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Weight Loss on the Web
Can Internet Diets Work for You?
By Lisa Marie Metzler
Dianne Barnum, mother of two living in Brookfield, Conn., lost 50 pounds using ChangeOne.com. Barnum has tried many other programs in the past to no avail. "ChangeOne works for me because the program is ever evolving," says Barnum. "For me, one change at a time has been key to my success, because each new behavior becomes habit – so I never feel any drastic changes." She also takes advantage of the personal journal daily. "It keeps me honest and accountable," says Barnum.
Personalization is the plan here. Exercise and meal plans are created to suit your individual needs and taste. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week support services are offered to answer questions or provide a motivational boost, via e-mail or a toll-free number.Alice Vetter, of Milwaukee, Ore., was looking for some guidance when she decided to lose weight. "I was particularly interested in the message boards where there is a large community of support," says Vetter. So far, she has lost 56 pounds using eDiets.com. The wealth of information, reasonable cost and weekly weigh-ins are what led to her success.
One-on-one private e-mail counseling with a registered dietician is the focus of this program. Members receive individually-tailored and informative e-mails from their assigned coach. The focus is to gradually break the unhealthy patterns that lead to extra pounds and trade them for a new healthy lifestyle. 
Lori Zalewski, a Chicago, Ill., mom of two, has lost more than 37 pounds using Nutricise.com. Visualizing her appearance and how she will feel when her goal weight is met are two strategies that helped Zalewski. Another technique she credits with her weight loss is making small changes. "By making small changes, I have discovered that the things that I thought I would miss, I haven't missed at all," she says. An added bonus for Zalewski is that her whole family is eating better and enjoying a healthier lifestyle.