Jen,
You are truly a role model...proving that it doesn't take some fancy schmancy lifestyle to improve your health. If I remember correctly, you didn't go hog wild on exercise, either, did you?

I have picked up probably 20 pounds in the last two years...and really feel it! I was doing some looking around at various diets (and really, whatever you choose to call it, it is a diet..even if it is chips and burgers...that is just an 'unhealthy' diet). I picked up the Zone book...well, after my girlfriend, her boyfriend and my brother talked it up, and was amazed at the information in it. Even if you don't follow it, it is really an eye opener as to what constitutes a carb! Like, all fruits and veggies? How many of us hold the thought that as long as it is a fruit or a veggie, it is a 'harmless' snack/meal, etc? I know I did! I thought absolutely nothing of eating an entire can of peaches (even packed in own juice) for dinner, and thinking, "well, that might have not been balanced, but, it was 'good for me'" . Not anymore.

Tips that work for me? Think before I eat. Portion control, portion control, portion control. Pack your lunch. I now pack a weeks worth of lunch on Sunday night. I am ready for the week, no more running out of the house sans lunch. Cook/freeze on Sundays. Then, pop your dinner in the fridge the night before, and you are ready by the time you get home from work. Pay yourself first....exercise wise. If before work isn't an option, then pack your clothes up, and change at work, and stop somewhere on the way home and walk. I have NEVER gone to exercise, and said to myself afterwards, "I feel worse". BUT, I always feel worse by not doing it...hmmmm