chef Devin says. "I eat chocolate, exercise moderately and I cook all day. And, I never, never feel deprived."

Now, in this eDiets exclusive, Chef Devin shares a few of her favorite healthy cooking tips:

Small Changes Add Up To Big Differences. Remember that cutting out just 100 calories per day will help you lose 10 pounds in a year. That doesnt mean you have to prepare a sausage pasta dish with broccoli or make hamburgers out of mushrooms. Chef Devin says just use the leanest cut of meat you can find. She also recommends substituting low-fat cheese for the real thing. "Some low-fat cheeses do not taste good, but others taste great," Chef Devin says. "You just have to experiment." For best results, she suggests shredding the low-fat cheese finely in recipes, so that it will melt better.

Hold The Mayo. Though low-fat mayonnaise on its own doesnt taste very good, Chef Devon says you can certainly dress it up. She recommends mixing your mayonnaise with horseradish, Dijon mustard, chili garlic sauce, or other ingredients with strong flavor.

Be Aware of How Much You Are Eating. According to Chef Devin, you can begin practicing proper portion control the moment you get your food home from the store. She suggests filling little plastic bags with a portion of cereal or chips. That way, you wont be tempted to eat more than you should. "Be aware of how much you are eating," Chef Devin says. "If you want a big portion, that should be a choice you are making consciously."

If you watched last nights exciting episode of The Biggest Loser, you saw Chef Devin teaching contestants how to prepare healthy recipes from her latest book. Her personal favorite recipes in The Biggest Loser Cookbook include: the Almost Fast-Food Burger, Cocktail-Hour Tuna Tartare, Sausage, Egg, And Cheese Breakfast Sandwich, and a BBQ Pork Sandwich. Other Mouth-watering recipes in the book include: Better Blueberry Pancakes, Thin-And-Crispy Sausage And Mushroom Pizza, Parmesan-Pepper Sweet Potato Fries, Winning "Fried" Chicken and Chocolate-Kahlua Mousse Parfaits.

Best of all, even if the only thing you normally make is reservations, you will be able to prepare most of the recipes in this book. Though there are a few elaborate recipes in the book that you can use for entertaining, Chef Devin says the majority of them can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.

To give you a preview, Chef Devin was kind enough to share a couple of her favorite recipes from The Biggest Loser Cookbook :

Almost Fast Food Burger

If those drive-thru burgers call your name, this is, hands down, definitely the burger for you! As a kid and teen, I was addicted to fast food, so I was determined to recreate those drive-thru flavors and secret sauces at home. This burger is much, much leaner than any youre likely to find at a fast food restaurant, but the sauce makes it taste so reminiscent of them. I often make this burger in a low-carb tortilla instead of a hamburger bun and I always add a few more pickles. If youre watching your sodium closely, you may not want to stick to it "as is" below.

1 tablespoon low-fat mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon ketchup
1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/4 pound 96-percent lean ground beef
1 slice (3/4 ounce) fat-free American cheese (optional)
1 whole-grain or whole-wheat hamburger bun
1/4 cup chopped romaine lettuce leaves
1 thin slice red onion
3 dill pickle rounds

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Stir to mix. Set aside. Shape the beef into a patty that is about a half-inch wider than the bun.

Preheat a medium nonstick skillet or grill rack on high heat. Place the patty on the pan or grill. Cook for one to two minutes per side, or until desired doneness. (Do not smash the burger with the spatula.) About 30 seconds before the burger is cooked, top with the cheese, if desired. Place the bun halves, cut sides down, on the pan or grill. Cook for about 45 seconds, or until roasted.

Place the bun bottom on a serving plate. Top with the patty, lettuce, onion, and pickles. Spread the reserved sauce evenly over the inside of the bun top. Flip onto the burger. Serve immediately.

Makes one serving

Per serving: 281 calories, 26 g protein, 27 g carbohydrate, 9 g fat (2 g saturated), 60 mg cholesterol, 4 g fiber, 736 mg sodium.

Boston-Cream Peanut-Butter Breakfast Banana Split

Who doesnt want a banana split… any time of the day? Heres one thats not only so decadent youll forget youre eating healthy, its so fun, youre likely to feel like a kid again -- a kid getting away with eating "junk food" for breakfast.

1 small ripe banana (about 6 long), peeled and halved lengthwise
1 tablespoon reduced-fat peanut butter
1/2 cup low-fat, artificially sweetened Boston cream pie-flavored yogurt
2 tablespoons crunchy high-fiber, low-sugar cereal (such as Grape-Nuts)

Place the banana halves in a small banana split dish or shallow bowl, with the cut sides facing inward. Spread the peanut butter evenly over the open banana. Spoon the yogurt in the middle. Top with the cereal. Serve immediately.

Makes one serving

Per serving: 294 calories, 8 g protein, 53 g carbohydrates, 7 g fat (2 g saturated), 3 mg cholesterol, 5 g fiber, 241 mg sodium.

