The title is one tip that this week's featured member, Brackish_kitty would like to share with you.  She took a proactive step in reversing her own gradual weight gain with the help of Calorie Count’s tools.  What is really unique with her story is not only did she lose 35 lbs but her family also hopped onboard and they are all now benefitting from their new healthy lifestyle.

She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.

1. What prompted you to begin this weight loss journey? Did you have an "Aha!" moment?

I have three driving factors that prompted me to make this change in lifestyle: My husband has high triglycerides (It was 650 the first time we had it checked). His older brother has it too and currently on supportive treatment because of Pancreatitis. His father passed away 9 years ago due to the same condition. Our eating habits are just not helping his situation for I was a lazy cook. Next are my children. I’m a mother of four, part-time mom of the 3 older ones. My littlest one is two years old. All four love going outdoors and it’s quite difficult for me to catch up with them during playtime because of excess weight. Last is the expense of purchasing clothes due to continuous weight gain after having my 2 year old. I’m a little frugal and we just don’t have the luxury to buy sets of clothing every time I gain 10 pounds.

2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?

I’ve done Crash diets a few times. It worked temporarily and served its purpose then I go right back to my ‘comfortable weight’ of 145 to 147 pounds. Binge eating accompanies the weight gain too during the process – very unhealthy.

3. Please describe how you reached your weight loss goal. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?  Did you implement any other strategies besides Calorie Count?  What was the most important change?

Six months ago, I would probably describe our meals as processed, packed and refrigerated, frozen or canned. I would cook one or two meals for the entire week and I’ve always made excuses why I wouldn’t do it more often. Calorie Count opened my eyes and made me realize that these meal sources will lead me and my family to further more deficiencies in nutrients that our bodies need to be able to function properly. Now I spend at least 12 hours a week in the kitchen preparing healthy meals. I love sweets – so daily I have my desserts or treat, which is within 8% to 12% of my daily calorie intake.

I started exercising at least 5 times a week back in October. I made sure I have at least one rest day during the week too. After a noticeable amount of weight and inches lost, my husband joined me in my exercises/training on 01/01/12. Neighbors and work colleagues started calorie counting based on my recommendation for weight loss. I’m very happy that I’m able to show people the significance of eating healthy and exercising.

Also, little movements count. Move quicker, park farther, walk faster. We have 2 large restrooms in my work building and I prefer to go to the farthest one. Instead of retrieving files in our database, I would get up, leave my desk and go to the file room to gather what I need. During weekends, if it’s warm enough, I take my kids and husband to the playground 2 blocks away from my home and we’ll play for hours.

I have more confidence now. I realized that I’m not just doing myself a favor by taking care of my well-being, but my family’s as well.

4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.

Calorie Count’s tools and logs made me more accountable, more than anything else. I utilize the logs and food browser daily. The people in the forums are knowledgeable and very helpful. I can honestly say that I’ll be lost without it! I know I’m more educated now with nutrition and fitness because of Calorie Count.

5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?

The most difficult part of the weight loss was the addiction to sweets and starch and the inability to control portions. During the first three to four months I restricted myself from eating desserts, sugary snacks and chips which was a big mistake. I ended up losing control and went all out eating on weekends. About 2 months ago, I realized that I have to be nicer to myself (thanks to your blogs) and gave myself a “daily treat allowance” to keep me happy.

6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?

It took a little over a month when I started noticing results. My clothes are fitting better and work colleagues started complimenting me with how I look. My main success is the progress that I see within my household. My husband is losing weight, exercising and eating right now. My kids are also eating the healthy meals that I prepare for them. Last month, the doctor took my husband off of cholesterol medicine, which brought tears to our eyes.

7. How do you prevent relapse?

I give myself my “me time”, which is a 15 minute sit-down with no interruptions while I eat and savor my treat. This hits the spot. I know I eat enough to fuel my body all day and I burn enough to be leaner so why not give myself a mini-gift for this everyday success?

8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?

I have more confidence, happier, energetic and driven. I love the fact that several people have approached me in my neighborhood and at work asking for guidance and recommendation. I’m nowhere close to being an expert but I tell them what has worked for me and my family. On March 15th, I met with a nutritionist (it was unexpected that they had an RD and cardio doctor present at the same time) to further better my performance as a cook for my household. Instead of getting more tips, I was told that I’m doing an excellent job and just continue what I’m doing at home. Furthermore I was invited to attend the local hospital’s Weight Management Group to share my story and help individuals and families who are dealing with weight and eating crisis.

9. How long have you maintained your current weight?

I’ve maintained my current weight for over three months now.

10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?

• Eat right. Move more. Get rest. You need all three to be successful in your lifelong journey.
• Love yourself for no one else will pay as much attention to your body but you!
• Be accountable of what you do and what you eat. I made myself accountable for my whole family’s well-being; there is no reason for you not to.
• Use the tools that Calorie Count offers you. Why? Because it works.
• Enjoy the progress of your journey for it’s just going to get better every day.