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"    BEFORE    AFTER    Name: Linda Gowen, 38 Location: Rockville, MD Worst of times: 199 pounds Best of times: 149 pounds My turning point: When I stepped on the scale one day and realized I was about to hit 200 pounds.  My slim-down techniques: Eating lots of fruits and veggies and high-fiber breads. I also rely on the GH Tear-Out Diet (May 2002 issue). It not only provides me with great meal ideas, like low-fat honey mustard chicken, but also gives me tips on how to season and spice up my food.  Kept the weight off: Almost two years. My best motivator: Talking to other women about their weight-loss experiences and hearing their stories. Also, as the pounds started to come off, I became my own motivator. I liked what I saw and was extremely proud of myself.  My greatest temptation: French fries and potato chips. Now, I eat nonfat Pringles as a substitute. I do have to admit that every once in a while I&amp;#039;ll take a trip to McDonald&amp;#039;s with my husband and steal a few of his fries.  My favorite diet food: Silhouette Skinny Cal low-fat ice cream sandwiches, and mini carrots.  My snacking tips: I make sure that I always have fruits and vegetables in my fridge. That way, if I want something to munch on between meals, I can grab a healthy snack instead of something bad, like chips or cookies.  My exercise routine: I play tennis four to five times a week, and also run about four to five miles every week. Occasionally I will go to the gym and lift weights.  Slim-down advice: Keep in mind that even though fattening foods taste really good, they&amp;#039;re not worth it. It is the quality of the food, not the quantity, that&amp;#039;s important for losing weight.  The payoff: I feel fabulous -- like a new person! I&amp;#039;ve even been told that I look like my daughter&amp;#039;s sister!  The Secret of Your Success Have you lost unwanted pounds and kept them off? Whether you&amp;#039;ve shed that extra weight with a diet that really worked or by revamping your snack habits, we want to know your secrets for an ongoing Good Housekeeping Web feature. Email us your success story, and be sure to include your name and daytime phone number. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a17313/diet-success-gowen-0602/>