SUCCESS STORIES

Here are just a few of the people who would like to share their stories of how Canadian Coast to Coast Calorie Counters helped them to a new healthier life.

SUCCESS WITH CANADIAN CALORIE COUNTERS

Member Interview with Terri

How many pounds have you lost? I have lots 28 lbs in order to reach my goal.

Describe how Calorie Counters work? Calorie Counters is about losing weight sensibly. I found out it really was just like they said it was. I didn’t just jump into this, I did have to follow a few guidelines (a) See your family doctor, together you will work out how much weight you should lose, and how many calories you should have each day (b) Keep a diary of all the foods you have eaten each day, using the Canada Food Guide. Bring the diary sheets with you each week, when you attend the group meetings (c) You will be given helpful information through group therapy, as well as the support of each member when you attend the weekly meetings (d) Each week the weight recorder will check your weight and keep a record of it in their books.

What has been the most difficult food or habit to give up? Speaking for myself I haven’t given up all the foods I enjoy, except maybe junk food. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. What I have done is cut down my portion size – making sure that I only eat small portions of foods that are high in carbs (breads and pastas) only occasionally. I do try not to eat after 7 p.m. It has been hard to break bad habits, such as eating when I am bored, even if I am not hungry.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to lose weight? I guess the best advice I could give to someone wanting to lose weight would be to join a Calorie Counters. I tried so many times to lose weight on my own. For many reasons, I could never stick to it. I just can’t do it myself. I need to have the support of other people going through the same thing. Some diets suggest going without fruit or vegetables, foods that should be healthy for you. That really isn’t something I wanted to do. Losing the weight slowly, helped me to reach my goal. I know if I were to stop coming each week, I could put the weight back on. I wanted to maintain my goal weight, so I plan on coming each week. This group really helps me to stay on top of things. I know maintaining my goal weight is also something I needed help with. Reaching my goal weight feels great. I do feel better. If losing weight is something you think you would like to do, then I hope my story can help you in some way.

LORI
British Columbia

COUNTING CALORIES TAKES
WOMAN FROM SIZE 48 TO 14

Loveseats are usually meant for two people, but when Lori weighed close to 300 pounds, there wasn’t room for another person.

“I was drastically overweight for the last 20 years” she said “I used to be a size 48 and I hated it.”

She knew it was time to do something and that she needed help to do it.

So, 15 months ago, she joined Canadian Calorie Counters and lost 150 pounds to win the 2005 National Best Achiever Award.

“All my life I struggled with my weight and had low self-esteem. I always felt that I wasn’t worthy.”

As a teenager Lori was anorexic. She believed she had to look like a super model to be happy or had boys interested in her.

Later, in her early 20’s, Lori fell into a deep depression and gained 200 pounds. She decided she didn’t want to impress anyone and started eating uncontrollably.

“I was on medication and it used to make me so hungry, I would eat everything,” said Lori. “It was an awful time in my life”

Then in 2004, with her 40th birthday approaching and her health suffering from the excess weight, Lori decided it was time to get off her loveseat and regain control of her eating habits. Through a recommendation from a friend, Lori joined Calorie Counters and lost 7 lbs. the first week.

Calorie Counters is a non-profit weight loss group that believes weight gain is a chronic, progressive disorder and by following Canada’s Food Guide and completing calorie sheets, you can lose weight.

Lori said the Calorie Counters group support played a huge role in her success.
“Everyone wants to know what my secret is and I’ll tell you – I started loving and accepting myself. Once I did that, the weight just started falling off,” said Lori, who sings with the Beautiful Minds Choir. “It might sound crazy, but it’s the truth. The group was so accepting and welcoming. They provide a safe, loving atmosphere and they always have kind words, even when I gained weight. It’s all about acceptance. We all accept one another and I learned to love myself. I don’t have to be perfect.”

Lori became more aware of the food she was eating and started eating nutritious foods instead of chips and ice cream. Lori said that moderation is the key. She eats whatever she wants, but only in moderation. She also started walking more and found she enjoyed it. She also plans to join a dragon boat team.

Even though Lori and a friend could now easily fit side by side on her loveseat, she doesn’t spend a lot of time sitting around. She looks forward to every day and can’t thank her friends at Calorie Counters enough for their support.
“I never want to win the Best Achiever Award again. I never want to be that BIG again,” said Lori. “I’m focusing on keeping my mind and body stable.”

