I know on the rare occasions I buy movie magazines, I’m always first to turn to the success stories: How So-and-so Built a New Body or How Whats’ername Dropped Three Dress Sizes in Three Weeks. I think it’s the vicarious pleasure I get from seeing a woman succeed with the weight battle and the momentary thrill that whispers if she can do it, maybe, just maybe, I can too!

As a professional writer, I am empowered by stories, particularly stories that have that shimmering ending. That being said, I am also a realist and, like the Zen Masters, I also know the journey must be enjoyed as much as the destination.

At the start of this year, on the eve of my 50th birthday, I was an overweight, middle-age woman with a hankering for change. One month later I am still an overweight, middle-age woman, but the difference is this: I have taken change in hand.

I started a workout program at a gym. I started watching the food that goes into my mouth and the wine that goes down my throat, and I made a major...