Weight Loss Success Stories

How I lost 92 pounds

2009-01-30T02:36:00.000-08:00

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

Updated Jan; 30, 2008

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.

Shane: I've lost 126 pounds

2008-01-30T09:21:00.000-08:00

Updated Jan. 29, 2008

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.

Jillian Michaels Weight Loss Success Stories

2008-01-30T03:20:00.000-08:00

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

Updated Jan. 30, 2008

"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 Michaels'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.

97 Pounds Lost With Jillian Michaels

2008-01-29T04:17:00.000-08:00

How Kelly Lost 97 Pounds With Jillian Michaels

Updated Jan. 29, 2008

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

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

92 pounds Lost With Jillian Michaels

2008-01-29T02:24:00.000-08:00

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

Jillian MichaelsProgram: Success Story

Updated Jan. 30, 2008

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.

Jay lost 95 pounds in 90 days

2008-01-24T02:55:00.000-08:00

"Your Rapid Fat Loss e-book really put me on the right course. I have gone from 305 to 279 in 74 days. Your no nonsense plan is extremely easy to follow and the best part is....... IT WORKS!!!!! Thank you for this fantastic information that WILL help me achieve the body of my dreams."

Forever Grateful,

Bill Evans in Seaford Delaware

"I've been lifting weights for 35 years, been in the medical field for 20 years, have been a critical care nurse for 12 years. I am well aware of the nutritional needs of humans, and nearly every theory of dieting ever advanced. I've done most every type of diet. I have never had such an easy time losing so much fat with so little muscle loss in such a short period of time (50 pounds in 2 1/2 months) as I have with Lyle's Rapid Fat Loss Handbook.

In addition, and more importantly, after just one month on the diet, markers of health...blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol, triglycerides, among others...all went from really REALLY horrid to just about perfect. Truly amazing."

David W Cohen, NV

"I purchased Lyle McDonald's Rapid Fat Loss Handbook in hopes of losing a few pounds quickly. The diet did not dissapoint, in just 10 days I lost 7.8 lbs, going from 133 to 125 pounds!"

- Mary Ellen, South Carolina

When you order the Rapid Fat loss Handbook,

You'll Also Recieve Two Bonuses

THE RAPID FAT LOSS HOME EXERCISE PROGRAM

Since not everybody belongs to (or wants to join) a gym, I wanted to provide a simple workout that can be done in the privacy of your own home even if you have no equipment.

Each exercise is described in detail with pictures demonstrating proper form. Beginning and more advanced variations are provided for each exercise.

ONLINE DIET CALCULATOR

Remember when I said that I’ve simplified meal planning for you? Well I’ve gone one step further to ensure you are fully armed with all the tools you need to ensure a successful run of the program. The Rapid Fat Loss Handbook requires you to make a few basic calculations to set up your diet.

While not difficult, I wanted to save you time by providing access to an online calculator that does them all for you. With the Online Diet Calculator, all you’ll need to do is enter some basic information (Weight, height, age etc) and the calculator will provide you with a report that sets the Rapid Fat Loss diet up for you. No math required. You’ll even be presented with food choices and portion size, making diet setup a snap.

Keli Sheds 22 Pounds with GI Diet

2007-12-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

GI Diet: The Secret to Our Success!

By Glenn Mueller
eDiets Senior Writer

Get help losing weight with eDiets

The Glycemic Impact Diet is an appetizing and effective way to get rid of those extra pounds -- and keep them off! But, you don’t have to take our word for it. Instead, listen to the stories of these four women, who experienced the power of this amazing approach first-hand. Keli, Kristine, Cathy and Victoria have lost a combined total of 257 pounds by turning to the Glycemic Impact Diet

Keli Steps Up Her Game: Sheds 22 Pounds!

Since joining eDiets , Keli R. has shed 22 pounds and is now sporting a super-sexy, hard-as-steel physique -- weighing in at 126 pounds.

The 5-foot-8 former volleyball champ was living life in the fast lane until an unexpected bump in the road slowed her right down. Her father needed double-bypass heart surgery, due to a high stress life of eating fast food and being constantly on the road.

Need a diet that'll let you eat filling, tasty foods while you lose weight? We offer 24 personalized plans, including the red-hot carb-smart Glycemic Impact Diet CLICK HERE to fill out a free diet profile.

"At this point I realized I needed to step up my game and get serious about losing weight, getting in shape, and making sure that what I put into my body was really helping it, instead of hurting it,” Keli tells eDiets.

So she clicked to eDiets and began making changes. After filling out a free diet profile at eDiets, she found the Glycemic Impact Diet plan best matched her lifestyle.

“I was convinced that there was no way that I could possibly get to eat all the food that the plan suggested and still lose weight,” she said. “After reading all the articles on the eDiets Web site, though, I realized that it did make sense after all!”

There is no need for deprivation or boredom on Glycemic Impact Diet Keli was eating five to six times a day and enjoying an array of different delicious choices. From the moment she woke up until she went to sleep, she felt satisfied.

“It makes so much sense," she said. "Usually when I hear about diets, there is some aspect of it that I don’t agree with. With the Glycemic Impact Diet , you always maintain a balance among carbs, fats, and proteins -- and you eat every few hours. This is what your body WANTS; it’s what it’s designed to do.

Kristine Adds Healthy Eating Regimen, Subtracts 82 Pounds

Kristine R. didn’t need a calculator to figure out the formula to better health. After subtracting her poor eating habits and adding a healthy dining regimen based on the Glycemic Impact Diet , she became a vision of weight loss success.

