"I Lost Weight -- and Gained So Much Energy!"

Schedule, don't starve.

Trying to cut calories, I ended up living on coffee and bites off the kids' plates for most of the day. Not a good idea, said my dietitian, Marni, who gave me easy 1,500-calorie-a-day menus, like this one, that kept my energy up and helped me shed pounds healthfully.

Breakfast

Veggie omelet made with one egg and three egg whites, a whole wheat English muffin

Midmorning snack

Fresh fruit

Lunch

Salad topped with 2 to 4 ounces chicken and 1 tablespoon dressing

Midafternoon snack

1 ounce nuts

Predinner snack

1/2 cup edamame

Dinner

5 ounces grilled salmon, 1 cup roasted brussels sprouts, 1/2 cup quinoa