Q&A

What were your weight-control goals?

60 lbs.

What motivated you to lose weight?

Well, first of all, health was a key issue here. About fourteen months ago I began to feel tired and dizzy. My doctor diagnosed me with high blood pressure, so he recomended that I watch my fat and sodium intakes and try to exercise a little more. After the first 3 months I began to realize that the last couple of years I have been eating very unhealtily and that, along with my busy way of life, was making me gain not only pounds but years. I looked older that I was, so I said, "No Mas señor!!"

What was your weight-loss method?

I don´t really like those fad diets (or magic pills). I don´t believe in those tactics, so I took an old fashioned equation: reduce my calorie intake and increase the amount of daily exercise, simple as that. I began to eat more fruits and veggies (either fresh or boiled), higher on proteins (eg. broccoli, baked beans and lentils with salsa). Also, I opted to make chicken and turkey the main sources for animal protein, eating lean beef only a couple of days a week. On the exercise aspect of my new habits, the first months I walked 20 to 30 minutes a day, and as I got more energy I began to jog for about 20 minutes or walk 45 minutes everyday. Discipline is essential here. My waist size was 36 and now is 31.

What were some obstacles you encountered while losing weight?

To be honest, the hard thing was changing my old habits, both exercising and eating. Everytime I saw a Big Mac, the 'old Carlos' was saying "come on, one more is not that bad...." My family and girlfriend were very, very supportive.

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

First of all, know what you´re eating, in terms of calories, fat, carbs and all of the things that you see in those "Nutritional Facts" labels. CalorieKing.com´s Diet Diary is a great tool for that, don´t hesitate to get it. Then do some exercise everyday (watching baseball on your couch don´t count as exercise...), even sundays, discipline is a good thing. And avoid alcohol in great amounts, not only it is filled with calories, but it motivates you to eat a lot of unhealthy snacks. Everytime that you are tempted by a greasy unhealthy food, think of how good you´re going to look and feel if you eat in a healthier way; remembering this may help you avoid the urge to eat bad: cheeseburgers are round and heavy, carrots and celery are thin and lightweight...

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

I have a lot more energy and am much much more confident in myself. I must say that I feel younger...

How have the products or services offered by CalorieKing assisted you in your weigh-loss journey?

As I said before, CK´s Diet Diary for my Palm was a great tool. Believe me, it is money well invested.