Shirley
Kitchener

I guess what really started me thinking about changing my lifestyle, was my husband – he was diagnosed with diabetes along with very high blood pressure. The doctor hospitalized him and strongly recommended a change in our eating and exercise patterns. The doctor went so far as to set up a therapy session with both my husband and I to counsel me on my cooking habits.

It probably took me well over a year of mentally focusing and talking to myself before I could actually start on a weight loss program and stick to it. The saying that “no one can tell you what you should do” – well that saying was true of me. Even though I knew I was FAT and my husband, to certain extent, lost respect for me (as I would catch him watching me out of the corner of his eye and shake his head), I just knew I HAD TO DO IT FOR MYSELF if I wanted to see my grandchildren.

My objective was January 1, 1993, when I joined Canadian Calorie Counters in my own neighborhood. It was an extremely difficult decision to make, as I knew many of the members from previous times and I just couldn’t handle failure and rejection.

The weight recorder at that time, was a neighbor of mine, on my same street, whom I knew quite well back in the late 70’s and early 80’s, didn’t even recognize me when I weighed-in. She told me months later, that she was so astounded and surprised at how much weight I had gained over the years. She helped me through the many trials and tribulations, always in a positive and helpful way.

Joining Calorie Counters was my first step and my second step was walking. I had joined so many exercise groups and when the novelty wore off, I never continued. I had to make a decision of an exercise that fit into my lifestyle, considering the hours of work, home life, etc. so I decided to try WALKING.

My objective was 3-4 blocks 3 times a week. I started very slowly. My thighs were extremely large with the fat rubbing together being very painful, my breast had excess fluid and bounced excessively when walking, pain around the heart and especially my side hurt and with 45 additional pounds, I was exhausted. To tell you the honest truth, I didn’t want to do this.

I had to push myself away from the table and force myself to get out and walk. I was focused and determined to get my weight under control, I made sure I filled out my calorie sheets honestly, as I knew I would only cheat myself – I weighed in weekly, as I knew I had to make that accounting to the scales.

From one of the Branch meetings, it was strongly emphasized about looking at various fats and reducing the intake of saturated fats, reading the labels, selecting lots of fruits and veggies. What a re-education!! I was fortunate that my husband appreciated the change in our lifestyle and supported me the whole way, even to this day, his least favorite meat is poultry, but I tried different recipes to hide the chicken or turkey.

I read a lot of literature on proper weight reduction, attend lots of seminars, listen to motivating tapes, generally talking to people about eating habits. Funny how people don’t really want to talk about weight, exercise or fats, so I realized that I can only MOTIVATE ME.

As I increased my walking capacity, I realized that I could accomplish 2 things (a) the obvious one was the physical exercise (b) the other one was the mental exercise as I did not have to concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other. I could rather concentrate on sorting through my problems and stress, enjoying nature and the beautiful things the good Lord gives us. At the finish of my walk, I felt tired but much calmer and I could sleep at night.

By the first week of June I was down 40 pounds and my reward was a 4 week vacation to my husband’s family in Germany. Through my heavy period, he kept emphasizing how he was going to visit his family by himself (in other words he was ashamed of how fat I was). I had gained some weight on my holidays as we had to eat what was prepared for us which included lots of sauces and gravies. It was very difficult after a weight gain from holidays to settle down, so I can sympathize with many of you who had a good summer and gained weight. I again refocused and talked to myself and with strong determination, reduced my gain.

To top off my weight loss, was my attendance at our Rally in November and one of the girls that I knew from a previous time, approached me saying that she saw me the previous year at the grocery store, couldn’t believe it was me because of the fat gain, so she just kept her distance, shaking her head. She hugged me and said how wonderful I looked now and she was so proud to know me. After that episode, I was more determined than every to stay at my weight.

In addition, my husband visited the doctor and found no trace of diabetes and his blood pressure dropped from taking 4 pills many times a day to one pill maybe 3 times a day. This was directly related to what we were eating and how much.

I now realize it’s very easy to add those surplus pounds, but difficult to take them off and maintain your weight. I still have to focus and talk to my inner self on a daily basis. I still try and walk 3 to 4 times a week and I just love to ‘power walk’, feeling on top of the world when I return. I don’t have saturated fats in the house; I bake with canola oil, cut sugar in half or cut it out entirely, always looking for good light recipes. We definitely eat more veggies and fruit, barbeque more often.

