Editor's Note: At LIVESTRONG.COM we are constantly inspired by the power of our users healthy achievements. Over the last month we've collected success stories from hundreds of LIVESTRONG.COM users. This week, we're honored to share Victoria's story.
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I lost 135lbs in 15mos, and I have changed my life in so many ways!
I found the LIVESTRONG.COM app for my iPhone in March, 2009, and I began logging all food and activities. The iPhone app was so easy and convenient that I literally had no excuse not to use it. And once I became conscious of portion size, fat content, and overall calorie intake and burn rates, I set my goals, and the weight began to come off consistently. It took me a couple months to find the right level of net calories that worked for me, but once I did...wow!
The weight loss accelerated when I joined a gym in October, 2009, and I began working with a trainer twice a week. My body started re-shaping, and I started getting stronger. I had never been interested in fitness, or competing, but now I work out in some way almost every day. And I am running several times a week, and even started competing in 5K events. I could never run before, even when I was a skinny kid, so this is huge for me.
And I have completely changed the way I see food. I still eat Mexican, Indian, pretty much whatever I want, but I'm careful to plan ahead on my daily intake, and I eat much smaller portions now. Empty calories just aren't interesting anymore - I want to eat good-tasting food that is fuel for my body. Knowing now how much effort it will take to burn those calories, I am careful to keep every day as balanced as possible, in fat, sodium, and overall calories.
When my 50th birthday loomed ahead, and I realized I was creeping up on 300lbs, I knew that I didn't want to start the next half-century in the same physical condition. I didn't have any medical conditions then, other than the obesity, but I didn't want any either. I don't think I look 50 now, but more importantly, I feel 20 years younger!
LIVESTRONG.COM's MyPlate was a HUGE part of my success, and I recommend it to anyone who asks about my weight loss! For me, the key was accountability. Logging everything made me hyper-conscious of my choices, both in food and activities. I also started posting about the little successes along the way on Facebook, and I realized how other friends and family were impressed with my success. That motivated me even more.
The 'Weight' chart has been an incredibly satisfying visual confirmation of my efforts. I love seeing that line go down. Before I bought my Garmin GPS watch, I used the Loops tool to plan my walking and running activities.
And I even met a new friend here locally through one of the Dare communities - we take long power walks almost every week and share our challenges and successes while we walk, encouraging each other.
Giving up sugar, including wine and margaritas, was difficult. I probably could have still lost weight without giving those up, but I felt it was important to give myself every fighting chance, so I gave up all of them by last November. Yes, right before the Thanksgiving holiday! But it's OK, I can sit in front of any dessert now and not be tempted. Wine and margaritas, however, are still a challenge to pass up.
For me, the secret to success was accountability. Make sure others are watching. It's amazing how motivating that is. 
One tip: quit guessing how many calories you are consuming - log everything! Buy a small kitchen scale and measuring cups to help learn the 'size' of portions. Most people would be shocked at what constitutes "appropriate" portion sizes.
MyPlate was incredibly valuable to me. Logging everything I ate and all my activities kept me honest on my journey.
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