I knew I had to get started on this and it was nice to do that in the privacy of my own house!"

Kristine used to think that losing weight meant taking away the foods she loved but, in reality, it was about adding the things she was missing in life. At first, adjusting to this new mentality and lifestyle took some getting used to, but gradually she began to start seeing the benefits and feeling the results.

Making these major transformations in her diet not only triggered weight loss but also an entire lifestyle change for Kristine. For starters, she stopped gorging on fast food late at night and completely eliminated alcohol from her diet.

Kristine now weighs 142 pounds. She only has 10 more pounds to lose to get to her goal weight.

“I had the strength and the motivation to lose all this weight," she says. "I now feel that I can do just about anything. I am going back to school. I got a promotion at work and I am much more outgoing.”

Cathy Gets An Education In Healthy Living!

Although she was only in her late 20s, Cathy C. felt like her life needed a new direction -- and fast. She was terribly overweight and uncomfortable in her own skin. At her lowest point, the 30-year-old was dragging around 253 pounds on her petite 5-foot-5 frame.

Cathy may have learned a great deal through her studies, but it wasn’t until she joined eDiets that she got an education in healthy living. Between Glycemic Impact Diet plan and our team of experts, this determined dieter shed a remarkable 100 pounds, a true achievement for Cathy.

Today, she weighs just 153 pounds and slips comfortably into medium shirts and size 8 pants. Overall, Cathy has done a total 180. Both her personal and professional life have improved by leaps and bounds. Cathy, who works as a public health analyst, says she’s no longer the self-conscious, meek person she once was.

Initially she focused solely on eating healthy. In the beginning, that’s all it took to melt away the pounds. But as time went by, she hit another plateau head on. For months on end, her weight was at a standstill. Feeling frustrated and at the end of her rope, Cathy reached out to eDiets Chief Fitness Pro Raphael Calzadilla and the rest is history.

Raphael helped her establish an effective regimen and recommended she switch over to the Glycemic Impact plan. Cathy took his advice on both accounts. The G.I. plan was convenient and the foods were simple to prepare. In addition, she learned healthy eating habits she can follow forever.

“It really helped to even out my blood sugar levels,” she says. “I had been following a low-carb plan before and it had worked. But when I increased my activity, I needed more carbs. The Glycemic Impact Diet plan helped me learn how to add those back into my diet in a healthy way and kept giving my body the fuel and energy I needed to get through the day and get through my workouts.”

This past fall, Cathy started running 5K road races. These days she’s focused on boosting her strength and continuing to run. In retrospect, Cathy attributes her incredible success to the help of Raphael. When she was at her lowest, the fitness guru who counsels thousands of eDiets members took her under his wing.

“I’ve told Raphael I can’t believe he’s helped me as much as he has. He sensed I was frustrated and on the edge of walking away. He helped pull me back in. All the experts I had interaction with were really willing to help.

Victoria: Dancing Diva Gets Her Groove Back

Since signing up for the eDiets Glycemic Impact Diet and losing 53 pounds, Victoria has quit smoking, stopped getting sick and quit wearing size-16 clothes.

Today, the 5-foot-six Floridian revels in her new size-8 figure. Her energy has sky-rocketed, and her body, which transformed from 215 pounds to an incredible 162 pounds, is stronger and healthier than ever.

The former dancer’s weight struggle commenced when her intensely active lifestyle slowed. She went from being a dancing diva on her toes 10 hours a day to sitting stationery behind a desk, lucky to get four hours of exercise a week. It got so she could hardly recognize herself in the mirror.

Fortunately, discipline was not a problem for the determined dieter. Her mind was set on being healthy and nothing would stop her. She found what she needed in the eDiets Glycemic Impact Diet plan. There was no turning back!

Victoria had no problem adjusting to her new Glycemic Impact Diet plan. The low glycemic-impact foods helped sustain her energy throughout the day and avoid the swings she had encountered from consuming caffeine.

She was able to control her carbohydrate cravings, but liked that she didn’t have to give them up completely. Victoria also loved that there were no special foods involved and that she was able to eat several times a day. She never felt deprived.

"I like the variety of the meals and all the different things that you can do with them," she said. "The recipes are great -- the fact that you can substitute some prepackaged meals, which are nice when I go to workout."

Now that you've read what the Glycemic Impact Diet plan can do, why not get your own personalized meal plan here at eDiets ?

Since starting Medifast I have lost 111 pounds

2007-11-14T04:43:00.000-08:00

Laura Smith

The best thing about Medifast is that I haven't felt deprived!

My name is Laura and I went to see a movie today. That may not seem like a big deal to the average person, but it was a big deal to me. In the past, whenever I went to a movie, a restaurant, or on an airplane, there was this constant fear that I would not fit in the seat. If I did bring myself to go to a movie, my hips would be sore from being squished in the seat. On an airplane, I could sense the dread when someone realized that he had to sit next to me bubbling over in to his space. Today, I went to a movie and slid comfortably in my seat. It felt great!!!!

I have struggled with my weight my entire life. My major obstacle has always been motivation. No matter how much I'd psych myself up for my latest diet attempt, the weight always came off too slowly and I'd get frustrated and find myself raiding the fridge rather than facing the disappointment of the scale. With Medifast, I started seeing significant results from week one! That was enough to keep me going another week, and another, and another, as I watched the pounds and the inches slip away. Soon I found myself actually looking forward to "weigh day" and that was enough to keep me from straying from the plan.

