Several people have been interested in the specifics of the diet plan that has allowed me to lose the weight I have lost recently. So, by popular request, here's the information! My doctor's nutritionist put me on a diet that basically follows the FOOD PYRAMID, with a few twists because of my particular health issues. TWIST #1: The Food Pyramid recommends a range of servings from each of the food groups. Since I needed to lose weight, she said I should stick to the low end of the range in each category. Fruits, for instance, should be from 2 to 4 servings per day; since I should eat at the low-end of the range in order to lose weight, I can have 2 servings of fruits per day. Once I have reached my desired weight, I can eat 3 or 4 servings per day as long as my weight does not increase. If my weight starts climbing, I need to back-off until I find the perfect balance to maintain my weight. Each of the groups in the Food Pyramid are treated in the same manner. TWIST #2: I was diagnosed with high cholesterol, so I need to keep an eye on my daily fat-intake. I have eliminated all foods that have trans fat, and have eliminated most saturated fat (those are the two "bad" kinds of fat). I obtain most of my fats from the "good" categories (polyunsaurated and monounsaturated) and keep them within the recommended range for a woman of my height and level of physical activity. I can only eat a maximum of 2 eggs per week, no fried foods, and dairy items that are either reduced-fat or no-fat (skim milk, reduced fat cheeses, etc.). TWIST #3: Additional fiber — especially the "soluble" kind — is important for those of us with high cholesterol. I no longer eat anything made with white flour or processed grains, and have switched to "100% whole wheat" breads, rice & pasta. I eat a fiber-rich food every morning for breakfast (oatmeal or a high-fiber ready-to-eat cereal). TWIST #4: I was also diagnosed with high blood pressure, so I have eliminated all foods that are high in sodium, and I have stopped using the salt shaker at the table and when cooking. I only buy UNSALTED nuts, sunflower seeds, etc., and I read all the labels on the food that I buy so that I can choose the items with the least amount of sodium.   YES, the diet IS working for me!    I have lost weight without a problem and my blood pressure has dropped to an acceptable level — whoo hooo! My cholesterol levels will not be re-checked until the first week in September, but I have faith that the diet is lowering them, too!