What were your weight-control goals?

To control my weight I aim to be active everyday in some way or another; in particular I try to walk 10,000 steps a day, in addition to regular cardio/weight sessions. I also eat a lot of fresh, wholesome food such as wholegrains and fresh fruits and veggies as these foods keep me fuller for longer and give me more energy. I also try to be organised by preparing healthy meals in advance and ensuring healthy options are available to me wherever I may be.

What motivated you to lose weight?

I was sick of being young and so unfit, it didn't seem right. I was tired all the time. And one day I saw a photo of myself and thought to myself 'enough is enough'.I knew that something had to change, and that only I could change myself. I realised I wanted to live longer and spend as much time as possible with my amazing friends and family. Also, I regularly went shopping with my much slimmer, stunning sister and always thought 'wow I wish I could wear that dress' until I finally realized that if I worked hard, I could.

What was your weight-loss method?

I treated (and still do treat) every day as another opportunity to learn more about living and sustaining a healthy lifestyle. I have enjoyed educating myself about nutrition and healthy choices, trying new foods and trying a a variety of physical activities. I also keep an honest food diary as this way I can never be in denial again; like I was for so many years.

What were some obstacles you encountered while losing weight?

There were a few times when I experienced weight loss plateaus, which was disheartening, but I did not give up. I decided not to do anything drastic and just continued to commit myself to a healthy lifestyle. There were occasions when family or friends kept offering me junk food even though they knew I was trying to lose weight, but I just decided to stay true to myself and my goals!

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

Stay true to yourself and your goals, it has worked for me! Do it for yourself. Keep a food diary. If you make a mistake, try to learn from it rather than give up. Find a form of physical activity that you enjoy. Drink plenty of water. Always choose fresh foods over processed foods, eventually you will start to truly love and appreciate their taste. Be mindful of what you are eating- don't just think 'it's low fat so it's healthy' but also consider if it's low in sugar and sodium and high in vitamins and minerals.

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

I feel fit and healthy and I am a whole new person, both inside and out. I don't get anxious when going out, I actually enjoy getting out there and participating in life! I feel confident and comfortable in my own skin. I have self respect for the first time in a long time because I treat my body with respect by being healthy and active everyday.

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

The success stories were very inspiring. I had a lot of misconceptions about many different foods and CalorieKing taught me the truth. I love the calorie counter, because it shows exactly what's in a food. I found a lot of wonderful meal ideas. Keeping the online food diary is a quick and convenient way to stay on track. And the community forums are a great place to learn new ideas and to reach out to like minded people with the same goals and struggles.