Since starting Medifast I have lost 111 pounds. I feel great! I went from a size 22 to a size 4. I feel fantastic, both physically and mentally. Besides the normal back, joint and ankle pain that comes from being overweight so long, I was starting to develop other serious health problems as well. The food that I was eating was providing me with no nutrition – it was all junk. I was extremely anemic. Since starting Medifast, my energy has increased and my iron levels have increased dramatically. I am healthier now than I have been in years.

Before I discovered Medifast, I'd tried countless diets, went to nutritionists, I even attended a gastric bypass seminar and was in the process of working with my insurance company and doctors to get the procedure done. Then I found Medifast. The program was different, offered success stories, and a plan I thought just might work for me. It did, and I'm so glad.

The best thing about Medifast is that I haven't felt deprived! Every few hours I get to have something to nourish my body. Every Sunday, I put 5 packets in plastic bags for each day of the week. Each day I pick a bag and that is what I have for the day. I don't have to make any choices. I don't have to count calories, and I don't have to tally points. It is so simple!

My life has totally changed. Before, I wouldn't go out of the house unless I had to. When I would get dressed, I wore clothes that would hide as much of me as possible. I would hunch over and try to be invisible. This wasn't too difficult; people don't like looking at fat people. Now, I have begun looking in the mirror, although I am still a bit uncomfortable with the new me. I am able to wear more flattering clothing. I put makeup on. There are so many things that I have missed out on because of the shame of my weight. Now, I even suggest going out – which shocks my family! I feel like I have a new chance at life. I feel like the real me is emerging. I have hopes and dreams and actually plan for the future, rather than just obsessing about what I am going to have to eat next.

Soon I will be getting ready to move in to the maintenance phase of the program. This is scary but also very exciting. I have spent the last couple of months investigating healthy food options. With the help of the Medifast web site, I have created a plan to add regular food to my diet but will continue to use Medifast as a meal replacement for at least one meal a day. I also know that I have Medifast to fall back on for the rest of my life. If I find that my weight is increasing, I will always have enough Medifast to jump back on the program and get back in line. I also plan to keep visiting the Medifast web site for the message board, support materials and just plain inspiration.

I am turning 40 this year. I am ready for the new phase of my life to begin!!!! Thank you SO much Medifast!!!!

*Medifast makes no claim that this result is representative of all patients on the Medifast program. For many dieters, weight loss is only temporary.

Sexy Pin-Up Sheds 60 lbs.

2007-10-29T05:38:00.000-07:00

By Kim Droze
eDiets Contributor

Super-sexy Cindy Margolis makes her living in the limelight. So when she packed on 60 pounds during her last pregnancy, the famous actress/Internet pin-up model knew she had to take the proper measures to ensure she lost the extra weight in a safe, effective manner -- not to mention one that complemented her super-busy lifestyle.

SPECIAL OFFER: Introducing the new eDiets DeliciouslyYours program 5-day "Weekends Off" plan! Take the weekend off and still lose weight! Plus, get a FREE eDiets membership! Click for details.

Cindy wanted a well-balanced program that was quick, easy and offered delicious meals. Her expectations may sound high, but she found exactly what she was looking for in the eDiets DeliciouslyYours at-home delivery program. Cindy, fit 'n fine at 40, loves the foods prepared by a seasoned chef and experienced dietitian.

Having regained her fabulous physique, Cindy is now talking about her DeliciouslyYours experience and the meal program that worked wonders. In this exclusive, she sits down for a one-on-one with eDiets.

Cindy Margolis, actress
Age: 40
Weight: 125 lbs.
Height: 5'7"

I know you used eDiets DeliciouslyYours to shed weight after your pregnancy. Are you still doing a low-carb diet?
I am. Believe it or not, I gained almost 60 pounds during my pregnancy! Getting back into shape took me several months. The hardest challenge was REALIZING that my body didn't get out of shape overnight -- so I had to stop expecting it to get back to in shape overnight.

They say it takes nine months to have a baby and nine months to get your body back. So that was my goal. With patience, keeping with my low-carb healthy diet and exercise, I got back to my pre-pregnancy weight.

Did your husband also enjoy DeliciouslyYours?
Guy had "sympathy cravings" while I was pregnant and almost gained as much weight as I did! So we both went on a DeliciouslyYours diet together.

We love to walk and ride bikes. It's a lot more fun dieting and getting in shape together. I am also happy to say that Guy is now back to his desired weight as well.

Do you eat healthy meals at home?
That's the beauty of DeliciouslyYours as you get delicious healthy meals delivered to your doorstep.

What do you usually order when you eat out or are on the go?
I'm not a big vegetable fan, but I do love salad! So I'll usually order a great salad with a piece of turkey, chicken or fish.

Was it hard to maintain the DeliciouslyYours diet? What advice do you have for other moms who might be considering doing DeliciouslyYours diet to shed post-pregnancy pounds?
I know it's hard, but being healthy is not just for you. Keeping yourself healthy and fit is also a gift you give your family and that precious baby you just brought into this world.

A low-carb diet is a great healthy lifestyle for your whole family. Along with a low-carb diet, losing weight can be as simple as taking a walk every day, swimming a couple laps in the pool after work, or even taking a 20-minute bike ride with your baby in the morning.

If you do things you LIKE to do anyway and incorporate them into your daily routine, then being fit with a healthy low-carb diet becomes a part of who you are!

How do you manage to eat healthy and maintain your weight despite your hectic schedule?
Following the DeliciouslyYours program and exercising are very important, and I make it a priority to find the time. Being fit and eating healthy is something you decide to do for life. Eating healthy some of the time and trying to spot reduce specific muscle groups is a bad plan.

