What were your weight-control goals?

*I wanted to feel fit and strong and be healthy, instead of fat and lazy.
*I wanted to go into any shop and be able to fit into anything I liked instead of wearing things I didn't like just because they fit.
* I knew I had let myself go - I had been so busy being "Mum" that I never thought about myself. I wanted to be Nicola again!

What motivated you to lose weight?

I never thought about my weight affecting my health until my mother made a comment about her health problems. She said, "I wouldn't be as bad now if I had done something earlier on in life" . I thought, 'I don't want to think that when I am 60.' High cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and arthritis are not things that I wanted to look forward to.

What was your weight-loss method?

I do lots of exercise and eat a balanced diet . I love my weight-lifting and walk whenever I can instead of using the car. I love finding new ways to exercise that are fun .

What were some obstacles you encountered while losing weight?

Once I got into my routine I found it pretty easy, but initially it was difficult to get that routine going with 3 children to look after. I needed to change the way of life that we, as a family, had become used to. With the support of family and friends, that change was easy. We all lead a more active life now and that benefits us all.

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

*Most importantly, especially for us mums, acknowledge that it's ok to be a little selfish - think about what you need!

*Only eat when you are hungry and drink plenty of water.

*Find some ways of exercising that you like and mix things up a bit every few weeks. That way you don't get bored and you'll see results because your body doesn't adapt to the exercise.

*Think to yourself,  'Do I really need to eat this?' If you know you can't eat something in moderation, then don't have it anywhere near you.

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

I feel fantastic! I feel younger. I feel full of life. I feel like I am myself again, which means a lot after totally forgetting who I was when I became a mum.

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

Recording my food and exercise in the online Diary every day has helped keep me honest. This is so important, as I had buried my head in the sand for too long.

Also, I have made some wonderful friends in the forums! We help each other out, as we are all in the same boat.