August 09 2006

Fed up with being overweight, Renee embarked on the south beach diet very recently to address her weight loss issues. Being a self-motivated and determined person certainly helps her deal with the difficulties that come with trying to get rid of those extra pounds.

Country: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Age: 30-something ;)
Starting weight: 160+ lbs.
Weight now: 193 lbs.
Target weight: 135-145 lbs.

-What finally made you decide to start with a weight loss program, and
how much did you weigh when you first started?
I was sick of being overweight and flabby. I was in the 160's when I officially started.

-What type of weight loss program are you following?
I am currently doing Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet.

-Why did you choose this weight loss program?
After months of eating erratically and lots of processed carbs, I wanted to clean out my system so to speak.

-How long have you been on your weight loss program?
A little over a week.

-What kinds of physical activities do you like doing to help you lose
weight and stay fit?
I do treadmill walking and some running, elliptical machine. I also lift weights.

-What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome or are still overcoming?
Sticking with a regimented food routine. I hate to cook, it's hot, it's really easy to get lazy. 

-How do you keep yourself motivated?
I'm not sure. I've always been pretty self motivated. I guess I rather be fit than not. So I try to
keep that in mind. I also keep my routine public on my weight loss blog, reneegetsfit.com . Some days knowing others are watching helps keep me on the straight and narrow.

-Do you have any weight loss tips for our readers?
I'd say, though I feel like a fraud saying it, don't give up. Just keep trying different systems, take a bit of things that work and make your own custom routine.

-Do you think it will be easy to fall back into your old lifestyle pattern? How do you prevent this from happening?
It is very, very easy. The minute I'm away from home, like last weekend I went on vacation, I was back to my 1-2 meals a day. The best thing I do is plan and take all my tools so I at least have them at my disposal.

-Do you have a favorite Web site or blog that helps or inspires you to lose weight?
I love anything fitness related. I want to be a personal trainer, so I always read Fitness or Shape or, shameless plug, my own weight loss community blog, The Fatfighters.