South Beach Diet Improves Lives

Diet & Body — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 15:53:00 +0000

The South Beach Diet has improved the lives of many people -- and it can improve yours, too! You'll enjoy tasty and satisfying foods -- even dessert -- while you shed pounds, boost your self-confidence, and improve your health. The South Beach Diet is easy to follow, too. Just read what our members have to say.

I have a new non-scale victory … okay, I have two of them!

# 1: I have a pair of "skinny" jeans that I put on last night. I pulled them up right over my hips, over my rear end; buttoned them; zipped them; and bam -- they were on! Now that's a victory if I've ever heard of one!

# 2: On Saturday night I went to a party at a friend's house. Lots of people were there who have not seen me for weeks and some who haven't seen me since the 4th of July. All of them complimented me on how good I looked, and some even called me skinny! Now THAT was a fun party! Thanks, South Beach Diet!
Thin Duck (17349105)

I have now made it to the two-month mark on the South Beach Diet, and I've lost over 15 pounds. I'm feeling great!!
kaykay (17790491)

Hey, everyone! I've completed one week on the South Beach Diet and for the most part, my sugar cravings are gone. The key for me is preparation. I'm inspired to get in shape so I can feel great about myself.
Marz (18770823)

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one

Diet & Body — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 13:36:00 +0000

Easy Does It

From Sonoma Diet

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Before you start counting calories, weighing all your food, or tallying up lists of points, remember that eating isn't supposed to be complicated. Enjoying good food in sensible portions is usually all it takes to lose weight.

Read what one Sonoma Diet Online member has to say about it:

"What can I say about The Sonoma Diet ? I have lost 27 pounds* in 7 weeks, I have more energy than I've had in a long time, and -- best of all -- the food is absolutely wonderful. Most diets forbid you from eating entire food groups and leave you frustrated, which usually leads to failure. But the Sonoma Diet plan is full of wonderful recipes and food choices that keep you satisfied.

We think of diets as something we do only when we need to shed pounds, but you can keep eating this way long after the pounds are gone. I plan to make this a way of life. What a great choice!"

Sonoma Diet presents Dr. Guttersen's Tip of the Day

Setting Your Sights on Weight Loss

Maybe you need more motivation than just a number on a scale. Instead of focusing so closely on pounds, try to think of health and fitness goals that you want to reach in tandem with weight loss. For example, maybe you want to lower your blood cholesterol or increase your energy level during the day, or maybe you would like to get in shape to walk a 5K race for charity. For a little extra inspiration and a concrete measure of your progress, make notes about your goals and accomplishments in your journal.

* Results not typical

Four Elements of Diet Success

Diet & Body — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 12:24:00 +0000

By Dr. Matthew Anderson
Exclusive for eDiets

Need a diet that'll let you eat filling, tasty foods while you lose weight? We offer 23 personalized plans including the red-hot, carb-smart Glycemic Impact Diet.

How many times have you read or watched an ad for a weight-loss program and gotten excited and hopeful because of the astounding weight loss it promised you? Then how many times have you attempted to follow the regime only to fail? Then after failing, how often did you blame your self instead of the program?

If you have had this experience even once, then you have been "had" by a Weight Loss Wimp. If you follow the guidelines I have described below, you will have a far greater chance of finding the right program for you and losing weight permanently.

If you are even vaguely experienced in the struggles of weight loss, then you have encountered a number of Weight Loss Wimps. They love to make loud noises to attract your attention. But sadly, making noise is what they do best. While they are legal they are only slightly more effective than the scams.

Weight Loss Wimps are different from scams in that they can document some success, thus they are legal. They do actually work for some individuals at least for the short term and most are not dangerous to your physical health. I consider them potentially harmful to your emotional health because they have an extremely high failure rate and often cause the participant to blame themselves instead of the inadequate (wimpy) program.

How to Identify a Weight Loss Wimp.

Actually, it is incredibly easy to identify a Weight Loss Wimp because almost 95 percent of all weight-loss programs qualify. If you are considering a weight-loss program right now, chances are it has all the ingredients of Wimpdom. Here are the crucial identifiers.

A WLW has only one (diet plan) or possibly two (diet and exercise) of the basic weight loss elements and they portray their program as whole and fully successful.

Question: Can you identify the Four Basic Elements of Successful Weight Loss?

If you are unable to say yes to this question, then you could easily be taken in by most WLW’s. (See ingredients below)

Guess what? Here is the good news. There is only one thing you need to know in order to identify a Weight Loss Wimp and that is Point No. 1 above. No kidding. If you look closely at any weight loss process you can quickly tell if it contains all four elements. If even one element is missing then you would do well to turn around and run in the opposite direction. If you stay, you will have almost guaranteed failure, disappointment and most often increased self-hate (most weight-challenged individuals blame themselves instead of the wimpy program).

Here are the Four Basic Elements of Successful Weight Loss. Please use these as a guideline to inspect any weight loss process that you may consider:

1. The Physical Element
Part One -- Attention to what and how much you eat. Most WLWs are good to great at this part. The trouble is that they over emphasize its significance and neglect the other 3 elements.

