I had been at a good weight until my mid twenties where I started yoyoing, I'd gain weight, diet and take it off then within a couple of years gain the weight back. It has been frustrating because each time I said I would not gain the weight back again. If I gained weight I was always successful in taking it off pretty easily. I've been on the Atkins diet and that diet worked very well for me. I never got sick and in fact I felt more energized. I think because I always did my own variation of the diet, where I would eat mostly low fat foods which is more like the south beach diet now. I always drank a lot of water and took my vitamins. Most people who go on the Atkins diet forget to drink plenty of fluids and take supplements. It is very important to get a good amount of water daily. I have also done the Cambridge diet. That diet I would not recommend for most people. In fact, I would not recommend any of these diets. The only thing that truly works is learning how to eat properly. Proper portions, right amount of fruits and veggies daily. Dieting is a science, you have to know what goes into your body and how it will affect your system. I was on a low/no fat diet and created problems with my gal bladder. Improper diets can and will cause your system problems. I have also always been a big Pepsi drinker and I know that is not good, so I have decided that I need to eliminate soda's from my daily routine and reserve drinking soda for special occasions. I will have seltzer water every now and then. I'm not big on going out to eat I like to do my cooking at home. So now I try to limit the simple carbs and add more fruits and veggies. I love my vegetables and fruits and sometimes kick myself for not eating them regularly. Well, now that I am over 50 it seems like the hardest thing for me to do is to lose weight. Now I am trying to stay focused and hope to get this excess weight off by the end of the year or at least a good portion of it.

1. Calorie Count Name (user id): Yarroc
2. Name you prefer to be called in discussions: Karen
3. Age & Sex: 53/f
4. General Location: Virginia
5. Married? Single? Single
6. Kids? Furbabies? one/daughter
7. Favorite color? Red
8. Favorite movie? Not sure - I have a few -- I love suspense and mystery
9. Hobbies? -- ceramics, crocheting, plastic canvas
10. Favorite Snack? - popcorn
11. Favorite Beverage? seltzer
12. Biggest Obstacle to Getting Healthy? Me
13. Weight/Fitness Goal? 140lbs
14. Least Favorite Household Chore? washing floors
15. How did you find Calorie Count? - on-line ad
16. Anything Else You'd Like To Share? - I'm sure there is, and will