YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT! I AM PRETTY MUCH PIZZA.

I don't believe in diets. If you don't make long term or permanent life styles changes you are unlikely to get healthy. I used to eat primarily vegetarian. That was until I required a blood transfusion because I developed such a dangerous iron deficiency. So my new life as an anemic requires me to seriously enjoy a juicy burger or a delicious filet mignon. Yum! Just be healthy whatever lifestyle you choose. I am living proof that they don't all work for everyone.

I don't have a diet to speak of. I try to limit my sugar and fat intake but that's it. I do take vitamins and try to eat veggies and fruits as often as possible. I limit my fast food intake to say once or twice a month. Right now we have a ton of chocolates and it's really hard not to go to the kitchen grab a piece and pop it in my mouth!

You sound delicious King Taco!

No diet for me- just eating what I want in moderation.  It's worked so far so I don't have any plans to change!

ah, diets. I have probably been on every one in existence. Can't do vegan, I have a tendancy to go anemic so, even though i am not all that fond of meat, i do eat it. I have been trying to really reduce my sugar,since my Dr. announced i am prediabetic too, but life with out chocolate is so dimished....Seriously, i am a fat little girl, i got hurt years back and my joints are about 50 years ahead of me so movement is painful on most every level, Being fat makes it worse, i know i should diet and take it off, Heck i did optifast and lost a person, and weight watchers and did the same but it always comes back, Like it is homing fat or something. Souds like the roomie is one of thoe perfect, organized people, gotta love them if they arent pushy about it. My roomie is the organizer from hell, good thing since i was raised by a mother who thought Auntie Mame was a good role model. She once told my dad, "ya can't eat off my floor, but seriously who would really want to do that?Poor dad, but then he was a slob too. We have been roomies a while so i have rubbed off on her,she on me, neither of us is as manic as we were. One thing tho- i can put together a balanced diet, well enough but eating right is  time consuming and expensive. No way around it. Oh i know it doesn't have to be, if you adore salads or have a live in chef, but for most of us, It is tough.Can't eat tofu, so that takes me out of most vegetarian fare. oh well hang in there.  

Meg,  I was raised pretty healthy, but my parents didnt really "teach" me about nutrition.  So, since having my first child 5 years ago, I decided I needed to start cooking and learning about nutrition so I knew how to grow and raise a healthy child.  I first started eating a healhty diet because I COULD NOT take the pre-natal vitamins they prescribe!  I started to learn alot about fresh fruits and veggies, mostly about veggies.  And then when I had my baby, I made his babyfood by just steaming veggies and fruit and putting them in my smoothie maker.  Since then, I have been having so much fun trying all sorts of new veggies and recipes.  I guess what I am saying is it takes baby step to incorporate healthy eating and living.  You can do it...and you will be amazed at how lovely you feel and look!  :)  You go girl!

I'm a lacto-ovo vegetarian.  I hope to become a vegan someday, I just have to get over my cheese addiction.  I'm also a huge organic freak!  I don't see how eating a bunch of carcinogenic pesticides can be good for us. With all that being said, I'm not the healthiest eater, I love my sweets and never cook.  My goal for September is to start making my own soups and sandwiches, I'm super excited!

I tend to eat pretty healthy as a lifestyle change but it wasn't always that way. Before I had thyroid cancer I could really eat whatever I wanted and my body (specifically my spare tire) never grew. Now however my body can't breakdown complex carbs and sugars. I eat a lot of fresh veggies and get my protein from chicken, fish, or pork, have some beef every now and then. Really I stay away from the junk as habit now. Salt is the worst thing for me and I think thats also my biggest weakness. I do believe in the truly healthy benefits of a glass, or two, of red wine. I agree with Parakeet, everything in moderation.

Iam the WORST dieter ever!!!! I have absolutly no disaplin!!! and plus who can ever keep up on whats healthy any way.. i feel like its changing every other day!!! haha ... As iam writing this its 2:45 and ive been at work since 10..and all ive had to eat so far is a half a can of Onion blossom brings and a XXX viatmin water!!!! hahaha... i WILL be fat when i get older.. and i will complain.. but i wont do anything about it!! ..oOo well.. hehe! <3

I have recently just started getting into the "healthy, natural foods" and although it's a challenging lifestyle change, I love it because I feel an incredible difference from when I was stuffing my face with junk food! My diet is nowhere near perfect, and I do treat myself a lot more than I should, but my dieting habits have gotten remarkably better and I can really feel my body changing. Unfortunately, I could NEVER be a vegetarian because I love meat way too much! 

I'm trying to do the Fat Flush diet, but as a way of living. Lots of fish and veggies, no dairy, no pills, no alcohol, nothing that has preservatives or hormones and is heavy on your system. It makes you become a happier and healthier person by cleaning out your liver.Megan, do you want me to come cook for you?

