What were your weight-control goals?

I first joined CalorieKing in 2002 and my goal was to lose weight and keep it off, and I did lose 13 kilos. Shortly after that success I fell pregnant with my second child and I kept up my healthy ways and did not gain any additional weight during the pregnancy. As soon as my son was born all the good habits fell by the wayside and 10 kg quickly returned. I returned to CalorieKing in January 2006 determined to lose the 10 kg I'd gained and 10 kg more to ensure I never went back into the 80's again.

What motivated you to lose weight?

During my first pregnancy I spent five weeks in hospital due to high blood pressure and my little baby had to spend two weeks in special care. I wanted to be a good mother, one that would be around, so I had to lower my blood pressure or it would be a lifetime problem. After my second son was born and my heavy weight returned so too did my high blood pressure. Every member in my family takes medication for high blood pressure and I wanted to be the first to control my blood pressure via healthy ways. I had done it once before and I knew I could do it again.

What was your weight-loss method?

Even though I knew the right methods to lose weight, I needed that extra help and knew straight away who to turn to. CalorieKing gave me the right tools to lose weight the first time and I knew that with CalorieKing I would again lose all the weight I needed to. I lost 20 kg in 6 months and I never once set foot into a gym. I used an elliptical walker and free hand weights. I found the weight training helped me a lot: I have not only lost the fat but I have toned my body and changed my shape. Any exercise is beneficial to weight loss and I learned to love doing something everyday. If I missed my exercise session I would feel really guilty and a few jogs around the kitchen table would see me happy. I love the feeling of fitness. I run to the letter box and dance to tunes on the radio, no more sitting back and watching the world go by me, I'm part of it now!

What were some obstacles you encountered while losing weight?

Time always seemed an issue. The kids kept me busy, dinner needed to be cooked, house needed to be cleaned and I always put myself last. I was my own biggest obstacle and I was my own saboteur.

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

I firmly believe you need to WANT to lose the weight. I believe it is 90% mind power. You have to believe that you can do it, then you CAN. Slow and steady wins the race, it took me 10 years to put on 30 kg, so I couldn't expect to lose that in 10 weeks.

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

My self-confidence has increased. I'm a "yummy mummy" now! I'm not embarrassed to try on clothes and I now walk with my eyes to the world, not to the ground. I'm fit, I can keep up with my sons and even have them puffing before I do.

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

The Food and Exercise Diary is a great eye opener. I didn't realise some of the foods that I ate could really affect my diet. I learned that I was missing out on nutrients and it has helped me have a balanced diet. Sometimes I didn't have the chance to use the internet daily, so I carried a notebook and hand wrote my food intake, but found this time consuming. I then realised that I could use my Palm Pilot and downloaded the CalorieKing Mobile Plus software and I haven't looked back. I carry my Palm everywhere and now I can check the calorie and fat of a food at any time - this really helped when I was out. I can put in my exercise and can see at a glance how many calories I have left.

CalorieKing has only changed for the better in the 3 years I was away. The forums are so much more open and true friendships are easily made - this sort of support is invaluable and I believe this is what has truly help me go that little bit further than before. Also great desktop software has been developed which I use now together with the Palm program. CalorieKing gives members everything they need to succeed and a member has no reason, other than themselves, to fail.