Part Two -– Attention to various forms of physical exercise. Once again many WLWs are good at this but they also over emphasize its significance and forget elements 3, 4 and 5.

2. The Emotional Element
The true cause of chronic weight gain that is almost always totally avoided by WLW’s.

3. The Mental Element
Partially attended to by a few WLWs but never in depth and never truly related to the Emotional Element.

4. The Spiritual Element
Avoided like the plague by 99 percent of all WLWs, with the exception of a small number of fear-based religious groups.

Big Question: Where can you find a program that contains all four basic ingredients?

I know this may sound like an ad but I can honestly give only one answer to this question. I have done quite a bit of research about this over the last 20 years and so far I have found one program that includes and responsibly attends to all 4. The answer is eDiets.com. No other company, to my knowledge, on or off the Internet, can come even vaguely close to the in-depth and integrated program that eDiets.com has created.

If you know of a better one then let me know but no until you check out eDiets in depth and compare it carefully to the competitor. Until then I am very thankful that I happen to work for the best of the best.

Matthew Anderson, D. Min., is a counselor, organizational consultant, seminar leader and the author of books and tapes that can help you overcome your obstacles to well-being. eDiets members can join Dr. Anderson for his special chats the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. EST.

97 Pounds Lost With Jillian Michaels

Diet & Body — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 11:17:00 +0000

How Kelly Lost 97 Pounds With Jillian Michaels

Ever wonder how the contestants on the TV show lost all that weight? They did it with Jillian's help -- the same way you can! Find out how Kelly Minner did it!

"When Jillian Michaels became my trainer, I took one look at her and thought, "What can she know about being overweight?" But she quickly saw right through me -- she could tell that I didn't believe I could do it. Her first order of business was to teach me that weight loss is a physical and mental game. I needed to believe that it was possible, because otherwise, well, it just wasn't. She never accepted less than 100 percent, and she pushed me to do things I would never have done on my own. Jillian saw the potential in me and wanted me to see it as well.

We focused on setting goals and using a journal to keep myself accountable. Size, more than a target weight, was the most important thing to me. When I went down a size, I would buy myself an item of clothing I had my eye on - clothes were my goals! I had to really work to get an article of clothing, but it was worth it. Within a few weeks, I'd replaced my usual food rewards with something even better -- a new and improved me."

-- Kelly Minner

JILLIAN'S TIP OF THE DAY

Write Your Own Success Story
It's easier to write it off, rather than write your own success story, right? Yeah, I know. You think the only reason it worked for Kelly was because she was on TV -- with trainers and nutritionists at her beck and call. Well, it's not true. There's nothing that Kelly did that you can't do. But, just like Kelly said, it's the mental game that you have to win. Start right now by telling yourself that you can do this! It's your time to get fit and feel great. -- Jillian Michaels

How Cathy Took Off 102 Pounds

Diet & Body — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 11:38:00 +0000

By Carolina Diaz-Bordon
eDiets Staff Writer
Desire led Cathy C. to get healthier. Determination and commitment continue pushing her toward her goal.

It's been five months since eDiets last spoke with this stunning slimming sensation, who's been maintaining her incredible 102-pound weight-loss following the Glycemic Impact Diet

In this eDiets exclusive, Cathy sheds light on the ups, downs and all-arounds of what it truly takes to attain lasting success in weight loss.

"I had to work really hard," she says. "Sometimes, it's still hard but the alternative is much harder to live with. So I just keep going and keep doing what I need to do to stay healthy and maintain this healthy level. There's just no going back for me!

"I continue to use all the support that I can get from eDiets support boards and the experts that are available to me and it makes all the difference in the world."

Out of more than 20 different meal plans Cathy had to choose from on eDiets.com, the one that she felt fit her lifestyle best was the eDiets the Glycemic Impact Diet

, also known as the the Glycemic Impact Diet Plan. The plan proved to be her perfect fit. The delicious array of balanced foods in the plan kept her from feeling deprived or bored.

"I can eat food from all major food groups," Cathy raves. "I really like that part. It's very realistic and flexible. You can make a good meal wherever you are. It is also very easy to follow once you get the hang of it. It's a way of eating that you can stick with for the rest of your life."

While Cathy has already gone through a major transformation after shedding almost half her body weight, she is still working hard to reach her ultimate goal weight of 130 pounds.

"Probably the biggest challenge in maintaining has been the way other people treat my weight loss," she tells eDiets . "All along in my weight loss, it was OK that I was eating smaller portions and following a healthy diet plan because I was doing it for myself and for my health.

"At this point, now that I've gotten to a healthy weight and a healthy size, people think I should loosen up and 'live a little'... that kind of thing. I think it's just a lack of understanding; it's not a temporary diet plan. I think people that have never been in a situation like that don't necessarily understand it."

There's no doubt that this determined 30-year-old does understand what it takes to succeed. She has come a long way from her terribly overweight days and horribly low self-esteem.

Cathy works out at the gym five to six days a week, plays softball two nights a week, joined the Remarkable Runners support board and started running more. She's also ready to get back to one of her favorite pastimes: rock climbing.

