Every year for as long as I can remember, January 1st would come around quickly, and I would set the same New Year's Resolution: to lose weight. But my goal was broad and overwhelming, and I didn't have a real plan I could put into place. I would start trendy diets, crash and burn, and I would end up the next year, heavier than the previous, with the same resolution. Last year, I decided to do something different. I needed one, specific goal to set that I could actually stick to. So instead of jotting down "lose weight" in my journal, I wrote "join South Beach." It made all the difference. This is the story of how I finally conquered my New Year's Resolution once and for all—overcoming fatigue, losing weight, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

I started researching different weight loss programs in January and felt lost with all the conflicting advice on the internet. I knew that in order to work for me, I needed something that a) was backed by science, and b) would help me curve temptation by offering tasty meals and snacks I can eat instead of forcing me to focus on what I can't. South Beach was the perfect combination of both.

The science of South Beach was harnessed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, whose 3-phase meal plan resets the way your body processes foods, getting rid of sugar and carb cravings that weigh you down. Because of a cutback on carb intake, the body begins to burn fat as fuel, resulting in weight loss. South Beach also teaches you the principles of healthy living, so that once you've reached your goal weight you can maintain your newfound lifestyle.

I felt better knowing that South Beach isn't just another crash diet—there's nothing difficult like interval eating or fasting days. On my South Beach Diet meal plan, I eat six times a day, so I'm never hungry. And thanks to Dr. Agatston, I know I'm eating the right foods to fuel my weight loss and nourish my body.

The meals are pre-prepared for you, so I can look forward to my savory Turkey Sausage & Egg Muffin or sweet Chocolate Shake without having to squeeze in prep time. When I tried diets where I had to make all of my own meals, all I could focus on was what I knew I couldn't eat anymore—and I eventually gave in to the sugar and carb cravings that lead to my continued weight gain. Because I eat six times a day on my South Beach Diet meal plan, there's so much to look forward to!

Last year, I successfully mastered my simple and specific New Year's Resolution, and a year later, I'm down almost 30 pounds!* This year, I'm officially saying goodbye to unfulfilled resolutions. I'm going to take what I've learned from my South Beach success and continually add to it through maintaining the South Beach principles I acquired. My resolution is to join a spin class studio and to mix-up my exercise with heading to spin twice a month. I'm so excited for another year of that feeling that accompanies successfully meeting your goals, paired with looking and feeling your best!

Update: The awesome folks over at the South Beach Diet are offering a special deal for our readers. Follow this link for 40% off the one time rate with your first 4-week auto-delivery order and free shipping as long as you're on the program!

*Expect to lose an avg 1-2 lbs per week.

This content is sponsored by the South Beach Diet.