Thanks to Sharon Best for sharing her 2005 healthy living makeover story.

I also set a goal to lose weight in 2005 and have lost more than 65 pounds with the South Beach Diet. I agree wholeheartedly with Sharon's diet guidelines of no sugar and no white flour. That has worked well for me also.

I did want to say that for those who are looking for a lower cost alternative to hiring a personal trainer, I joined Curves in West Seattle and have worked out regularly with good success. I enjoy the short but intense workout and have dropped a lot of inches along with the weight. I also enjoy the monthly weigh-in and measure-in as that has helped to keep me motivated and on track.

Long walks on Alki have also been good for my waistline and for my soul.

Now Sharon, I want to know how you plan to keep the weight off. That's my goal for 2006 and I need all the help and advice that I can get.

Arlene Carter

Puget Ridge