NASA engineering manager Bill T. knew he was heavy, but he never considered himself obese. So it was a big blow to Bill’s ego when, in January 2007, his physician described him as a “50-year-old obese male” with high cholesterol, which put him at risk for serious heart disease. That’s why his doctor recommended that Bill try the South Beach Diet — to help him lose weight and improve his health. That was all the motivation he needed to join SouthBeachDiet.com and embark on one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

To Bill’s surprise, adopting the South Beach Diet lifestyle was easy. Following the SouthBeachDiet.com meal plans took the guesswork out of menu planning and boosted Bill’s culinary skills as well. More good news: Bill has become a big fan of exercise. Today, he has dropped close to 100 pounds, meeting the goal set by his cardiologist in just over 30 weeks.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: “Preparing and eating the food has been a pleasure. After people eat at my house, they always want to hire me to make their dinners.”

FAVORITE SNACK: “Apples with cashew butter.”

FAVORITE EXERCISE: “I walk to and from the train every day; this totals 4.5 miles!”

BEST COMPLIMENT: “When my son saw my ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures, he said he was very proud of me. That made my year!”

BEST ADVICE: “Embrace the process, and remember there are no shortcuts. Take the time to prepare the recommended food and to enjoy it.”

BIGEST HEALTH BOOST: “My cholesterol has improved significantly. The doctor had to keep double-checking my chart to verify that it was mine.”

BEST REWARD: “My renewed health, fitness, and the way I feel overall. When I was traveling recently, I was staying on the sixth floor of the hotel — and I always took the stairs, never feeling tired. That’s something I would never have done in the past.”