Not only have I lost the weight, but I have learned how to eat properly for a longer, healthier life. I also must attend the weekly meetings and weigh-in. We many times have other things planned but our Branch night is MY NIGHT.

I am a lot in the public eye in various associations and what a proud moment when business man complimented me on how terrific and young I look. I realize now, when you are FAT and not satisfied with how you look, you have a different personality than when you are feeling good about yourself and you’re on a high.

It’s been over 13 years since I lost my excess baggage. Looking back over the last couple of years, I decided to share some of my thoughts. It seems that in the 90’s I was always depressed because of my weight gain. I was

** lazy, never exercising except obviously my elbow
** out of breath when just walking down the street or in the plaza
** constantly pulling my clothes either up or down
** never in photos, always the photographer
** standing behind people, instead of in front
** making the excuse that it’s harder for older women to lose weight because of the slow metabolism
**going through the ‘change of life’ means weight gain
** trying clothes in regular stores that don’t fit, obviously the manufacturer spared on the material – then backed into a corner and buying clothes in large women’s store (still not believing I was a size 20 ½)
** couldn’t cross my legs – in fact my legs were so thick I couldn’t put them together
** hating myself when looking in the mirror, so I only concentrated on looking at the upper half of my body
** hating myself for what I had become and that I had no control – that mentally I was weak and uncaring about my health and body – it was easier to continue in the old pattern than to chart new waters and put a stop to overeating and making those fattening cheesecakes with the real whipped cream & butter.
** self conscious in the business world, as I knew the lack of respect for overweight people (there question would be ‘how could she take control when she can’t control her own weight’)
** my family makes snide remarks about how they have to watch their weight
** I love this remark “well you are a large boned woman, so you can carry your weight well” – what a bonehead
** trying all those quick loss schemes, be it organizations of different names, pills guaranteeing weight loss, set.

I ALSO WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU SOME OF THE FEELINGS I HAD WHEN I WAS FAT:
Embarrassed
Dissatisfied
Sadness
Displeasure
Lack of confidence
Short tempered
A major negative attitude

WOULD I DO IT AGAIN??? Definitely. I feel good about myself, my clothes are a size 12 and no more pulling up or down, I have more pictures where I am present, I walk with a spring to my step and my shoulders back, I smile more often and mentally I’m stronger, little things don’t bother me as much. When I see the pride and love in my husband’s eyes and that of my family, I know the weight loss was worthwhile and I am proud of my accomplishment.

You can make the decision. You take your paintbrush, you choose your colors, you paint your paradise and then you live in it. Or paint HELL if you want to, but don’t blame anyone else for it. FORGET WHAT WAS! Get hooked on what is. YOU DON”T LIKE WHERE YOU ARE? Then change it! Be someone else. Do YOUR thing for a change and learn from what happens. I did and SO CAN YOU!

Success Story of Bob
Kitchener

My “Tip of the Week” is a tip of my hat to Canadian Calorie Counters. In February, 2005, my sister Penny asked me if I would like to join Calorie Counters because of my weight problem. I said I would give it a try, so I joined. My first weigh-in I was 345 pounds, so I started a new lifetime change by counting calories, filling out a calorie sheet every week and lots of walking & exercise plus group talks each week – it started to work. Next thing I knew I had lost 10 pounds, 15 pounds, 25 pounds, 50 pounds. I dropped from a 58 to a 50 inch waist in the size of my pants and blue jeans. I am so happy about that because now I don’t have to go to the ‘big & tall’ stores and pay double the price for my clothes.

I was up and down like a yoyo all summer long. In November, I attended Rally and found out I had the biggest weight loss and got to be “KING” for that day with a loss of over 50 lbs.

In 2006, my President handed out the year-end awards and I realized that I had the biggest weight loss for the year and would be getting my weekend paid to convention. I had one of the best times of my life. I can hardly wait for next year’s convention. I highly recommend everyone attend convention. You will have a wonderful time. By losing all this weight I was Runner-up at convention.

I have been with Calorie Counters for one year & 2 months and in that time I have lost 60 lbs. I have won many awards, prizes, happy faces and stars for my weight loss and have been a big part of winning many top awards for our group at Convention. I proudly displayed my awards, prizes and ribbons with my next goal – a STAR.

I would like to tip my had to the members, no, to my new friends, who give me love and support each week as I work towards my goal of becoming a STAR.

