I gained 20 pounds after becoming an empty nester. Here's how I took charge of my diet, lost 15 pounds, and kept it off.

Courtenay Rudzinski took charge of her food choices after gaining weight as an empty nester.

Courtesy of Courtenay Rudzinski

• After becoming an empty nester, I snacked on whatever I wanted.
• Then, one day, I got on the scales and realized I'd gained 20 pounds.
• Instead of buying bigger clothes, I took charge of my food choices and have lost 15 pounds so far.

Once my youngest left for college, mealtime no longer existed. My husband was following his own diet plan...