Diets are never one-size-fits-all. The following women tried just about every weight-loss program before they finally found one well suited to their personality and lifestyle. Could the wrong plan be thwarting your efforts? Before you count one more carb or buy another guru's book, read these inspiring success stories.
Sharon Warren, age 43
Retail jewelry salesperson, Elwood, N.J.; married, three children
Height: 5' 3"
Weight lost: 81 pounds (before, 206; after, 125)
Her diet history: "I've been on a diet practically my whole life," says Sharon. "The worst was a low-carb plan. I had a steak for breakfast every morning, plus a lot of bacon and eggs. Not surprisingly, it didn't work for very long. I've always been most successful with old-fashioned calorie counting, but I make a lot of casseroles for my family, and it's just too much work to look up every ingredient."
What finally worked: DietPower nutrition software ($39.99 at
www.dietpower.com).
DietPower calculates the calories you need to reach your weight-loss goal within a certain time. It also computes how much fiber, vitamins, and minerals you've consumed.
"It was a godsend," says Sharon. "We have a computer in the kitchen, so inputting the whole family's info was simple. What really helped was the recipe feature. It made it easier to enjoy meals with my family."
The expert says: "Sharon knew that fad diets weren't right for her, but her lifestyle didn't fit with a traditional calorie-counting plan," says Daniel C. Stettner, Ph.D., a psychologist and an expert on obesity and weight loss at Northpointe Health Center in Berkley, Mich. "DietPower made life as a calorie counter more manageable."
Will it work for you? Software kits are best if you're highly self-motivated and don't need or want group interaction or support. [Editor's note: DietPower users can get support from other users at
http://forums.dietpower.com. Our professional support team is on duty 24/7 at 800-852-8446.]