Not only will it not work forever, but it's just not the way to a fit body or lasting health. I can't stress this enough to find low-carb foods you enjoy and choose an activity you like doing -- swimming, biking, tennis or whatever -- and make it a part of your every day routine. It's never too late to start!

What kind of exercise do you do on a regular basis?
As I said, exercise is very important, and I make it a priority to find the time. However, I don't have a strict exercise routine, and I am probably less disciplined than most of you who are reading this article.

Along with my DeliciouslyYours program, I do low-impact aerobics three times a week. I have a treadmill, bicycle and weight machine at my house. I also love to go walking in the hills where I live.

Is it hard being on the eDiets DeliciouslyYours program when you are invited to parties, fundraisers, etc.?
No, because everyone in Hollywood cares about how they look. There are a lot of celebrities on the DeliciouslyYours program. Beauty is something you are born with -- health is not.

A great hairstyle, nice make-up and a stylish outfit will make you look good, but it doesn't make you healthy. However, exercise and eating well will make you beautiful both inside and out.

If you are inspired by Cindy and want to learn more about eDiets DeliciouslyYours, click here to complete a free personal profile.

Your Own Personal Chef

2007-10-12T07:56:00.001-07:00

Guaranteed Weight Loss with Your Own Personal Chef. "Lose 10lbs in 4 weeks. "

I'm an old injured athlete that has gained more weight then I should. My career as a DoD consultant hasn't been very helpfully; needless to say has been very busy. I've had some very hectic hours over the last several years, sometimes spending up to 16 hours in the office. Granted that wouldn't be bad if I lived close to my DC office, but I live on Maryland's Eastern Shore. My biggest problem was getting home at 8, 9 or 10PM and having dinner, working through lunch and having a bagel or McDonald's breakfast sandwich on the drive to work. With the lack of a healthy diet, sufficient exercise and meals eaten at appropriate intervals my weight went up.

My wife tried Nutri-System but from what I saw it was less appetizing than my MREs (Meal's Ready To Eat) when I served in the military. I wanted something healthy and fresh and my sister-in-law turned me onto your website. Funny thing is as soon as my wife saw what I was having for dinner she canceled Nutri-System and joined diet-to-go.

Since starting my "Its time to eat right diet," I've enjoyed your diet-to-go 1600 calorie diet plan. Most importantly I now take lunch and dinner to work, so I can eat healthy at appropriate hours.
Several of my colleagues have noticed the difference (34 pounds so far) at least a half dozen have asked for your information. At this point at least four colleagues are now on various diet-to-go menu plans because they've seen proven results, not to mention they've seen some of the
meals I've been able to have while on a diet.

My target weight is 210 (back when I use to be a power lifter) . . . so I have a bit to go, but I'm sure with exercise, my wife's support and your assistance I'll reach that goal in the future.

-Ken Huddleston

With Atkins from 218 to 139 pounds

2007-10-03T03:17:00.000-07:00

How I Ate Great, Lost 79 lbs!

Judy G. and Judy Garland have something in common: both spent a long time trekking the mystical Yellow Brick Road while searching for magical answers to their problems.

Judy Garland's fabled search ended when The Wizard of Oz finished shooting. But for Judy G., the search for weight loss answers went on far too long, ending only when she summoned up the brains, heart and courage to seek the help of eDiets.

The slimmed-down Judy G. -- who dropped a sensational 79 pounds -- is happy at home in Tennessee. The fab-looking 43-year-old vows no more Weight Watchers, liquid diets or fads ever again. She's at a healthy weight and she's staying there... with the help of eDiets and the Atkins Diet.

All of Judy's previous weight-loss efforts proved to be forks in the road to wellness. Our "Dorothy" reckons she spent nearly three decades trying to finally discover wizardry won't work.

Since adopting the low-carb lifestyle last year, Judy has watched her weight drop from 218 to 139 pounds. Instead of struggling to fit into size-18 clothes, 5-foot-6 Judy now slips into a size 8 with ease. The best part: This determined dieter didn't have to go looking somewhere over the rainbow to find her weight-loss solution. Nope, Judy found that when it came to losing weight properly, there's no place like home.

In a bit of a plot twist, it wasn't until hubby George started doing Atkins that Judy followed suit. Initially, she tried to go it alone by purchasing Atkins for Life (St. Martin's Press). Doing things by the book helped Judy drop 28 pounds. But then George discovered the Atkins Nutritional Approach powered by eDiets. It was everything they needed wrapped in one neat package. Judy signed up for her membership last November. George has lost 20 pounds.

"eDiets' Atkins Diet is the only way to go," Judy tells eDiets. "The book is good, but eDiets gives you portions."

With the eDiets personalized plan, Judy had weekly menus, recipes, shopping lists and many other weapons to use in her war on weight. Judy declared her latest effort a lifestyle change... one she intended to maintain for life. That meant altering the poor eating habits she blamed for her extra weight. Judy bravely waved farewell to the breads, pastas and other heavily processed foods that had been dragging her down.

The first big change was to add breakfast to her daily regimen. In the morning she often enjoyed three hardboiled eggs and an Atkins Diet shake. For lunch, she might have meat and cheese roll-ups. Come dinnertime, she and George feasted on a tasty recipe from the eDiets database. All Atkins Diet recipes can be easily altered to upsize the number of servings.

In time, Judy recognized that she was no longer under the spell of emotional eating. It was a nasty habit she traced back to the age of 9 and the time her sister passed away. Once she changed the way she looked at food, she no longer turned to eating for comfort.

