Escaping Family History of Heart Problems: Kim Carson

Kim's Weight Loss Tips for Success

Use the strategies that Kim Carson did to achieve your weight loss goals.

Size it up. Watching portion sizes has helped Kim lose 90 pounds. "Eating correct portion sizes got my stomach down to the size it is supposed to be," Kim says.

Create goals. Kim wasn't focused on losing a certain amount of weight--she was determined to get healthy gradually. Set attainable goals and work your way to the finish line.

Don't deprive yourself. Maintaining a heart-healthy diet doesn't mean you have to follow stringent rules, Kim says. She enjoys her favorite sweet treat, a chocolate chip cookie, in moderation. "If I feel like having a cookie, I eat it and enjoy it," Kim says. "I just don't do it every day." Get our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe!

Join a group. Folks who understand your triumphs and trials can help you reach your get-healthy goals. You don't have to join a formal weight loss group like Kim did. Friends, family members, and co-workers make great motivators.

Opt for alternatives. Eating right doesn't mean forgoing your favorite snack. Kim replaced calorie-laden potato chips with baked alternatives.

Write it down. To this day, Kim keeps a daily food journal to track everything she eats. Studies have found that food journals really work.

Go fresh. Choose fresh-from-the-garden fruits and veggies over prepackaged snacks. Kim eats an apple a day and adds veggies to her lunches and dinners.

Snooze away. Kim gets at least seven hours of sleep a night, which gives her energy to stay active.

Ditch excuses. When Kim started her diet and exercise routine, she felt tired after work and didn't feel like exercising. Stay the course by having a workout buddy to hold you accountable.

Get moving. You don't have to hit the gym to exercise. Kim burns calories by working in the garden or mowing the yard. Check out 25 no-sweat ways to get moving.

Stay positive. Kim gained a positive attitude about health by joining a workplace Weight Watchers program. She leaned on others when she felt like giving up.