Ann, I started the weight loss in mid-July. I'd grown to epic proportions (for me) and couldn't even look at my reflection anymore. I began jogging - a mile and a half a day, then worked up to two miles, then three, and now four, every day (I've only missed one day of jogging since mid-July, during my bout with the flu. As to the actual diet, I do the only thing that has ever worked for me - count calories and fat grams. I normally eat between 1200 and 1500 calories per day and I've lost consistently every week, sometimes two to four pounds, sometimes only half a pound. I've eaten over 1500 calories on a few occasions, and I feel comfortable doing that once a week (my splurge meal). But I don't think I've eaten over 2000 calories since beginning this.