tigermoth - I definetly agree that exercise is the key, along with obviously eating well.
I used to go the gym every day before I had my ds and I could also eat what I wanted and not worry about it - I was careful not to get obsessive with excercise, because after having an eating disorder, I knew I had an addictive personality that may just latch on to exercising addictively which is obviously just as bad in the long term.
I used to work different muscle groups and do different cardio work so that I toned up properly. Unfortunately I have not been back to the gym since - however we do have a treadmill, rower and bike in the garage as my dh is in the fitness industry!!
I just can't get myself motivated to do anything at the minute - however, I still eat what I want and when I want and am still the same weight as I was before I had the baby, albeit not as firm!!
So girls, get off your diets, start enjoying your food and start exercising in moderation and you will be laughing and put the Atkins diet out of business for good!!
PS I read a fantastic book once about how normal weight people manage to never become fat - it basically said, when you are hungry, take a moment and THINK about what you want. Don't eat what you think should have, ie ryvitas and cottage cheese - think about whether it is savoury or sweet, smooth or crunchy, bitter or sour, etc etc and you will be listening to what your body needs, even if it is haagen daaz icecream!!