Not too long ago, I was 33 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighed 235 pounds. I felt miserable about my appearance, but kept putting on weight. People told me the pounds didn’t show because of my height, but I had to face reality every time I went shopping. I was tired and frustrated with trying on clothes that seemed to make me look older and fatter all the time.

Then I noticed several people from my church starting to lose weight. When I asked them which diet they were following, everyone answered, “the South Beach Diet!” My pastor was beginning to show a real change, and that was the motivation I needed to do something positive for myself. I had seen so many commercials about different diets, but I wasn’t convinced. This seemed different.

I decided to start the South Beach Diet at the end of July 2004. During Phase 1, I started exercising at home, dancing to tropical music. I had difficulty giving up chocolate ice cream, cake, bread, and French fries in the beginning, but I satisfied my sweet cravings with natural, trans fat-free peanut butter and nonfat yogurt. One of my motivational strategies was to buy clothes two sizes smaller than I was at the time and focus on getting into them.

My friends and family encouraged me to continue because I was looking younger, thinner, and prettier every day. By November, I had to purchase new clothes — I had dropped from a size 22 to a size 14! My self-esteem rose so much that I felt I had to encourage everybody I encountered to do what I did. Now I carry around a picture of me from before I started the diet, and everyone I show it to is so impressed with the changes I’ve made.

I have lost 50 pounds so far, and I don’t even have to follow the diet in a very strict way anymore. I have learned the healthiest way to eat, and I don’t have to starve myself. The South Beach Diet has so many delicious meals and snacks, and the Web site has a great team of supportive people — especially the nutritionists on the Message Boards!

Now I am only 10 pounds away from my ideal weight and size, and I know I’ll reach that goal. I’ve introduced my sister to the South Beach Diet — and she’ll be sharing her success story someday soon. The best part is how my husband keeps encouraging me, telling me how great I look. He is very proud of me, and so am I.

FAVORITE SNACK: Nonfat strawberry yogurt or natural trans fat-free peanut butter.

FAVORITE EXERCISE: Dancing salsa and meringue for 40 minutes, 5 times a week.

BEST COMPLIMENT: “You look so much younger.”

MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY WHEN FACING TEMPTATION: I remind myself that I never want to go back to my old appearance.

BEST ADVICE FOR OTHER SOUTH BEACH DIETERS: If you want to feel great about your looks and your health, stick with this fabulous diet.