"Out of all the support boards, the one that really got my fitness level going was the Fitness for You board," she notes. "I have been with them for a long time, and they have helped me through some very hard times. I just feel like they are kind of like my extended family and Raphael (eDiets' chief fitness pro) has been really vital to my success so far."

Going from a stagnant size 24 to an energized size 8 has had a tremendous impact in all areas of Cathy's life.

"I don't eat for comfort or for stress anymore," she says. "I used to treat myself to something when I had a really good day or a really bad day. What it really comes down to is 'that's life.' There is always going to be something going on, good or bad. I still enjoy food but it doesn't have the same meaning to me."

Instead of food controlling her life, this Maryland resident has taken the reins in many areas of her life.

"I am willing to try new things," she says. "I am constantly surprising myself and I love that feeling. I just have more confidence in my relationships with other people, and more confidence on the job. I feel like a new person inside and out."

No matter if you're starting off, continuing, maintaining or have already reached your desired goal weight, there is one piece of advice Cathy says will work to keep you at the top of success for the rest of your life.

"Everybody makes mistakes. You have to just learn from that and move on. But if you give up, you're not learning anything, you're just giving up on yourself, and you can't do that because you'll never get to where you want to be."

The health and fitness pros at eDiets can show you how to combine exercise and nutrition to get the best results. This is what you've been looking for. You will need to make the commitment, but isn't it time to finally take care of you? Visit eDiets to get started.

Carolina Diaz-Bordon is a writer specializing in diet success, beauty and relationships.

Following the South Beach Diet with a friend

Diet & Body — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 16:23:00 +0000

Following the South Beach Diet with a friend is a great way to stay motivated while sharing tips and strategies.

That's why the South Beach Diet Online offers the Beach Buddies feature, which allows you to pair up with other members to support each other in reaching your individual goals. Through our Beach Buddies program, you'll benefit from one-on-one support as you adopt a weight-healthy lifestyle, lose weight, and improve your health. As member Katie M. says, "Yes, it does take courage to keep trying after failing so much [on other diets], but I have gotten so much help from my Beach Buddies that it is becoming easier each day to stay with the program. We motivate each other and celebrate as we lose weight." To take advantage of this feature, simply fill out the brief "Buddy Profile." We'll match you with other people who share similar characteristics. For instance, are you looking for a walking partner? Someone in your neighborhood? With our geographic search feature, we can help you locate a Beach Buddy near you!

After we find potential Beach Buddies, it's up to you to introduce yourself to them by sending them an invitation through privately viewed "Buddy Mail." You are free to accept or decline invitations from Beach Buddies as you wish. If you decide you no longer want to participate in this feature, you can block or remove Beach Buddies at any time.

Tap into this resource -- which is FREE for all South Beach Diet Online members -- and see what the Beach Buddies program can do for you. As member Size10ToBe writes, "I am finding it is very helpful to talk to and hear from other people following the South Beach Diet®. I think the support is going to be one of the key components for the South Beach Diet® to become a lifestyle change for me."

The South Beach Diet program features delicious and nutritious meals and snacks -- even dessert! It's easy to follow, too. Just see what our members have to say about their successes. They're losing weight, looking great, and improving their health -- while continuing to enjoy scrumptious foods!

It's been a year since I started the South Beach Diet , and the results are better on this program than anything I've ever tried before. I now eat right and exercise, and I couldn't be happier with myself. This lifestyle change now puts my weight 1 pound less than my lowest ever!
JavaDiva (13155442)

Today I am on to Phase 2 of the South Beach Diet . Here is what I've lost so far: all my sugar cravings, a large portion of my appetite, and 8 pounds! Most weight-loss plans I tried in the past did not last for more than a few days because of my large appetite and sugar cravings. This time, I know I am going to make it. Good luck to all of you who are just starting out -- you really can make it with the South Beach Diet !
SMALLER TODAY (18599005)

I am sitting here, wondering where the year has gone. At least I know where the 40 pounds I lost on the South Beach Diet have gone… far, far away! I was actually feeling a little depressed over the weekend, and then I started looking at pictures of myself from last summer and, oh my gosh! My arms alone have gone down almost 4 inches. Best of all, I am so much healthier, happier, and more aware of the choices I make for myself.
JustEnuf (4991787)

I just moved on to Phase 2 of the South Beach Diet after losing 11 pounds! It's difficult to begin to describe this wonderful feeling of accomplishment. I'd really like to thank all of the fantastic people I've met on the message boards who have helped me get this far. Thank you for being courageous enough to share your obstacles and successes. Thank you for your willingness to support one another and send encouraging words. Thank you for the reassurance that this choice is for me no matter what. Keep up the fabulous work, and I look forward to sharing this wonderful feeling with all of you in the future as I continue with my transformation.
Police Wife 286 (18696121)

I'm in the best shape I've been in since I was a teen

Diet & Body — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 12:34:00 +0000

Burn The Fat Success Stories

I've been reading the stories about everyone who lost so much weight,
but this program isn't just for those who need to lose 20+ pounds.
It's for everyone who wants to reach for a more healthy energetic
life. The fringe benefits are looking and feeling good.