My mom is a nutritionist and she's been teaching my sister and I how to eat healthy since we were young. My best advice would be to eat healthy and to exercise normally. My biggest pet peeve is when people try to lose weight  by dieting strictly the wrong way (as in not eating much of anything) and over-exercising. I know their argument is that "the best way to lose weight is to reduce your calorie intake and to exercise often." While this is somewhat true, dieting will NOT work. The answer is to CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE. I highly suggest trying to get your vitamins, minerals, and good fats in your body naturally rather than taking supplements. [unless absolutely necessary or suggested by a physician for certain reasons] Eat foods rich in omega-3s [like salmon] about twice a week or so. Eating natural foods has so many great effects on your body. For example, carrots are good for your eyes and plain (non-flavored) yogurt with some fresh ginger and lemon is good for your digestive system. Here's a good example of reducing calories but still eating correctly and not starving yourself: BAD BAD BAD: 2 frosted donuts for breakfast [about 700 calories] VERY GOOD: original oatmeal [not the flavored kinds -- they have too much sugar] with flax-seed and fruit (blueberries and bananas are a good ideas. Rich in anti-oxidants and potassium)  [about 300 calories total] Although this is reducing calorie intake, you are still full and get some nutritional value in your meal. The biggest thing to look at is fat content, sodium, and sugar. If you eat too much of any of those, it can cause obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Even though a change in lifestyle may cause people to think that they can't eat their favorite foods again, this is absolutely not true. Eating in moderation is the key. Sometimes when I go out, I still get a slice of cheesecake or gelato, but i don't eat it everyday. As long as it's eaten once in a while and not all the time, it is ok! Also in terms of organic -- organic isn't neccesarily "healthier" than nonorganic; it is just prepared differently. If it were cheaper, I would say "go for it," but if you're on a tight budget, it's really not worth your money. (If you read the "Omnivore's Dilemma," author Michael Pollan writes a fascinating section about this topic) Going healthy really isn't expensive. Some health stores and food stores try to sell you expensive "health" foods, but there are ways to get around that. Let me know if you have any questions! I know changing a lifestyle can be hard at first, but once you'll get used to it, you'll be happy you changed. Pretty much in the end, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables (don't OVER eat just because it's healthy) and you will see a change in how you look (healthier skin, nails, hair, etc) and feel (more energy, easier to sleep, no indigestion, etc)!

I've been vegetarian since I was about 11 but had been asking my parent's since I was about 5 -"what's meat made of-not animals is it?"My father's response/lie-"meat is made from cereal in the factory the cereal gets squashed into the shape of chops,fillets etc"When I stopped believing that-hey presto-vegetarian.I'm also allergic to wheat so I'm the typical nightmare dinner guest.Saying that I have to be more proactive in eating fruit and veg and drinking more water and not juat bung salad in wheat free bread.Must start cooking more .Look on the bright side Meg-loads of antioxidants in tomato sauce and red wine and coffee starves off brain denegeration-hows that for spin.

I'm not strict at all, actually lol. If I am what I eat, I am Krystal chili cheese fries for sure!! I'd love to eat healthier, especially after reading a book about going organic, but organic food is so expensive. 2 bags full of food once cost me and my sister $80 at Whole Foods. I'm not really around anyone that watches what they eat either. I'm sure if I had a roommate like yours it would help me eat better. I am very active though. I go to the gym and I love playing tennis. Weight isn't a problem for me (99 lbs.. I have a high metabolism..), but I'm sure I'd be scared to really know whats going on inside of me from all the fast food and sodas! I have started drinking green tea though.. it's a start!

LOL, I saw one of those little signs that said  "If I am what I eat, then I am fast & cheap."  Sounds like what I would be if it wasn't for my boyfriend, he cooks everyday for us and makes sure I get my protein.  I would personally live off cheese and chocolate, which is just about all I ate when I was a vegetarian, but he has changed me, for the better.  I also take my vitamins now, all 9 of them everyday at dinnertime.  With my schedule (working at night) it can only help.  And I also take two baby aspirins everyday, to help ward off any potential heart problems.  Living with your roomie will probably be hard at first because you will feel like you are doing something wrong by eating what you normally eat, even though you aren't.  It will all balance itself out and before you now it she will be eating pizza with you and you will learn to love the organic stuff she has in the fridge.Give it time and keep an open mind.  Good luck!