A big hug to my sister Penny, for getting me started on a new chapter in my life of getting help and looking good by losing weight. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and if you think you can’t do it, take a good look at me. YOU CAN

ELLEN
Hamilton

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

Wake up and smell the coffee. Yes I am talking about food. That’s what I had to do. No one told me this. You see I have lost tons of weight in the past and food always won. I can tell you it will not win this time.

In the summer of 2004 I had watched one of our members in my branch be so motivated. She watched what she ate - exercised. Every week she would come in for weigh ins and lose. She was my biggest inspiration and others in our branch.

Now I know that someone else cannot make you lose weight. You’ve got to want it yourself. It’s like any addiction Stupidity comes to mind for myself. I am not a stupid person, so why am I being so stupid when it comes to my family, my health and mostly letting food rule me? We all eat for lots of reason. Depression, boredom. Enjoyment but when we get to the point that one is obese, then being overweight will only cause more depression. You can be bored, but find a new hobby. NOT FOOD.

As I said before, 2004 did change my thinking. I am on a powerful drug for RA. I must have a blood test every month; it used to be every week. These blood tests were to keep an eye on my liver. There are lots of drug out there that damage a liver, so I knew how important it was. My doctor wanted me to have a liver biopsy. I had to go to Toronto for this, because I am in a case study for RA. I tell you I was scared. If this comes out bad then what. You know it’s sad that a person lets themselves get overweight and then they start having health problems and it takes a shock to smarten them up. I talked to myself. I have a great husband, two beautiful daughters and 5 extraordinary grandchildren. They are my life but I am being selfish. Food seems to be more important then them. That is stupid. I want to see my grandchildren grow up, graduate from University etc. If I leave my body the way it was, I know I wouldn’t see all that. I know there is no guarantee’s in life but I can tell you I am not sorry I got my fat butt off the couch and did something about my problem.

I took it slow, one day at a time. I do have a secret weapon. (Small Plate) I can tell you it does work. You have to be willing to try. I did give up some foods for awhile. Pop was one. My receipt for loosing weight is small meals, exercise, plenty of water, plenty of rest and be patient. Don’t let anyone discourage you. One thing that I started doing for myself as a reward was to buy a small size in something that I found on sale and really liked. That way I wasn’t spending tons of money when that article of clothing became too big. I have 2 pair of pants in my closet right now that I hope to get into by the summer. The benefits that I have gotten are so exciting. Playing on the floor with my youngest granddaughter. Going to an arena or theatre where the seats are narrow and being able to sit comfortably. Buying clothes in ANY store, not just specialty stores.
My blood pressure went down. I have a lot more energy. My RA will never go away, and I have to accept that, but I can try and avoid other health issues by maintaining a reasonable weight. I have a great branch for support, a great family who encourages me all the time. All I can say to anyone of you.

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE JUST DON’T DRINK IT. Each one of you can do it, just as I have. Good Luck

Marion and I have tried to lose weight in the past and have met with limited success. We are not interested in joining a "for profit" diet plan, as they seemed too commercial.

One day I met a friend who had lost a fair bit of weight and I asked her about her achievement. She had joined Calorie Counters and explained the program to me and invited us to the next meeting. It sounded like just what we were looking for - a group whose goal was simply to support and motivate its' members.

We joined the Branch after that first meeting and committed to lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle. We visited our doctor for input and started. We lost our weight simply counting calories, increasing exercise and of course, by receiving support and encouragement from our Branch members.

WE PLAN OUR MENUS TOGETHER FOR ABOUT 5 DAYS IN ADVANCE, SO THAT THERE IS A COMMITMENT AND THERE IS LESS CHANCE FOR US TO "fall off the wagon". WE DEAL WITH SPECIAL OCCASIONS BY LIMITING OUR INTAKE OF ALL THAT IS OFFERED. We don't deny ourselves - we just control ourselves.

MARION LOST 40 lbs

ALAN LOST 110 lbs

Between March and December of 2004

We are sure that with weekly weighins - the support and encouragement from our Branch, we will succeed in maintaining our healthy weight

Marion is a retired nurse/administrator and Alan is a retired Manager. They live on their farm in southwestern Ontario. They are both active and have part-time jobs that are hobby related.