When I started 6 weeks ago I was a dreaded "skinny fat" person.
I weighed in at 108 lbs, but I was a whopping 24% body fat.
I started the program not to lose weight, but to take control of
some poor lifestyle habits that were beginning to catch up with me.

All I can say is, WOW! This is good stuff. I am now 100 lb with
13% body fat. At first the weight loss made me nervous because I
didn't want to lose weight, but the skin fold measures kept saying
lean mass was up and fat wt was down...so I kept up.

My goal is to gain 10 more lb of muscle. I feel great. I'm in the
best shape I've been in since I was a teen. Tomorrow is my 40th birthday.
Anyone can do this with the right motivation. If you have children,
and you can't find it anywhere else, let them be your motivation.
It is your responsibility to model a lifestyle of healthy eating and
fitness for them.

Thanks Tom!

Mindy M.

Members of the South Beach Diet Online meet their goals

Diet & Body — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 10:51:00 +0000

Members of The South Beach Diet Online meet their goals. Their results speak for themselves. They lose inches and pounds, improve their health, and gain energy. Best of all, they ban the dieting mentality and embark on a lifelong journey to better health. Take a look at some of their inspirational stories.

I love all of the changes that I've seen in my body since I started the South Beach Diet. I find that my skin is just fabulous, my face glows, and the skin on my whole body is just so soft. I just love the effects that this plan has had on me inside and out!
Girlsnightout (4020303)

I was getting very discouraged with my weight, so I started the From South Beach Diet, and then suddenly 3 pounds just dropped off like magic! For the first time in 30 years, I weigh less than 140 pounds (officially 139!)! The biggest reward, though, was my daughter's comment: "There goes the rapidly disappearing mother!" What a nice thing for my size-2, beautiful daughter to say!
Lee (15747964)

Today, I had a happy surprise when I stepped on the scale. I was down a few pounds! Then, when I went shopping, I found out that I fit into a smaller size than I thought I would. I also tried on some jeans that haven't fit for a long time. I was finally able to button them! Thanks, South Beach Diet!
clp (10513914)

Sometimes when I'm having a bad week, I run into someone who hasn't seen me since I started the South Beach Diet, and they are completely astounded by my change. That's all I need to put a smile on my face. I know that after losing 80 pounds I should feel great about myself regardless of who takes notice, and I do, but all the extra pats on the back don't hurt!
StacyLou (155775808)

Zone Diet Members Share Their Success And Tips

Diet & Body — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 12:01:00 +0000

The Zone at Work
From theZone Diet

Here are tips from members on how to stay in the Zone Diet while at work.

Lunchtime Surprise
"I take my lunch and snacks to work. Our cafeteria has great food, but not much of it is very healthy. I grill chicken breasts over the weekend, slice them up, put them in zip-lock bags in 3-ounce portions, and freeze them. Then I pull out a bag in the morning and throw it into my lunch bag. By lunch it's thawed. I cook several breasts and use a different seasoning on each one -- barbecue, Paul Prudhomme poultry seasoning, Mrs. Dash, etc. Then it's always a surprise what I get each day."

Not a Morsel More
"I work 10 hours a day, from 12 noon until 10 p.m. I have a routine where I eat breakfast at 10 a.m., lunch at 2 p.m., a snack at 5 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., and another snack at 10 p.m. I rarely stray from this schedule, even when I'm not working. Therefore, I pack two meals and two snacks for work. I make sure I eat all I bring and not a morsel more."

Drink Up
"I'm a slow drinker -- I sip my water. I drink from an 8-ounce Styrofoam cup and tick-mark the side of it, adding a mark each time I finish 8 ounces of water. I like to visualize how much I drink. It usually takes me my full ten-hour shift to finish 8 cups. Then when I come home, anything else I drink is just extra."

MEMBERS GET MORE! You'll find hundreds of Zoned healthy living tips and ideas on the Dr. Sears' Zone Diet Advantage.

Jillian Michaels Weight Loss Success Stories

Diet & Body — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 10:20:00 +0000

Check out what one of Jillian Michaels members recently said about how worth it sticking with the program really is:

"I am a 43-year-old senior manager at a large corporation who has been dieting for 20 years! I've done all the major diets, and I haven't eaten anything guilt-free for years. When I heard Jillian Michaels explain, 'It's all about the math -- you must burn more calories than you consume,' I finally realized that losing weight might actually be possible.

I've been following Jillian's program now for four weeks, and I'm currently going to the gym four times a week for 45-minute sessions! I have lost 11 pounds* -- I still have a long way to go, but this is the first time my weight has kept going down. My skirts are loose; my pants are too long because of my shrinking belly; and my watchband is hanging around my wrist -- soon I'll be able to tighten it a whole notch!

Some days are hard -- all that weighing, counting, and sweating -- but I have to say, it all feels worth it!"

*Results not typical.

