Kathy had always been slim, but as she got older, overeating coupled with her sedentary job led her to pack on extra pounds. The weight began to take a toll on her physically — in addition to knee problems, her doctor informed her that her cholesterol numbers were dangerously high and that she needed to lose weight to avoid being put on medication.

Then, Kathy saw that Woman’s Day magazine was looking for people who wanted a chance to lose weight and get in shape by teaming up with Joy. She sent in her story and was selected as one of 12 participants. She received a copy of Your Inner Skinny as well as a Joy Bauer diet coach. Joy’s plan was just what Kathy needed to get in shape. She learned how to eat, what to eat and how much to eat to strip off the pounds that had crept on over the years. (In fact, Kathy still eats many of the meals in her food plan today. She always keeps Joy’s Turkey Chili in her freezer!) Yoga and lifting weights, as well as a half hour walk before lunch every day, also helped to fuel her weight loss efforts.

Kathy went from a size 16 to a size 4 and her cholesterol numbers are now under control. Kathy’s doctor was completely floored by her transformation and the health improvements he saw at her next physical. She donated all of her old clothes and had to buy an entire new wardrobe — shopping in a store and trying on clothes in a dressing room for the first time in years!

Kathy has kept the weight off for over two years, and swears by Joy’s diet principles. She says Joy’s two glasses of water before lunch and dinner were critical to her success, as well as eating clean the majority of the time so that she can enjoy her little indulgences, like Christmas cookies and fudge with her grandchildren during the holidays. “You have to take Joy’s advice to heart and really think before you eat something,” she says, “Ask yourself, is this moment worth it?”

It wasn’t easy, but Kathy is happier — and healthier — than ever. Her friends are amazed by her boundless energy. “I have turned back time,” she says, “I look (and feel) like I did when I was in my 20s!”

*Weight loss varies by individual. You may not achieve these results.