The roving reporter for Canadian Calorie Counters caught up with Alan recently and posed the following questions:

1. WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION TO LOSE WEIGHT? Health - high blood pressure - we just knew if we didn't get the weight off, our health would get worse.

2. WHY JOIN CANADIAN CALORIE COUNTERS?
   It was the non-profit issue. Canadian Calorie Counters sees you having a healthier "Canada Food Guide" diet plan, rather than benefiting from our weight problems.

3. HOW MUCH WEIGHT HAVE YOU LOST TO DATE?
   Since March 1st, 2004 to January, 2005 MARION has lot 40 lbs. and I have lost 110 lbs

4. ARE THERE BENEFITS TO BOTH OF YOU JOINING?
   Certainly, we are both committed and when we want to "fall off the wagon", the other one gets us back on the "straight and narrow".

5. HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW?
   ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! A lot more energy - MORE CONFIDENCE - MORE OUTGOING - less embarrassed on how I look.

6. ARE THERE THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW THAT YOU NEVER DID BEFORE?
   * Do up my shoe laces
   * stand in front of people & talk
   * exercise
   * energy & stamina (can climb stairs). I just didn't want to be
     in public and crowds when I was FAT, I felt so uncomfortable.

7. HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR LIFESTYLE?
   We think in a healthier way - we eat better - "SMELL THE ROSES"

8. WHAT WAS THE SECRET OF YOUR SUCCESSFUL WEIGHT LOSS?
   ·    Commitment on behalf of my wife, my Branch and myself
   ·    Must continue going to support and try and help others,
        WHICH IS A "WIN-WIN and "GIVE-GIVE" situation
   ·    Everyone cares about you at the Branch and they get
        nothing for this caring except satisfaction. The first time I
        gained weight, I was speechless and I wanted to hide, but
        next week was better.

Each year the inhabitants of North America spend in excess of five billion dollars waging the battle of the bulge. There are certainly a lot of different plans, methods, books and pills all designed to offer us the perfect and sometimes, so called "easy" way to lose weight. Many such plans only work in achieving a weight reduction in your pocket book. So, what is the best way to lose weight!

My own personal experience has included a weight war for over 50 years. Long ago and far away, I had my tonsils removed and ether was the drug of choice. Somehow, that affected the glandular system, which resulted in a 50 lb. weight gain over the following year. Sound familiar? Don't we all have an excuse for overeating? Fact is, we have a lot of food available in our society and we like to eat and eat and eat. I like the story, "I am too old, I can't lose weight like I used to". Well, I am well past my teens, twenties, thirties, forties and fifties and I just recently passed the one hundred pound lost mark. Still at it, I have a ways to go yet!

First, we must have a real reason to do this weight battle. Each person has to truly decide that they want to lose weight for themselves. You cannot keep this commitment for any other reason. You must decide that you are going to achieve success for you because you are important to yourself. Deep stuff-eh!

Next, we always need a big shovel full of incentives. Why do we want to begin down this road of change in lifestyle? Have you reached that point where all the stores don't have any nice clothes - at least not in your size? Have you been to the beach lately? Have you seen the new swimsuits (thongs & bikinis)? At 300 pounds can you just imagine! Does your chest pound in your ears just from climbing the stairs? Best of all, go to your room, get in front of a big mirror, get naked and jump up and down. Do we have the incentive now?

Now we have incentives, how about a few really good reasons. The most important is our health. How much sickness and health problems could be eliminated or lessened with proper nutritional habits? How does it go? We are what we eat! Also, our mental wellness responds to how we feel about ourselves. Getting in better physical shape improves our confidence, and overall evaluation of our own self image.

How about some helping tools in this war on the "extra winter tires"? First, we all need a helping hand in the form of encouragement. Losing weight is a tough battle. Having the support of our common-goal oriented friends at Calorie Counters and personal friends and families is very important for success. The supply of information about food, nutrition, calories of energy, etc. is necessary for guiding us to eat the proper food choices and in the correct amounts. Small portion scales and measuring tools are very useful tools. The bathroom scale can be a guide tool, but do not use it too often and expect to see instant weight losses by the hour or day. It took a bit of time to gain that undesired weight, it takes time and patience to lose it.

Perhaps the single most important tool is that little old daily intake sheet of paper. We are people who are addicted to eating lots! We need an accurate, all inclusive, faithfully maintained daily record of what we are eating. With this accountability we are "dipping into the cookie jar". If we are not going to maintain an accurate, daily record, we tend to be generous with our portions but stingy with our memory when trying to recall the past week's reign of food terror.