South Beach Diet Online Sucess Stories

Diet & Body — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 12:59:00 +0000

The South Beach Diet Online works!

Our members shed pounds and insecurities while they gain a new lease on life! Here are some of their success stories.

When I first started I really didn't think it was possible to lose so much weight, but once I got over that initial hump and lost some weight, I felt better and just kept going! So now, instead of just hopingthat I'll get the weight off, I know I will -- and I know I'm going to keep it off, too. It's just that simple.
tkwh1970 (16791340)

I bought two pairs of really cute Capri pants about a month ago. They were pretty tight at the time, but now I can't keep them on without a belt! Maybe it's time to go shopping again!
pcrump (9312357)

It will be a little while before I am looking for size 12s, but my size 24s are now huge on me! I have to wear a belt, and even then they don't stay up well because they are four sizes too big! I am already down to size 20, and soon I'll be an 18, which may not seem like a big deal to a lot of people, but it's huge for me! I am now also looking forward to getting into those "old high school jeans" that I never could give up! Thanks, South Beach Diet!
Dame Rhondian (8375499)

In order to get my son to sleep, sometimes I have to climb into his top bunk bed to tuck him in. In the past, I usually had to jump down to get off, but now I can effortlessly slide down the ladder -- without getting stuck. I know it's silly, but it's these little things that go along with losing weight and being fit that add to your feeling so great!
Michele in Minneapolis (16235161)

Shane Loses the Pounds and Gains a New Life

Diet & Body — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 16:21:00 +0000

I wasn't overweight as a child. In fact, I was quite healthy. I played sports and was good at both Australian football and squash. I didn't really start to put on weight until my brother died in a car accident in 1994. I was the one who broke the news to my parents, and while I knew I had to be strong for them, I didn't deal very well with my own feelings. I turned to food for comfort and stopped exercising. I just ate more and more.

I knew that being overweight made me very unhealthy. I have no doubt that I would have had major health problems within five years. In fact, it's entirely possible that I would have been dead within ten years had I not made a change.

Choosing to Change
My decision to do something about my weight was purely a result of watching Jillian on the American version of The Biggest Loser. There was something about her that made me want to try out for the show. I guess it was the way the show portrayed her --as a tough-as-nails drill sergeant who wouldn't quit on you until you reached your goal. I knew I needed that. So I applied for the Australian version of the show --I didn't really think I would make it, but I did!

New Body, New Life
Before being on the show and meeting Jillian Michaels, my fitness routine was nonexistent. Basically, I didn't exercise at all. Despite this, I found it really easy to stick to the program Jillian created for me. Once you get the hang of it, it's so simple. Now I get annoyed if I miss out on my training, even for one day. And I can physically handle almost anything. I take karate five or six days a week and do weight sessions in the gym, and I'm so much more social.

I've even completed my accreditation to become a personal trainer myself, so that I can pass on what I've learned to others. So many people have told me that I inspired them to begin their path to a healthier life. This makes me want to reach out to even more people!

I've also completely changed the way I look at food. I used to eat a lot of takeout, but now I prepare most of my own meals, which consist primarily of lean meat and vegetables. That isn't to say that I don't have the occasional treat, like chocolate or a piece of cake. Now I just eat those things in moderation.

Now that I've lost 126 pounds,* I have the energy to do anything I want. I love being able to buy clothes off the rack. I love having more confidence in myself than I've had for a long time. I love everything about the new me.

People often ask about my experience on the show with Jillian. I always tell them, "Jillian Michaels is truly one of the most beautiful people that I have ever met. Sometimes you meet someone and you just click. That's what it was like."

Shane's Words of Wisdom

Advice for Every Day: People just don't believe in themselves as much as they should. Most people look for someone else to believe in them first, before they take action to achieve their goals. I've found that it works the other way around. Once you take action, you're suddenly surrounded by people who support and believe in you.

Advice for the Long Haul: I think it's very important to keep an open mind about weight loss and to try different things until you find something that works for you. For me, that meant finding something I could sustain for the rest of my life. In fact, the most revolutionary thing I learned was that I could eat all the foods I love, as long as I ate them in moderation and as part of a balanced diet and a regular exercise program.

Take Your Show on the Road: I always find ways to exercise when I'm away from home. This might mean walking instead of taking a cab, going for a quick run, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or playing football with my friends. And at restaurants, I always find a way to order a healthy meal. Many people are afraid to ask for sauce on the side or steamed veggies instead of fries, but it never hurts to ask. I figure, if I'm paying for my food, they should prepare it to how I want it.

Write It Down: When I started the program, I wrote down all the things that I wanted to achieve in life. This made me realize something: The odds of getting any of those things done were really slim unless I made some pretty drastic life changes. I keep that list in front of me every day. I've achieved some of the goals, but I've added a lot more.

Favorite Compliment: I think the most meaningful compliment was given by a friend who actually walked right past me in the street without recognizing me! She said that I had changed so much it was like looking at a completely new person.

*Results not typical.