"I eat to live, I don't live to eat," Judy says. "I don't get any joy out of eating. I don't get comfort. It doesn't make me feel better. I can enjoy a nice meal but my sole focus in life isn't ‘what's my next meal?' A lot of times I have to remind myself to eat."

Exercise was something Judy didn't have to remind herself to do. Physical activity has become a priority for Judy and her husband. Some nights they bike as many as 11 miles. She has no problem walking on the treadmill three times a week for a full hour. She also gets plenty of exercise from tending to her 10 acres of land.

There are nights this like-minded couple won't sit down until 8 p.m. New hobbies include boating and the restoration of an '81 Fiat. Since losing their spare tires, the dynamic duo has a new lease on life. Judy says she's come a long way from the days when her health was deteriorating from the extra weight.

"The weight was hurting me," she notes. "I had a bad back. I couldn't walk for any length of time. I couldn't run. I was out of breath. Everything was harder. I was actually diagnosed with mild incremental asthma and told it would only get worse if I didn't lose weight. Plus diabetes runs in my family.

"I'm not getting any younger and my husband and I want to enjoy life. But I couldn't do it at that weight."

Having George and Atkins Diet on her side proved to be a great recipe for success. For an extra helping of motivation, Judy used the eDiets chat rooms to interact when the urge struck. Once she started losing, Judy found it was just as easy to give advice as it was to receive.

When people ask her what diet she used to lose 79 pounds, Judy explains she's never been on a diet. For her, the Atkins Nutritional Approach is a lifestyle change. She's gotten rid of her old clothes and replaced them with a figure-flattering new wardrobe.

Her new goal: to enjoy the Golden Years with George in the healthiest, happiest manner possible.

Need a diet that'll let you eat filling, tasty foods while you lose weight? eDiets offers 22 personalized plans, including low-carb options.

21 Pounds Lost with Glycemic Impact Diet

2007-09-02T05:23:00.000-07:00

Sexy Kerry's Back in Bikini Shape!

By Kim Droze
eDiets Contributor

Want to lose weight? eDiets can get you moving in the right direction. We have 25 fantastic programs personalized to your liking.

It wasn't that long ago curvy Kerry P. yearned for the days she could slip into her itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini and confidently stroll down a sandy South Florida beach.

Although naturally thin most of her life, the bubbly beach bunny saw her body shape change for the worst from fast-food lunches, late-night pizza runs and a lack of exercise.

The unhealthy habits came with a hefty price tag. Kerry's belly bulged and her clothes tightened. She was miserable at 130 pounds. Yes, 130 pounds doesn't sound all that bad. But on Kerry's petite 5'1" frame, the extra weight was enough to make her uncomfortable... especially since she worked in the weight-loss industry. She was well aware that she wasn't practicing what she preached.

"I saw someone I used to work with and they asked if I just had a baby," she recalls. "Another acquaintance of mine hit me in the stomach and asked what was going on. Then I couldn't find any clothes to wear one day."

It was enough to add insult to injury. As an employee for eDiets, dieting was constantly on her mind. Just like the millions of people who turn to the online weight-loss program for help, the 31-year-old professional had her own pounds-shedding plight.

It wasn't just the guilt of working for eDiets -- Kerry also had a background in exercise physiology.

It was simply a matter of putting the right resources to work for her.

In Kerry's case, she had everything she needed right in front of her eyes. With 24 personalized diets to choose from at eDiets, she wasn't short on options. Kerry needed a plan that would cater to her busy lifestyle and that plan proved to be eDiets' Glycemic Impact Diet. In just five months, she made the amazing transformation from flab to fab. Today, she's maintaining her 21-pound loss at 109 pounds.

Before she got started, she consulted with eDiets' Chief Fitness Pro Raphael Calzadilla. After looking at her likes and dislikes, they came up with a plan best suited for her.

"Raphael told me I needed to eat more frequently throughout the day," she says. "I wanted something that was balanced and simple at the same time. I wanted to eat more healthy foods."

The next step was putting her lifestyle under renovation. There were plenty of things that had to change. For starters, preparation was crucial. She could no longer fly by the seat of her pants. Instead, she used the eDiets menus to plan ahead. For the most part, Kerry preferred her plan to be pretty much uniform. She admits not overloading her food with salt and butter was a change she had to get used to.

A major move for Kerry was cutting back on Diet Coke. She limited herself to two a day. The rest of the time she drank water. After a couple weeks, she noticed a dramatic change in her energy level, which gave her the push she needed to get moving. She again consulted with Raphael, this time on the workout that would be best for her.

No stranger to fitness, Kerry joined a new gym when she started her weight-loss endeavors. She started going to the gym a minimum of three times a week, where she would do 30 minutes of cardio. She quickly moved up to 45 minutes. Kerry also incorporated strength-raining into her workout. Two months into her program, she also started running on a regular basis.

Initially, Kerry noticed that since she hadn't been exercising on a regular basis, her endurance and strength had decreased. As she began working out, it wasn't long before she was back at the top of her game. In addition to her regular workout schedule, she also started experimenting with other activities like martial arts classes and beach volleyball.

"I feel a lot more confident and a lot happier, I can focus on other things. I realize that I really like doing physical activities and playing sports. I'm doing a lot of fun things today that I wouldn't have had fun with six months ago. I have a lot of new interests."

Seeing the fruits of her labor kept Kerry moving full speed ahead. However that wasn't her only motivation. Having Raphael as her "coach" also kept her motivated. Even though she didn't see him on a regular basis, they communicated via email whenever she had questions or needed a dose of encouragement.

