After my second baby, my weight fluctuated up and down, and until I tried Atkins, I never saw size 12 again.

I had been looking pretty good for a 58-year-old and met my second husband. But marriage put the weight back on. I started back on Atkins about 8 months ago and did lose about 12 pounds. But the holidays and stress of moving and a new job has not been beneficial and I've gained a few.

One of the best things I ever did was to join a gym and start working out with my husband 3 days a week. I gained energy and a lot of the strange physical ailments I had experienced disappeared. After New Years, we are returning to our diets and to the gym. I am not worried about the weight I will gain over Christmas and New Years. I'm having too much fun with my family, am confident in my resolve and I love the Atkins diet.

Tip to self: discover delicious recipes and make time to cook ahead and freeze the good ones. I'm too tired at night to think creatively, and that's when I'll reach for easy, high-carb foods.