South Beach Diet Member Sharing Their Success Stories

Diet & Body — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 12:15:00 +0000

The success stories keep coming! Members of The South Beach Diet Online have not only changed their waistlines, they've also changed the way they live their lives. They've replaced their unhealthy eating habits with healthy ones and have experienced benefits beyond weight loss! Here's what some of our members have to say:

Recently my doctor told me that if I didn't take the steps necessary to control my blood sugar, invasive procedures would be next. He recommended the South Beach Diet®. I started the program with 264 pounds on my 5-foot-10-inch frame. My blood sugar was290 mg/dL (the normal range is 75-125 mg/dL). Well, I'm thrilled to say I've lost 22 pounds already. And, most encouraging, my blood sugar this morning was 109 mg/dL! So, for those of you who need encouragement and who might suffer from the same circumstances (overweight, high-blood sugar, high-blood pressure, past middle age), please give this plan a solid try. Thanks to all those at the South Beach Diet company!
mrtoad (5340510)

Now that I'm following the South Beach Diet, I don't have crazy cravings and I feel better all around. I was also happy to see the scale move down 7 pounds. I have finally found the plan that is a happy, balanced lifestyle that works for me. Thanks!
onemoretime (18129359)

When I started the South Beach Diet, I weighed 145.5 pounds, and I was done feeling badly about myself. I am now 126.5 pounds and on my way to my goal of 115 pounds! My clothes fit differently and I'm down two jean sizes. Even my underwear is too big! Best of all, I feel great physically and emotionally.
roroma (17840523)

Just had to share … for Christmas I was given a pair of jeans as a gift, but they were way too small for me. Seriously, I couldn't even get them completely over my butt, let alone close them. I decided to hang on to them and make fitting into them one of the goals that I would be working towards on my South Beach Diet journey. Well, just for the heck of it, I decided to try them on tonight. And what do you know, not only was I able to get them on, but I was even able to get them zippered and buttoned! What an improvement!
keywestgirl (13505423)

South Beach Diet Members Are Sharing Their Success Stories

Diet & Body — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 11:50:00 +0000

How I lost 92 pounds

Diet & Body — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 09:36:00 +0000

"With Jillian's help, I lost 92 pounds and gained a new life! *

I've struggled with my weight all of my life. I went from being a chubby kid, to a slightly overweight teenager, to an obese adult. I was anywhere between 70 and 110 pounds overweight, which is clinically obese and clearly a health risk. As a teacher, I was sending my students a poor message. The example I was setting was unacceptable.

At 28, I decided to take control of my life in a big way. I signed on to be a contestant on The Biggest Loser. But I was still skeptical. I'd tried every diet under the sun and had failed at every one.

Then Jillian became my trainer. She quickly saw right through me — she could tell that I didn't believe I could do it. Her first order of business was to teach me that weight loss is a physical and mental game. She never accepted less than 100 percent, and she pushed me to do things I would never have done on my own.

We focused on setting goals and using a journal to keep myself accountable. When I went down a size, I would buy myself an item of clothing I had my eye on — clothes were my goals! Within a few weeks, I'd replaced my usual food rewards with something even better — a new and improved me.

By the end of my run on the The Biggest Loser, I had lost 79 pounds. After the show, I took everything I learned from Jillian and went on to lose a total of 92 pounds. She taught me to love myself and put myself first. I still chant my mantra "let it go and believe" when things get tough or I hit a plateau. There is very little I am too afraid to try. Jillian is truly my life teacher.

*Remember: Like any weight loss plan, results vary.

Before:

"I was anywhere between 70 and 110 pounds overweight, which is clinically obese and clearly a health risk."

With Jillian:

"Her first order of business was to teach me that weight loss is a physical and mental game. She never accepted less than 100 percent"

After:

"I took everything I learned from Jillian and went on to lose a total of 92 pounds"

The Sonoma Diet has helped me return to the basics

Diet & Body — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 14:42:00 +0000

Get Back to Basics With Sonoma

Losing weight doesn't need to be a difficult process. Sometimes it's just a matter of making small, commonsense changes every day. The Sonoma Diet can help you do that, all while you enjoy delicious food. This is what one online member has to say about the Sonoma lifestyle:

"The Sonoma Diet has helped me return to the basics - eating healthy, making healthy choices, and increasing my physical activity. It isn't so much a diet as it is a lifestyle."

Losing never felt so easy, with recipes like Roasted Eggplant Salad and Orange Roughy With Cilantro Pesto. On The Sonoma Diet, you won't just eat to lose weight, you'll also eat well while you do it.

Members Get More! JOIN Sonoma Diet!