"Raphael was very knowledgeable and I didn't want to let him down," Kerry says. "It was nice having someone to be accountable to. It was definitely nice to have someone to call and say 'hey, I can't do this anymore' and have them to tell you 'yes you can.'"

These days her focus is more on maintaining. She continues to follow a balanced meal plan and stay active. Both physically and mentally she has never felt better.

"I feel like I can hang out in my bikini all day long and not feel embarrassed."

Are you ready to become eDiets next success story? With 25 incredible customizable diets, you'll drop pounds and better your health. Click here to join today.

Bob Finds Time to Eat Healthier

2007-08-06T04:57:00.001-07:00

From Sonoma Diet

Think you can't find time to eat healthier? Sometimes it takes just a few minutes to put fresh, nutritious food on the table. If you're having trouble getting motivated, remember that your time investment will have a major payoff: a healthier you! Here's what one member has to say about changing his eating habits:

"If you only take time to think about what you're eating when you're looking at the menu board at the fast-food drive-thru, it's time to start making some healthier choices. Ancient civilizations devoted the vast majority of their existence to the search for food! That means you can spend 20 minutes in the kitchen to cook more flavorful meals with a better nutritional balance. The payoff is that you'll achieve a healthier weight."

The Sonoma Diett makes it easy to cook healthy, delicious food! Get into the kitchen and on the way to weight loss today.

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

Assemble, Don't Cook

If you can't stand the idea of slaving over a hot stove, try cold dishes that you can create with a minimal amount of work. Bagged prewashed greens and cooked pieces of chicken breast make for a quick salad. For a snack, try hummus and pieces of whole wheat pita bread. Take a peek inside your fridge — you may not have to stop at the stove on the way to the table!

The best $39 I have ever spent

2007-08-06T04:54:00.000-07:00

The Truth About Abs Success Stories

Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer
Founder - Truth About Abs

I get emails all the time from people all over the world that are using my Truth About Abs system and getting killer results. Today, I just wanted to share with you a couple that I received recently...

Mike,

I have been on your program for the last three or four weeks. All I can say is WOW! I have been body building for well over 20 years and I can honestly say that you have allowed me to break out of what I call the classical mess of weight lifting.

I have made some great gains and I am well on my way to being in the best shape of my life at 39 years of age. I get a kick out of the Guys at the gym when they see me perform some of your exercises. They often come up and ask what I am doing.

I just tell them, as I struggle to regain my breath, "I'm just mixing it up a bit" and then watch them as they go back and waste their time with biceps curls for the next half hour.

Now I'm trying to get my wife onboard using your program as well. Thank you so much for doing what you do and keep the emails coming. This is the best $39 I have ever spent. Thanks,

Luis A., Dallas, Texas

MG: Congrats Luis on breaking out of your rut! I know what you mean about people at the gym intrigued by the unique exercises in my program... I get that all the time at my gym as well.

Hi Mike. Just wanted to let you know, your interval and weight training methods in your ebook are working perfect! Before i got your ebook, i could see my six pack abs a little bit. After a few weeks on your workouts, i can now see lines on the side of my stomach and my abs appearing even more visibly. I still have a little fat, but not much at all. Thanks!

Andreas B., Denmark

Mike,

Before I started with the program I weighed 80kg and my waist size was 42 inches. After 11 weeks I still weigh 80kg but my waist size is now 35 inches. A loss of 7 inches in 11 weeks! Since my weight stayed about the same, that means I gained muscle while losing 7 inches of fat from my waist!

My strength and energy are also improving each week and I'm lifting heavier weights as I progress. Family and friends that haven't seen me in weeks can't believe how much leaner and slimmer I look now.

Imtiaz G., UK

MG: As an update, Imtiaz just recently emailed me letting me know that he has lost another 1 inch from his waist... now a grand total of 8 inches lost bringing him down to a svelte 34 inch waist... Great job Imtiaz! You're a perfect example of what everyone can achieve by actually applying the information in the program.

Hi Mike!

I started your workouts last week, and surprisingly, I can already see some positive changes to my body! I definitely feel these working me better than anything else I've tried. I really like the interesting way that you turn a weights workout into a cardio workout as well. I can see already that if I keep on doing this progressively, I'll surely have my old body shape back in no time :)

Ok catch you soon. Thanks again Mike, you're superb!

-Ellin Hazrin, Kingsford, Australia

Sitcom Star Beat The Binge

2007-07-31T04:07:00.001-07:00

By Glenn Mueller
eDiets Senior Writer

EDITOR'S NOTE: We don't like to brag BUT eDiets has again earned a Forbes BEST of the WEB ranking. To check out this "Forbes Favorite" -- and to get the support and assistance you need to drop those extra pounds -- click here. Act now and get it all for just $2.99 per week… that's 40% off our regular price!

It may be called The Bernie Mac Show, but Kellita Smith has played a large part in making this Fox series one of the most popular, award-winning shows on television for the past three years. Kellita also happens to be the reason so many male viewers tune in week after week!

On the show, Kellita plays the role of Wanda Mac, Bernie's wife and the female guardian to his sister's children. Her role as the sexy aunt recently earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination for best actress in a comedy.

"I feel warmed and appreciated that my talents are being recognized," Kellita tells eDiets. As for her outrageously funny co-star, she says, "Bernie is fantastic to work with. He always comes to the set ready to play." Kellita says it is also a pleasure to work on a cast where three of the leading characters are children. "When children act, they have to be born to do it," she says. "Fortunately, these kids were. They really get it."

