Hi N. ...
I JUST joined this group MOMENTS ago, and your's is the first posting I read. I too am/was in your spot at the new year this year... ready for a physical/health change.
I started the South Beach diet on Jan. 2nd and did the 1st Phase of it for the 2 weeks required. I lost 8 lbs. I then started Phase 2 and have pretty much stuck to it (the basic ide- haven't looked at the book since Jan)... and I'm down 21 lbs now. I haven't even added any exercise YET. My MAIN changes were STOPPING soda (I was addicted to Mountain Dew) and all sugars and white foods - bread, regular pasta, etc. It's a MIND SET, really... I will NOT go back to my "eat whatever I want" style, as i WAS NOT happy that way -- I feel in control now, and feel GOOD to pass up the unhealthy, fattening foods... the first 2 weeks were hard (cause I was in the habit of grabbing whatever, whenever).. but after that, it's been pretty smooth and I FEEL so much better. I have 50 more lbs I want to lose... so I HOPE to be at gaol this fall.
GOOD LUCK!! By the way, I just turned 40, widowed, have a 7 yr old daughter, work full time and go to school part time.
W.