Food! Who are the friendly guys? We have to become disciplined in our routine of eating three regular meals a day, plus snacks. We need it and deserve it. Our daily requirements include choices from grain products, fruit, vegetables, dairy products and of course our protein group of meats, fish, cheese, etc. Funny, that seems to be on those silly little sheets we are supposed to keep faithfully.

Now this is the part of weight loss that becomes interesting and challenging. We have all kinds of charts, graphs, suggested menu planning, calorie indexes, etc. available to us. We have to take the time and interest to explore, read, study and absorb some of these facts. We also, after gaining some statistical knowledge have to decide our own personal daily requirements. Each person's needs are different and personal. They are based on such things as age, sex, daily physical activities, metabolism, etc. Persons with specific medical problems may have to use extra planning in their food choices due to ailments and medications. If in doubt, seek help - see your doctor. Personally, I have found success by keeping the carbohydrates as low as possible, heavy on fresh vegetables and fruits, careful choices with the proteins. Friendly proteins for me include turkey, chicken, fish and lean meats in limited amounts. Canada's Food Guide is a good starting point and reference. Don't be afraid to experiment within the allowed food groups. That is how you find your "best friends".

Also, we must remember to include a very controlled amount of fat in our diets. This is where I cut too low, resulting in a dry skin condition. A slight increase in meat choices corrects this problem easily or a few tablespoons of mayo on a salad will bring the daily intake up to par.

After getting all our knowledge of the food groups into place, we come to the miracle creation that washes away all our sins - water. Funny, that is on those silly little sheets too! We have to drink those eight plus glasses a day to make the system work properly. There are a lot of articles and information on this topic but suffice it to say - do you ask your toilet to get rid of the waste properly without a generous supply of water? Same goes for you! All that fat, sugars, carbs, salts have to be flushed. So drink lots of water and pull the handle on these calories. One word of caution - be cautious with the amounts of salt you take into you diet. Salt causes water retention. So watch those pickles! You can pucker without pickles!!!

Our next piece of the puzzle is exercise. By the way, I see mention of that on the "silly" little sheets again. Exercise burns calories and keeps us fit. The types of exercise and the intensity of exercises must be guided by personal health conditions, age, doctor's advice, etc. I have found that walking daily is fine for myself, but if I work a 12 hour shift, I forgo the walk for a day. I have also found that too much exercise makes my own appetite harder to control. Again, this is a personal judgment call.

I could go on and on and fill a whole book because all my life has been one big battle of blubber! Why? I learned how to lose weight successfully through the years, but I did not learn to permanently change my lifestyle with a real commitment to healthier eating. Hopefully, I will succeed this time. Weight control is not about getting into that smaller size dress or pants or putting on a new swimsuit. It is about lifestyle and take the time required and the personal pride in ourselves to become permanently committed to healthy eating. An ex alcoholic can not have one only, an ex chain smoker can not buy cigarettes for one or two days only and habitual excessive eaters cannot reach their goal and walk away for long, forgetting the lessons learned.

My story goes back almost to the day I was born. I was a cute chubby baby, grew to be a plump little girl, a chunky teenager and finally a fat mama.

I can't remember the time that a diet wasn't a part of my life. I was always either going on one, usually on a Monday or off one, usually on a Friday.

I finally reached a point where I got so tired of going to my closet and looking for something to cover up how I looked instead of looking for something to show how nice I looked. I decided to do something about it and knew that I needed help, so I joined Calorie Counters.

There were so many positive things about the Branch that helped me reach my goal of 135 lbs. from 158 lbs. in a fairly short time. The calorie sheets were my biggest help, along with the weekly weigh-ins. The little incentives including the contests, the great programs and weekly thoughts put forth by our President, proved a big help. The friendly informal atmosphere put forth by all the girls and sharing a common goal made the weekly meetings pleasant.
I know to make my story a permanent success story, I must continue to be an active member of the Branch, because with help, my compulsive eating would shortly put me right back where I started from. I am determined never to be fat again because I am not about to give up the feeling of pride I have in myself, when I put on my size 12 clothes after hiding in a size 16 for so long.
I hope that I will never have to diet again. I prefer to think that what I am doing now is controlling my eating habits, not dieting because I am certainly not going hungry. I have cut out most greasy and sweet foods except for the odd treat although I do manage to save some calories for my favourite food - ice cream. I am no longer a taster or a plate cleaner, because I figure that the waste is better in the garbage than on my hips.

