Hi all,

I have not been around here for several years, and with the new year upon us I wanted to stop by and encourage everyone who is tackling the extra weight. It's not easy but it can be done.

I went into The Zone in 2000 after seeing my horrible Before picture (just posted it and the "now picture" in the Success Gallery), did a modified plan for a couple of years, and took out an ongoing annual membership in a ladies' gym so I wouldn't back out after a trial period.

I'm now enjoying a borderline vegan diet (although I still occasionally indulge in shrimp, scallops or crab -- my "Now" pic was taken at a sushi bar...) which really seems to agree with my body.

I am utterly addicted to Fitday.com, which is a godsend, because I can plug in my exercise numbers and track the calories, fat, protein and carbs.

I've never felt better, and have to say that going low carb really kickstarted me into a healthier lifestyle. Beer and sugar were my nemesis. Now I have red wine with meals if I have anything at all.

Thanks to a lot of encouragement from these forums, I'm now at a healthy weight for my age and height, and I'm probably going to low-carb it again this summer to shave off the last couple of pesky pounds.

Even though I don't really fit the lifelong low-carber profile, it really has helped me become aware of what I put into my engine, and I'm now burning fat a lot more efficiently than I used to and I wake up most days full of energy.

Best of all, my formerly obese husband has been inspired to cut out alcohol and sugar of any description and to take up a strenuous daily hike that has shaved many pounds off his hefty frame. He's melting down to the gorgeous man I married 20 years ago, and feeling so much better because of the changes he's made in his habits.

Just wanted to stop in and say hello and to encourage everyone to keep up the good work.

Mrs. Y

Congratulations on finding what worked or you!