Now, this popular television actress is taking her talents to the big screen. Kellita has leading roles in two upcoming features. In Beauty Shop, she and Mo'Nique play estranged sisters who come together for the common cause of money, and, ultimately, for the love of family as well. Kellita will also be starring opposite Anthony Anderson in King's Ransom, a film she describes as "a kind of Boomerang meets The War of the Roses."

Kellita didn't fall into fame. Before landing the role on The Bernie Mac Show, she had recurring roles on Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, Sister, Sister, Malcolm & Eddie and Nash Bridges. Her previous film credits also include Kingdom Come, The Crossing Guard and House Party III.

Believe it or not, this sexy actress whose sizzling photos have graced the pages of Maxim's Stuff and Esquire admits that she once struggled with emotional eating. In fact, Kellita lost a substantial amount of weight between the second and third seasons of The Bernie Mac Show. Low-carbohydrate eating was the secret to her weight loss, but she says she tried to stay realistic to what she could handle.

"In the past, I have been too extreme," she says. "Then, I would binge, and it would all be over. This time, I tried to make healthy eating a way of life."

Though she didn't follow a particular diet plan, Kellita limited her intake of complex carbohydrates. She did suffer cravings for bread, which she satisfied by eating a less-refined form of wheat bread known as spelt. "Sometimes you just need to chew on bread," she says.

Though she had to stop eating french fries and pancakes, Kellita still maintains a passion for her favorite food: birthday cake. "Now, I have it as an occasional indulgence," she says. "A slice of white cake with butter cream icing is my favorite."

Kellita stays in shape with an active lifestyle. She does an hour of Pilates and an hour of spinning at least three days a week… five if her schedule permits. "Being active just makes me feel better," she says. "I have to get that side of me out. She needs to live."

Other hobbies include fencing, tennis and Tae Kwon Do. "When I was an unemployed artist, I had to keep my sanity," Kellita says. "The martial arts helped me keep focused and center into something." Fortunately for her fans, it doesn't look like Kellita will be unemployed again anytime soon.

"Though I'm more established in television, I also enjoy working in film because it is more internal," she says. "Those subtle moments really come across on the big screen."

Her first love remains the stage. Smith won an NAACP Theater Award for Best Supporting Actress in The Hudson Theater production of Feelings. "There is just nothing like live theater," she says. "I try to do it every summer. I am itching to do a one-woman show."

Kellita used her theater training to benefit the Women of Essence Breast Cancer Support Group. "This is an organization that fell in my lap," she says. "I hosted a luncheon for them three years ago." Kellita says she really connected with the warrior spirit that many of these women had. "I got the idea from The Vagina Monologues to put some of their stories on stage," she says. Through her stage benefit, Smith raised $20,000 for the group in one night.

Kellita has also founded her own production company, Strange Fruit, to cultivate film and theater projects.

Our featured celebrity was born in Chicago, raised in Oakland and currently resides in Los Angeles, where she just purchased a new home. She still maintains strong ties to Oakland though. "All of my family and friends are in Oakland," she says.

In spite of her increasingly demanding schedule, Kellita stays motivated to work out and eat healthy. "I'm addicted to the results," she says. "I still have the addictive personality, but I have changed the addictions. I guess I am growing up."

Become addicted to your own results! Get started on the road to lasting weight loss with eDiets. We can help you sculpt a leaner and healthier new you! Visit eDiets to get started.

I have kept the weight off

2007-07-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

Guaranteed Weight Loss with Your Own Personal Chef. Lose 10lbs in 4 weeks.

2 years ago, I felt horrible. I suffered from tension headache and hurt all the time. I decided I needed to do something about it and felt that losing weight would be key to feeling better. I found Diet-to-go online and ordered my meals. I started with 1600 calories a day and after a few months switched to 1200. After I had lost about 30 pounds I added walking and not long after that, I added strength training.

I am thrilled to say that I no longer suffer from a daily tension headache, I feel great, I have kept the weight off, and I love to go shopping for clothes, something that I really hated before!
-Darla, Denver, IA

You helped me save my life

2007-07-27T03:05:00.000-07:00

Guaranteed Weight Loss with Your Own Personal Chef. Lose 10lbs in 4 weeks.

Let's see, do you have enough space for all that has happened since I have lost my weight so far? When I started this program on May 6, 2005 I weighed 281.1 lbs. I was having severe back and knee problems to the point I was having to go to the emergency room. Now since I am a CT Tech in a hospital and work mainly out of the ER, you can imagine the last place I want to go on my time off is back to work..haha. Well, I finally reached my bottom emotionally and decided I needed to do something about it. Technically, I qualified for the BARIATRIC surgery but having seen several friends have it and have complications from it (including one dying), I decided that as long as I can walk, then I can do something about my weight. I knew what had worked in the past for me and realized that it was when I was living at home and my parents cooked our meals that made it so successful. I don't like to cook and it never made sense to cook for one person.

I researched the internet for programs that provided my food for me. I really wanted one that had real food rather than processed food. My sister sent me your website because she had heard of it from a friend. I read and read and thought about it and came to the conclusion that this was probably the one for me. Boy was I right!!

The food is fantastic and I love the fact that I don't have to cook or clean up! I can tell you that in the 1 1/2 yrs that I have been losing weight, I haven't had problems with my knees or back, my feet and lower legs don't swell, I am exercising and now even training for the Walt Disney Half Marathon in speed walking! Next goal will be a mini triathlon. I have tried rock climbing...and even made it up to the top of the wimp wall (the easiest one). It was so weird, when I started that climb, my fat self was saying that there is no way that I can climb it but my new skinnier self was saying yes I can because I am healthier now and I was right. I now have men looking at me, flirting with me and that is so foreign. I have been heavy pretty much all of my life and never really got the guy's attention. I haven't quite figured out how to handle it yet, but is sure is fun trying... Everyday, someone either at work or when I am out and about, will make a comment on how great I am doing.