I dont have a diet. But to save money, I try to cut back on putting a meat item in my sub. A veggie sub can taste just as good, and is cheaper.I try not to eat fast foods such as Mcdonalds, but having a friend who gives you free Taco Bell at the mall doesnt make it any easier.In short, my diet is not a diet. Its when you think to eat healthy, do it, but dont count calories, and just be healthy, and feel good. Dont worry about weight, just eat till you're full, and dont eat crap. And since I will be moving out on my own during college, and will be SUPER bored (which leads me to snack), I will buy healthy snacks. I am always disturbed when I go to someone's house and ALL they have is "LOW FAT, SUGAR FREE" crap all over the place. Fat is essential to your body, and SUGAR FREE just means more aspertame (spelling?) which is bad for you. So I promised myself I wont eat fattening, salt smothered foods, but I wont be caught being those "Im too fat" people who buy low fat, low sugar foods. Hummus, organic crackers, whole wheat bread will be what I turn to.Great post.

GOOD Genetics...LOL! I am SO not "blessed" with them in the food-department vs. body-type.:) Lucky are those than can eat "whatever/whenever" and still hold it together!The women in my family have a tendancy to blow-up and I think I have managed to beat this curse:I eat almost no wheat,sugar,dairy,or meat.Not because I'm politically correct or want to be a size 2 (I would love it but there is no way,LOL!) but rather because I have severe asthma which threatened to wreck the joyful-life I enjoy a couple of years ago.I did extensive research on the effects of food on chronic diseases and now I am steroid-med free and almost never have an attack...it's changed my life in SO many ways! I eat mostly steel-cut oatmeal, yellow corn tortillas, a bit of rice (mostly in sushi) all veggies and fruits, nuts,beans, sweeten only with agave, and fish once every couple of weeks...not boring once you get the hang of it and I do allow a "bite" of contraband here and there,LOL! I use "Tight Curves",a soy-protein for women with tons of calcium after workouts.Almond and rice milk more often than soy milk.I cook everything for Mike and others but I restrict what I eat and it's really paid off.I miss cheese. ;) I also workout consistantly and will admit that what I eat and being active is one of my "biggest beauty secrets" at my age...:)I defy an "expert" to find fault.  

I read that article in InStyle. I proceeded to our house's exercise bike for the next 45 minutes and ate a well-balanced salad lol. Although I enjoy having a really good diet, I just don't like exercising (but still do). I eat LOTS of fruits and veggies and always try to use whole grains and eat plenty of lean meat and fish. No microwave dinners, canned soup, or candy (unless its chocolate) for me. According to our Wii Fit, if I was 15 lbs lighter, I would be in the "normal" range of weight. Well I am 90 lbs and 4'9'' (legally midget size I think!). I hate my pear shaped body too.

I am determined to keep my weight exactly where it is so I can fit into my 4/6 wardrobe and look great in a bikini.  So I keep my calories very low, eat a lot of veggies/sushi and stop when I am 80% full.  Also I do Pilates 5 x week.  I take a daily vitamin just in case the low calorie intake is effecting any vitamin levels.  All of the effort is worth it when I can pull anything out of my closet and it fits.

I'm pizza too. Or any kind of fried food. I need to change my diet but I'm trying to keep my figure. lol. I take vit B, a daily vitamin and fish oil tablets every morning, hoping that will counteract my bad habits.

Ohhh Meg, so much pizza!  I wouldn't say my partner and I are *strict* about what we eat, but we're quite mindful of including vegetables in most of our meals and we only eat take-out once per week - if that.  If we do cave and get take-out it's always Thai and we always get the same, haha.  Creatures of habit much?  ;]We're generally only tempted to get take-out on a Thursday night as he works lates on Wednesdays and we're usually too tired to move.  We always get a red duck curry with coconut rice and stuffed chicken wings - which isn't toooo bad for you in the scheme of things.I like knowing what exactly goes into our meals so I don't like to eat fast food all that often.  Even restaurants add high amounts of sugar and salt to their food.My favourite staples are brown rice, brown pasta and cous-cous.  They go with most vegetables and spices and can make a huge array of tasty meals very quickly.  :]

If I was what I eat - I'd probably be some spaghetti with tomatos and chilli!I'm not the healthiest person, but I wouldn't call myself the unhealthiest either.I try to eat well and not each too much crap. For me - minimising the amount of take away and junk (ie. McDonalds) foods I eat is the easiest way for me to cut back on the crap. I don't buy 'bad' foods at the supermarket. If its not in the house I am not tempted!!But if I do have some junk I don't beat myself up about it. Life is to short to worry about eating a burger or some chocolate.I do take my vitamins every day though.

oh gosh, my diet has been so bad today, i think its because im gonna start my period soon.but this is what i ate today: egg and toast, orange chicken and rice, 3 scoops of coffee ice cream, a chicken rosemary burger, and some spaghetti!* if i didnt have soccer practice im pretty sure id be the size of a hot air balloon!!!