Lose Weight and Feel Great With the South Beach Diet

Diet & Body — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 10:49:00 +0000

Lose Weight and Feel Great With the South Beach Diet

Members of The South Beach Diet Online continue to have great success improving their health and overall outlook on life. They lose inches and pounds, all while continuing to enjoy delicious meals, snacks, and even dessert. They're living proof that life is better on the Beach. Read some of their stories:

I started the South Beach Diet® last July and reached my goal of 140 pounds in March. For me, the South Beach Diet was the only way to get there. This amazing new lifestyle even makes it possible for me to include an occasional indulgence. Last week, I met a friend for lunch and we split a dessert -- talk about having it all!
Gracie (13541356)

I have made a commitment to the South Beach Diet and I'm sticking to it. All the support on the site and the good ideas from other members is incredibly helpful! We can all do it together!
emmi49 (132960281)

I was diagnosed in February with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I started the South Beach Diet® and lost 27 pounds! I have been feeling so good on this way of life. I am not sure how long I will need to be on my medication, but my doc said that when I lose 10 percent of my current weight, I drop my risk of getting diabetes… I am about 3 pounds from being there!
Beberly (15976505)

I lost another pound! I'm so inclined to want instant gratification and instant results but I'm continuing to find that if you're consistent, the weight WILL come off!
mjw1959 (17210645)

The Sonoma Diet is the lifestyle change that I needed

Diet & Body — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 12:29:00 +0000

A Diet You Can Stick To -- for Life!

Have you tried every diet out there? It's even possible that you had some initial success on other programs, but at what cost? You probably cut major food groups out of your diet, counted calories or points ad nauseam, went hungry or just weren't satisfied, and - most significantly - compromised your health. The Sonoma Diet is a balanced, sensible eating plan that you can sustain over a lifetime. You'll lose weight, but there are other fringe benefits. Here's what one online member has to say:

"The Sonoma Diet is the lifestyle change that I needed. I've tried other diets without much success. I had to do something not only to lose weight but to improve my health as well. Last year I discovered that I was a diabetic. This diet really helps me control my blood sugar, and I feel it is a diet I can stick with for the rest of my life."

Members Get More! Join Sonoma Diet

Zone Diet Member Support Message Board

Diet & Body — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 10:11:00 +0000

Losing Weight in the Zone!

Here's a recent post from the Zone Diet Member Support Message Board:

"I'm 41 and I have to say that I'm surprised at how easily I have been losing weight. After two weeks I found I'd lost 2 1/2 pounds* — and that's without feeling hungry or deprived, and without really working out. (I'm in physical therapy for the third time since 1998 and haven't been able to work out regularly or at the intensity I'd like for quite some time). If you can exercise, I highly recommend it, as it always helped me stay on the right track in the past.

As far as eating, I use the Hand-Eye Method: Essentially, two-thirds of my plate at every meal is filled with veggies, one-third with protein, and I add a smidge of fat. I use the same proportions with my two snacks, too. I've become a big fan of roasted vegetables — especially eggplant and yellow and green squash — and I love raw spinach. I did not eat any form of bread the first week, and being the refined-carb queen that I am, I still can't believe I didn't miss it! I drink tons of water and eat berries like they're going out of style. I have to admit that I'm not a stickler for the rules and, still, the Zone plan is working for me!

I just feel better since I've been on this plan. I don't have the same cravings for sugar and chocolate, and even though I often work long hours, I have more energy. And my skin started looking brighter and clearer after the first couple of days, too!"

*Results not typical

MEMBERS GET MORE! See what Dr. Sears Zone Diet Advantage can do for you!

Sonoma Diet Success. Testimonials. Attitude

Diet & Body — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 09:09:00 +0000

More from The Sonoma Diet!

Sonoma Diet

Dr. Guttersen's Tip of the Day

From Sonoma Diet

Attitude is Everything

Do you have an all-or-nothing attitude? If this is you, you're likely to view even a single lapse from The Sonoma Diet - too many calories at dinner, or an unhealthy meal at a restaurant — as a total failure. Try to talk yourself out of these thoughts. Write your negative feelings down in a journal or talk them through with a friend. Most of all, be nice to yourself! You can achieve your health goals. Staying positive will help.

I have lost 30 pounds on the South Beach Diet!

Diet & Body — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 11:12:00 +0000

People following the South Beach Diet change their lives! They become more energetic and gain confidence as they improve their health and lose weight. Read what our members have to say about the South Beach Diet

I am 50 years old but I'm healthier than when I was in my 20s. I have lost 30 pounds on the South Beach Diet! I am exercising, makinggood food choices, and enjoying life to the fullest. And I am wearing a size 8! I am finally comfortable in my own skin.
BabsRN (3305199)

I have had to replace 98 percent of my clothes since I lost 25.5 pounds on the South Beach Diet. I look so good, but best of all, I feel so good.
Michele in Minneapolis (16235161)

I have lost 17 inches. All my clothes are too big for me and I have to go buy new jeans again! I now wear XL shirts instead of 3X. I'm proud of myself. I also know if I buy and eat the right things, I will continue to look and feel good — and that is a great motivation. I have also been getting terrific encouragement from my family and friends, which has been a very positive part of my South Beach Diet experience.
AuntieR (7580138)

I'm really amazed at how much better I feel in the mornings when I wake up, and how much more energy I have during the day now that I'm on the South Beach Diet. I'm really retraining the way I think about food, and I'm enjoying everything I eat.
dawsonsed (2309329)