Having struggled with her weight for most of her teen years, Razzburry has successfully lost 70 lbs and is very near to her goal weight.  In her story she explains how a simple internet search changed her life… finding Calorie Count!

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?

Almost 2 years ago to the day (June 1st) I was sitting on my couch, 21 years old, eating chips, and watching Jillian Michaels on TV. I'd struggled with weight most of my teen years. I peaked to 230lbs at 5'5. Jillian mentioned something about how losing weight is basically cutting calories. I figured at that point what had I got to lose (besides pounds!)?

Something clicked inside of me. I finally wanted to change for myself. My supermodel mother wasn't trying to put me on the 'south beach diet' which had happened in the past, but it was something I wanted to do for me.

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

South Beach, Low carb, Low fat.

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?

The night I watched Jillian Michaels talk about calories on TV, I jumped on my computer and found, by the grace of god, Calorie Count. I put in my stats and it gave me a calorie budget. I spent about an hour figuring out what the hell exactly a calorie was and what sort of calories I should be eating. I decided to try and stick to about 50% carbs, 30% protein, and 20% fats. The next morning I got up, threw out the garbage, went to the store, and stocked up on all sorts of veggies (frozen and fresh), some lower calorie 'junk food' (100 cal cookie/chip packs), fruits, and a whole lot of chicken breast.

If anyone knows me, they know I LOVE food. For those familiar with Greek, I straight up agape food! So it was a big change for me. But I stuck to the calorie plan and logged ALL my calories. One of the best things I've also purchased that summer was a food scale. I had no idea what a healthy portion of meat was, I started getting familiar with ounces and weighing my foods. Now I can pretty much eyeball it, but the first 6 months I would hardly put anything in my mouth without weighing out the serving size and charting the calories.

The next obstacle was exercise. I couldn't afford a gym and not to mention the idea of a gym disgusted me. I would look like a huge moron trying to figure out what kind of equipment did what and most likely face planting after 3 minutes of huffing it on the treadmill. So I decided to map out a route in the neighborhood and fast walk for 60 minutes a day. After a couple weeks I started jogging a little bit, and I do mean a little bit. I would walk 5 minutes, jog 1 minute. Slowly over a few more weeks I found myself jogging 5 minutes and walking 2 minutes. After about 3 months I was able to jog a full 5k.

That summer changed my life. Although I turned 21 that summer, I very rarely went out for a drink, hardly ever went out to restaurants, logged all my calories, and made sure to get my daily exercise in for at least an hour a day 6 days a week. I lost 30lbs from June 1st to August 20th.

I maintained my weight at 200lbs for 6 months. Then lost another 20lbs down to 180lbs. Although I gained a little weight over the holidays I didn't beat myself up about it and I was back in the gym (yes I finally joined) in January '11. This past holiday season I gained a little as expected but decided to pick back up again and hit my goal of 150 (hopefully soon!). In Feb 2012 I weighed 188 and now May 1st I weigh 165lbs.

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

Without Calorie Count I don't think I would have EVER been able to do any of this. I owe my life and health, literally, to this website. It's given me the most valuable knowledge in the world regarding how to treat my mind and body right. It's my guideline, motivation, and encouragement. It's helped me in every aspect of weight loss mentally and physically.

5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?

Sacrificing time away from friends. Rarely going out to eat. Never went out drinking. Stayed away from situations that would cause me to stumble or make bad choices.

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

Took me about a week to feel results and about two months until I started seeing results, and about 3 months when people saw me after dropping the first 30lbs and they would say 'Wow! What have you been doing? You look great!'

7. How do you prevent relapse?

If I have a terrible craving that lasts more than a few days, I allow myself to eat it. Just a little bit, which typically results in me realizing it doesn't make me feel that great in the first place. I hop on Calorie Count, I try and log my calories once or twice a week to keep myself in check. I exercise now instead of emotional/stress eating. And if I struggle, make a bad choice, or gain a couple pounds I don't beat myself up over it. I just work hard to move forward.

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

Everything! I feel more confidence when going out and doing physical activities with friends. I push myself out of my comfort zone a lot more,

9. How long have you maintained your current weight?

The first summer in 2010 I lost 30lbs, maintained for about 6 months, then lost another 20lbs, then maintained for a year and lost about 20lbs.

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

• Drinks LOTS of water and try and minimize your sodium intake. It took me a while to figure this one out. 
• Make little goals. I put up a whiteboard in my room and wrote my starting weight, current weight, goal weight. I put little goals on there too. 220lbs, 210 lbs, 200lbs, 190lbs, etc. Every time I reached my goal I would put the date I achieved it then pick one ‘reward’.  Sometimes my reward would be dinner at my favorite burger place, new pair of shoes, or going to a concert. It made it fun and I noticed my progress much more frequently.
• Jump on Calorie Count if you're feeling discouraged. I can't thank all the countless people who have helped me, and still help me daily on this site. When I need to vent, need some motivation, have a question, or what to interact with awesome people with the same goals...I know where to go!
• Cut the unnecessary stress in your life. 
• Love yourself. After I lost about 40lbs, I found myself feeling and looking better on the outside, but still feeling miserable on the inside. I realized that all the negative feelings and lack of self confidence I associated with being fat had very little to do with weight. I started trying new things, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and taking the time to appreciate myself. It's been a process but I realize I am worth every good thing I work hard towards in my life and I say 'thank you' with confidence when people give me a compliment. Learning to love myself has been the biggest challenge so far, but the most rewarding.