If you're feeling like no one understands the problem you're having with your weight, keep this in mind: 64% of the people in America are overweight and 27% are considered obese. If you don't have a family member or friend to confide in and you can't afford or don't want therapy, you could try going to one of the many forums online and joining a group that has concerns similar to yours. These can be really helpful in learning new things and you could even make a new friend or two! Now I'd like to tell you about some other things that I have found very helpful.

First, you should drink lots of water--8 (8oz) glasses every day. Set aside your own measured jug in the fridge or on the counter so you can keep track. Drinking water helps to "flush" out your system and helps you feel full longer. It also makes your skin and hair healthier by adding moisture into your system that it may be lacking.

Put breakfast back into your diet. Most people don't know that NOT eating breakfast makes it harder for you to lose weight! Even if you have to get the older kids off to school, feed the baby and rush off to get the baby to the sitter and get to work, MAKE 15 minutes to have breakfast without "wolfing" it down. If you eat too fast, you won't feel full.

Look for exercises that are fun, that fit your life and that you can do without injuring yourself. If you like dancing, find some DVDs ( like the ones made by the ladies from Dancing With The Stars ) and get your kids to dance to them with you. If you want to learn Martial Arts, go take classes with a friend. If you like "window shopping," go to your nearest (or most interesting ) mall and walk for an hour each day. If you don't have time to set aside for exercise, then dance while you do your housework. Get your kids or roommate to do it with you and you can all laugh at each other! Did you know that laughing actually burns calories? And PLEASE, measure inches as well as pounds because muscle weighs more than fat.

And last but not least, look for a diet program that is down to earth and easy to follow. You've heard the saying "starve a cold, feed a fever?" Well, go ahead and starve that cold but don't starve yourself! Starvation diets are not good because your body goes into "starvation mode" and starts storing the fat--who wants to pay those storage fees! The best diet programs will help you create diets from foods you like and help you to plan meals that the whole family can enjoy. Also, look for one that shows you how to stick to your diet and still enjoy a meal out with friends or family. Don't pay more than a one time price and look for a program that offers future support because, sad but true, people don't lose all their weight overnight.

I hope this information helps. I wish you the best of luck and many happy, laughing hours on your way to a slimmer, healthier you!