Like most of us, the pounds have slowly crept on over the years - especially since having my children. In the past, I was able to lose them on my own, but only to regain them. This time was different. Feeling lonely and homesick at times (we moved from BC), I turned to food for comfort and did not have the MOTIVATION or WILL to lose weight AGAIN. My weight was more than when I was expecting the twins. The thought made me feel just awful.

This time I decided to try and join a weight loss group. I had heard that some were expensive, so I checked around and found Calorie Counters would best suit my needs. Not only for cost, but because I could still eat everything I wanted, provided I counted calories. This in turn, taught me self-control, not only in eating, but in other areas of my life as well. I have also learned that I feel much better when I eat a balanced diet.

My first week I lost 6 lbs. The group was so encouraging and happy for me. I felt like a million! Each week as I kept losing one or two pounds, I became more and more enthusiastic.

Here are a few pointers that worked for me:

1. First and foremost was my enthusiasm. I make a special point of taking one day at a time and being as happy as I can about myself. Sure there were "bad" days, but I kept saying to myself "I'm just having a bad day and tomorrow will be better". Usually it was!

2. For my height of 5' the doctor suggested 1,000 calories a day. Some days were more and some less. He also suggested a multiple vitamin.

3. EXERCISE - I've worked walking into my daily activities - mostly to shop and run errands. Every morning I do one side of Richard Simmons & later in the day I do the other side. Weekends, sometimes I have break and sometimes enjoy a bike ride or more exercise. The more I lose, the more energy I have and naturally enjoy being more active.
   I thank my family for their support, considering I have 3 teens a husband who all love chips, cookies. etc. They are encouraging me and at all times, did their snacking when I wasn't around. I cooked "normal" for them and ate what I thought I should: fish, chicken, salads and vegetables and fruit. Twice a week I would treat, having chili or spaghetti, etc. but I still counted my calories.

4. Just the thought of a weekly weigh-in really had a lot to do with my self-control. I always looked forward to our meetings afterwards.
   
   Now that I have attained my goal which is realistic for me, I feel I can maintain without feeling deprived and even be down a few pounds for the "bathing suit" weather.

Over coffee one morning, my best friend Teri and I were lamenting our fatness and swearing we were going to do something about it as we had done so often in the past. But this time it was different. Teri said she was finally going to call Canadian Calorie Counters. We fought over who was going to make that initial call and I won. Teri had to phone. My palms were sweating as I listened to Teri's side of the conversation. When she hung up she told me she was joining. ME? I couldn't possibly join. I had all the excuses. My husband played racquet ball Wednesday nights and how could I even think of getting a sitter every week and spend all that money on myself?

That night when my husband came home I told him that Teri had done. To my surprise, he suggested I go along and promised to be home with the kids every Wed. night.

The first night was the hardest. Not only did I weigh more on their scale (with both feet firmly planted instead of wiggling as I did on my scales so that pounds would drop a bit) but the Branch was doing a backward weighin and the pressure on Teri was tremendous for it was her second weighin. When she came back to sit down, she was sure that her week's dieting had done no good.

We waited and waited for everyone to finish weighing. Teri's heart was pounding so loud I could hear it and we were expecting the worst. But what a surprise when it was announced that Teri lost 8.5 pounds. Then were knew we'd be back for sure. MAYBE, THERE WAS SOMETHING TO THIS CANADIAN CALORIE COUNTERS AFTER ALL.

We set small goals - how much could we lose realistically by a birthday, an anniversary or a holiday? And we made promises of rewards - a dinner out for the first 25 pounds. Wonder of wonders we steadily lost.

At first the only thing Canadian Calorie Counters meant to us was the endless calorie sheets and those scales. Slowly, we realized it wasn't just the scales that drew us back from Wed. to Wed. It was the Branch and the people. The people would always lift our spirits and keep us losing week after week. There is plenty of helpful tips and comments and their joy at lowering the scales for us, seemed to exceed our own.

Since my husband had been unable to be home with the children after the first 2 weeks of joining CCC, I now have a standing booking with a babysitter. I have even stopped feeling guilty about the money so "lavishly" spend on this. Wednesday night is my night out. I hope I never lose this type of "Selfishness" if that's what it is.

