Mdindc was no stranger to diets, but she had never been very successful until she discovered Calorie Count. Follow Mdindc's story to find out how she's lost 49 lbs by simply changing her eating habits and adding exercise.

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?

Seeing a terrifying number on the doctor's scale finally jolted me to reality. After nearly twenty years of struggling with my weight and not feeling like I was in control of doing anything about it, something finally clicked in my head. I went to the Overeaters Anonymous website and read some testimonials from people who have struggled like me. Their stories hit a nerve like none I have ever felt in my life. After a few tearful hours of self-realization, I decided it was now or never. 49 pounds later and still going strong, I haven't looked back.

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

I've gone through phases of dieting and working out for nearly a decade, but nothing ever stuck and I didn't have the motivation to see it through. Finally, this time is different.

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?

First of all, I started tracking every single thing I ate. Every day, every meal, every bite. Second, I stopped eating like it didn't matter. For the first time, I'm conscious about everything I put in my mouth - or don't put in my mouth. I've given up almost all drinking and cut way back on meat, carbs, and sugar. But, I still eat out a lot and maintain an active social life!

Finally, my entire approach to working out has changed. With the initial weight loss came confidence (finally, at 27 years old!) to go to classes at the gym, try new things, and push myself. I'm addicted to Zumba dance classes. Now, I'm nearly fifty pounds lighter and actually beginning to see the outlines of muscles on my body! Who knew?

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

Calorie Count has been the constant, daily reminder that I am worth this change in my life. It's an easy, accountable way to keep track of my progress - and it feels great to enter a newer, lower weight and see the line on that graph go down!

I feel so empowered now knowing how many calories are in the foods I'm eating and how much of something I should be eating. For the longest time I was afraid to confront what I was doing to my body, and while it sounds cliché, now I finally understand that facing reality gives me the power to change.

5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?

The most difficult thing about this is that it took me so long - nearly all my life - to get to this point. Now that the mental switch has been "flipped", my commitment has stayed as strong as it was on the first day.

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

I dropped the first 20 pounds fast but was too afraid to step on the scale for several weeks. Once I finally did - and saw that initial drop - I knew that I had to keep going. The weight loss has slowed down significantly since then, but has been consistent and encouraging. At about the 35-40 pound mark, people in my life started noticing and complimenting me. I still have a long way to go, but the huge initial success has kept me motivated.

7. How do you prevent relapse?

I have a huge smile on my face these days, and many people have told me how much happier I look. That, and the hard fact that the scale keeps moving down, is all I need at the moment in order to keep going.

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

I'm happy. I'm stronger. I feel worth it.

9. How long have you maintained your current weight?

I am still in the process of losing weight, at about 1-2 pounds per week now.

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

• Log what you eat! Every meal.
• Find a workout that you love.
• Weigh yourself.  I avoided the scale like the plague for years - now it is a source of encouragement and accountability for me.
• Talk about it.  Being honest for the first time about my struggle has made me feel more powerful than anything. Your friends and family love you and will encourage you... if you let them in!
• Let go and eat a little chocolate - or whatever you're craving.  Just don't eat the whole bag.