What were your weight-control goals?

I wanted to get down to somewhere between 75 and 80 kilos - which is a 'healthy' weight for a bloke my age.

What motivated you to lose weight?

I had wanted to lose weight for some time but after being diagnosed with Type II diabetes, the "want" became a "need".

What was your weight-loss method?

I reduced my food intake - particularly high sugar/high fat foods, and experimented with more filling lower-calorie foods. This leaves me feeling full, so I am less likely to want to snack on bad stuff. But equally important, I've cut my TV time by an hour a day and am using that to exercise, either at a gym or walking.

What were some obstacles you encountered while losing weight?

Losing weight has involved a lifestyle change, including both diet modification and exercise. The exercise was my major obstacle - partly because I was unfit, but mainly because it took up time.

What tips do you have for others who are trying to lose weight?

Salad is your friend - and can be filling. For example, I will often eat a 300g 'bag' of salad from the supermarket, with 100g of chicken/turkey/low-fat ham, and perhaps 30g of feta cheese. Now that's a decent sized meal, and if you choose a low calorie dressing (Kraft Free Sensations Roasted Capsicum is a fave) it's quite delicious. Also, make time to exercise. I know it's a hassle sometimes, but so is being overweight.

How do you feel now that you've lost weight?

I feel great! I know that I CAN use willpower, and walk straight past the chip-and-chocolate vending machine at work. I know that I CAN look for better-looking clothes, now that I have reached 'normal' size. And I know that, despite some less-than-successful attempts at weight loss over the years, I CAN be a healthy size - so I can hang around and annoy my kids for longer.

How have the products or services offered by CalorieKing.com.au helped you to lose weight?

The online Food and Exercise Diary is VERY useful, especially as a meal planner. I sometimes enter possible meals in, just to see what impact they would have in terms of cals/kj, fat, sugars etc. I also use it before I eat out, to help myself make healthier choices. And the Forums are also an underutilised resource, particularly forums like "new food products" and "food talk & recipes".