"Strength Training Helped Me Lose 40 Pounds"

Julie's Weight Loss Plan

Age: 37
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 126
Pounds lost: 40
Months at current weight: 18

The Diet: Breakfast is a protein drink and two egg whites or whole-wheat toast. For lunch, she has a tuna, turkey or peanut butter sandwich. Dinner is fish, chicken or lean beef with veggies.

The Workout: Julie works out five days a week for about an hour, doing a combination of stretching, cardio and weight training. She takes a yoga class once a week.

Stick-With-It-Tip: Work out at the same time every day. "It becomes part of your routine -- like brushing your teeth."

Biggest Temptation: Häagen-Dazs Coffee Mocha Chip ice cream. "If I really want it, I have a few bites, and that's enough to satisfy me."

What She Couldn't Wait to Wear: A midriff shirt and low-cut pants. "I couldn't believe I could fit my hips into a size 4; I actually called my trainer from the dressing room!"

Best Compliment Since Losing Weight: "A 25-year-old guy at the gym looked at me and said, 'You have three kids?'"

Originally published in Fitness magazine.