Steve Hubner, Mortgage banker, Redmond

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"I watch my diet. I was recently into snacks, and then we moved here and I just started working out. I have a nutrition background and I knew what I was supposed to eat, I just didn't always do it. I guess I was just lazy. I figured what I was doing -- going to fast food restaurants -- wouldn't affect me as much as it did... I feel I'm gaining a better understanding of health and I don't really snack at all now. I don't miss it. Well, I do miss cheesecake... Hopefully I'll stick with this -- I've lost 15 pounds -- and how well I do also depends on if I get my wife to stick with it, too."

Ann Smith, Physical therapist, Redmond

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"I watch my diet. I think it's because I was raised with the 'eat your fruit and vegetables' kind of thing... With that new no-cal fat, people think they can eat more, but, for the most part, the calories are the same. I know my weakness -- potato chips. Barbeque potato chips, especially. So I just don't buy them... I find it easier to exercise than to watch what I eat. I think it balances out -- the give-and-take."

Eric Nelson, College student, Issaquah

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"I pretty much eat whatever I want, although I'd like to watch my diet. I've had a weight problem for years and when I heard about the no-fat-no-calorie fat, I thought 'the miracle drug is probably here'... The first product coming out is Pringles -- that's my fave -- so I thought, 'good deal!'... I think the news about the side-effects, the indigestion, can be self-fulfilling -- I wonder how the information will influence people to think they have a problem. But I also think that it's a little scary -- I wonder how much the human body can really deal with an unnatural substance... how much of that stuff you can really eat. Basically I'm just an addict to potato chips and candy. I actually exercise quite a bit, but the main reason for my weight is because of my diet and not exercise. It becomes harder as you get older."

Paula Kochel, Health care professional, Redmond

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"I watch my diet for health reasons because I'm a mom and I want to be around a long time... I think Olestra will do really well -- Americans are obsessed with fat grams. I don't know if it's safe or not safe, but it sure looks promising... I might be willing to take a look at salad dressings again, or sour cream, if they taste good. I don't know very much about the product, but I do know that Americans will really go for it."

Rita Oesterwinter, Library volunteer, Redmond

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"I eat whatever I want, but I like the healthy, good stuff -- hearty, whole-grain breads, and lots of fruits, and vegetables. Actually, I'm not a soda pop or snacks person. But I am a crackers person -- I like them with a little cheese and salami. And I like chocolates... I don't use much fat, and if I do, I don't see anything wrong with using butter now and then. And I do my exercises. Not too many -- I wish I did more. And I always have milk and a banana in the morning. This time of year, I like really hearty food -- but it's all in moderation... My philosophy is 'everything in moderation'."

Hazel Rosenthal, Retired accountant, Redmond

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"It's a half-and-half situation -- I should watch my diet, but I don't watch it as much as I should -- because, at my age, so what? Get a little enjoyment out of life!... There have been a lot of negatives about that pretend fat thing, but I wouldn't go out of my way to try it. My weaknesses are potato chips -- anything salty. I don't eat them very much because they're probably on the list I got from my doctor about high-cholesterol foods. But sometimes, you've just got to break down and enjoy!... I think that exercise and diet are very important, and the more medicine you can stay away from, the better. And it's important to have an upbeat attitude, and try to go with the flow!"

Copyright © 1996 by the Bellevue, WA-based Journal American newspaper.

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