Weight-Loss Winners

Selena Covington

Selena Covington, age 33

Selena lost: 12 pounds
Starting weight: 217
Current weight: 205

After following Weight Watchers for more than a year, Covington knows that keeping a food journal is key to her success (she uses the plan's online tracking system). But it's something she occasionally has to relearn the hard way. "Sometimes I go through periods when I get tired of journaling and try to keep track in my head," she says. "Those are the weeks I gain." When she's up a pound or two at her weekly Weight Watchers meeting, she gives herself a pep talk -- reminding herself of the weight she has lost and the healthy steps she has taken -- and gets right back on track.

For breakfast, Covington eats a veggie omelet with low-fat cheese plus a slice of high-fiber toast or a whole-grain English muffin. Lunch is a salad with fish or shrimp; dinner is either pasta with lean protein or a stir-fry. "When I'm really busy I'm tempted to eat out or get takeout, but I try to make all my meals myself so I know exactly how many points are in them," she says. Also key to her success? Hitting the gym three to five times a week to use the StairMaster, walk hills on the treadmill, or strength-train.

"I'm getting a lot of compliments," says Covington. "That absolutely helps me stay motivated."