I absolutely feel 1000% different and better physically, mentally and emotionally. Well, you know, I could go on and on and on but I think you get the drift. Thank you so much for the service you provide!! I am not going to say you saved my life, but you helped me save my life.
- Valerie S., Pensacola, Fla

Dropping 79 pounds is enough to make anyone smile

2007-07-25T03:45:00.000-07:00

Erin L. knows the truth behind what it takes to maintain lasting weight loss. Instead of deciding to just lose weight, she made up her mind to transform her life. The last time eDiets caught up with her, she shed some light on what it took to lose an incredible 79 pounds. In this eDiets exclusive, the 5-foot-8 inspiration explains how she managed to stay commitment to being healthy and keep herself in good physical shape despite moving to the other side of the world.

I Lost 79 lbs, Found a New Life!
Check out our smiling featured success, Erin L... Dropping 79 pounds is enough to make anyone crack a smile, but Erin is overjoyed because she lost the weight, then found a great new life.

Since the day Erin decided to make health a priority in her life, she's gone full force to make it happen. She took advantage of all the tools eDiets offers.

"I've been with eDiets for almost four years now. What's really kept me going is the support," Erin said. "Knowing that if I can't figure out what I want to make for dinner, I can just pull up eDiets and find a recipe that's healthy and good, has made all the difference. It's the same for exercise, I ca

n always go to the fitness part or I can go to Raphael (eDiets' Chief Fitness Pro) and email him.

"eDiets has so many tools that are just really great. I can call nutrition support if I need help with my calories or I can call fitness support or use the online chat meetings."

One thing this super sexy mother-of-two is not afraid of is a good challenge. She not only is an active member of the support boards, but also is involved in a variety of eDiets challenge.

eDiets has great ways for you to eat healthy, lose weight and take control of your health. With our 24/7 online support, we're there whenever you need us for inspiration and support. Get help losing weight with eDiets.com

"I moderate the Close to Goal board. I also moderated and ran a team with the Low Carb challenge, which is now Healthy Carb challenge, and I've gone back to the Ultimate Challenge to help my friend out. I'm also part of the Ladies in Waiting on the creative challenge."

Throughout her journey, she's faced countless obstacles, all of which played a major part in her incredible transformation. Her participation in the challenges reflect her will to stay at the top her game. Currently, she's taking on one of the hardest she's ever had to face, moving to Southeast Asia.

"The lifestyle here is very different from that of the United States. At first, sticking to my plan was difficult because in the states the government, FDA, requires nutrition labels," notes Erin, "whereas here it's not required, which makes it really hard to choose food here.

"One of the first things I did when I moved here is have someone teach me how to read the nutrition labels in the Thai products that do have them so that I could make better choices."

Erin is not afraid to admit that adjusting to her new home has taken some getting used to. The stress of moving and having her routine messed up as well as being disconnected to her friends and family did lead her through some occasional downs, and it temporarily sent her back to her old reliance on food and emotional eating.

Even though her weight has fluctuated a bit, she called on her eDiets comrades for support and continued on, following the same winning formula that had worked in the past. And she never quit. Although, she admits, it's taken some major trial and error.

"A lot of the food is fried or cooked in coconut oil. And when you think you are eating something good for you, you breakdown the ingredients and say 'Holy MOLY Cow OLY' -- like the green chicken curry. You look at it, and it looks pretty decent, but when you realize that the base of the curry is coconut milk. Eeek, talk about hidden calories."

On the other side of the spectrum, Erin has learned a lot of healthy positives from her new-fangled Thai neighbors' cuisine. Thai restaurants in the United States give much larger portions that those in her new home.

"Here you order something and it's about 1/2 to 1/3 less. I have to say, that fresh veggies and fruits here are awesome. So, on that part of dieting and eating healthy, it's pretty easy.

"Also, since eDiets has so many different recipes, it's really helped me stay on track. I've found that I haven't had many problems making most of the recipes in my plan. I can find most of the ingredients or find substitutes for them."

She's also found some major disparities in the fitness lifestyles between the two different parts of the world.

"It's not all about convenience. Only the very wealthy tend to have cars. Most people either drive motorcycles or bicycles or they walk. In the States, there's a gym on every corner, but here they are just now starting to get into fitness."

Getting used to exercise outside a gym can be difficult for anybody who's grown accustomed to working out in a fitness facility, but the adjustment can be particularly challenging for a personal trainer.

"I've had to put my personal training, temporarily, on hold. Since, I can't really work here for money, I actually try and train my friends free of charge here," says Erin.

"I have found many ways to stay in shape. I walk, run and ride my bike everywhere I go. I do resistance training in my house. I have adjustable weights, resistant tubes, and I have my exercise ball."

New country, new foods, new language, new lifestyle and a whole set of new challenges led Erin to find new solutions. This motivated slimming sensation has become a pro at developing the mental and physical muscles it takes to continually overcome life's never-ending adversities.

"It's motivating to be able to do things with my children that I couldn't do when I was 227 pounds. I kick the soccer ball with my 11-year-old and had a water gun fight with my 2-year-old. This is stuff that I could never have done before.

"To see all the positive changes I've done on my body, it's just kept me so positive. I truly have to say that ediets is what has kept me going... I have made so many friends. I tell my teammates, when they are about to give up to hold on, just pick yourself up, brush off and get going again."

The 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? Get help losing weight with eDiets.com