Courtney Thorne-Smith’s Life-Changing Diet! (Healthy Hollywood)

Caption Courtney Thorne-Smith is a big supporter of the Atkins diet

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- After years of dieting and unhealthy eating, Courtney Thorne-Smith finally figured out the trick to staying slim with little effort.

A decade ago, she discovered Atkins, a low-carb diet plan and she’s rarely had to think about her weight again.

“I’ve maintained a healthy weight for years by following a low-carb diet. It is real healthy food and because you aren’t filling up on bread and starch, I eat a ton of vegetables. And, what I notice is that if I see somebody eating a big plate of pasta, I used to think it looked good. But, now, I think that’s one flavor for your whole meal. Now, I have salmon and a Caesar salad with no croutons and real dressing on the salad. I have some nice spinach and tomatoes. I have so many different flavors, so what I get to eat is very satisfying,” the busy mom/actress reveals to Healthy Hollywood.

Healthy Hollywood caught up with the very likeable actress at the New York City book launch event for the upcoming, “The New Atkins Made Easy.” The recipe book isn’t out for a few more months, but Courtney, who is an Atkins spokesperson and chef/author Colette Heimowitz demonstrated how to make few of the yummy recipes, including a pizza with a crust made out of cauliflower and cheese.

“I can’t wait to make this one at home!” exclaimed Courtney.

The 45-year-old mother of a son, 6, also tries to pass on her healthy eating to her family.

“I really think kids do as they see. Sometimes my son will have chicken and fries, but at home he will help make a big batch of hummus. It really helps if they’re involved in making food. And, we then give him a bunch of vegetables and he eats it because we’re not pushing it,” adds Courtney.

She also says her son loves to eat apple slices with almond butter. Yet, she still lets her son indulge in the occasional pizza and mac & cheese, but she makes sure to stack the home fridge and pantry with plenty of healthy options.

As for when the busy actress needs a little pick-me-up during the day, she relies on nuts or her other favorite snack of the moment, revealing, “Right now, I’m taking a lettuce leaf and put turkey on it and mustard and roll it up and have that as a snack. That seems to work.”

For more on the Atkins diet plan, check out www.atkins.com.