I lost my 46 pounds. During my year at CCC, it was drummed into my head that a magic diet doesn't exist. There is no magic pill, formula or whatever to make the pounds come off. It's up to each of us to reduce the calories and increase our physical activities in order to lose weight. That's the bottom line.

Sue
Kitchener, Ontario

Determination, Exercise and Planning ahead makes SUCCESS. I joined Canadian Calorie Counters in January 1996.  By weighing in faithfully every week, keeping a daily diary and walking about 4 miles a day, I lost 40 lb. by November and received the Rally Best Achiever award. In February 1997 I received the Branch Best Achiever award. Then, medication I was taking prevented me from walking and I started to miss meetings.  The weight began to creep back on. 

Then in January 2001, I made a fresh start again. Through strict daily diaries, walking regularly and attending all meetings, I had lost 50 pounds by May.  I was Branch Best Achiever for 7 out of 8 months and by October, I had lost a total of 73 lbs. and was crowned Best Achiever. In January 2002, I was crowned Branch Best Achiever and then District Best Achiever at the April Convention.

After the Convention, I took some time off from watching my diet and missed meetings and by the end of the summer, I had gained back 28 pounds. It was time to buckle down again and follow the Canadian Calorie Counter program. With my mind made up, I walked over 1000 miles an the past year and a half. I filled out my daily diary ahead of each meal, staying away from high fats.  Boy was it worth it! I had lost another 70 pounds.  I only have 37 pounds to reach my goal.

Remember:Determination, Exercise and Planning ahead makes SUCCESS! Think Thin.

Lisa
Meaford, Ontario

I became a Canadian Calorie Counter member on January 8, 2003 and so far have lost more than 50 pounds and counting.

I had been struggling for years with a weight problem and nothing seemed to work until I joined Canadian Calorie Counters. I am finally seeing results that I can be proud of.  I have learned to eat healthier and exercise regularly. To my surprise, that's all it takes. I am looking forward to the months ahead and the results that I know I will see.

I would like to thank all the wonderful ladies who belong to the Georgian Trimmers. Without their support and encouragement, I couldn't have done this.

So for all of you out there who think losing weight is a losing battle, don't give up. Shoot for the stars.  They are closer than you think.

Anne Marie
Kitchener, Ontario

Three years ago, I weighed 187 pounds. By May of last year, I became a STAR when my weight was down to 147 pounds.  Since then, I have kept it there.  NEVER, NEVER will I be fat again.

Never will I be ashamed to meet new people, go out socially or even to go for groceries. I made a promise to myself and that promise I plan to keep the rest of my life. With the wonderful help of Canadian Calorie Counters by my side, I'll always be the person that I want to be.

Betty
Kitchener, Ontario

I have had a weight problem all my life.  Even when I was young, some people would call me "the chubby one". In later years, I would avoid people I knew when I was out shopping because I was embarrassed about my weight. When I heard someone comment about someone else's weight, I took it personally and felt hurt.

Then, 15 pounds overweight, I started my years of yo-yo dieting by joining and later quitting a number of different weight clubs. I even tried a number of different diets.  None seemed to help me keep my weight in check.

When my husband passed away, I really started to gain weight. I ate poorly and started to yo-yo diet again.

Finally, I heard that Canadian Calorie Counters met at my church each week. I decided to join.  I couldn't believe it when I walked through the doors and saw my old friend Sue whom I had met quite some time ago at another weight club. We clicked again, like the first time. I owe a lot to her.  We often call each other for support. I also have to thank the Canadian Calorie Counters group for their support. I realize now that if I want to feel better, I have to keep attending the CCC meetings.

Now I write the motto that Sue told me on the back of each weekly calorie sheet, "If it is to be - it is up to me"

Finally, on January 31, 2002, I reached a goal I had set for myself. I went to the convention as a new Star.

Health wise, I feel great. I have more energy and I'm not hiding any longer when I see friends. It is nice to be able to tuck in a blouse and wear clothes that you feel good in.

I still have a problem of slipping back to the old habits sometimes, but I am the only one that can change it. I also have help when I need it. I know that Canadian Calorie Counters is a way of life for me now. I have to face my weigh in each week (good or bad) or I will be in big trouble.  I will never forget the 10 little words I learned almost two years ago that are so very important: IF IT IS TO BE - IT IS UP TO ME.