by Caryl Buckstein

Created on: December 23, 2011

Consider this paradox that purse strings have tightened even as belts extended. Despite all good intentions last New Year, most of us lost more money than weight over the last 12 months.

It’s possible to take control on the cheap. The best tools are a good connection to the internet by mobile or computer and motivation for the long haul.

Before embarking on a change, consult with your doctor.  Take an inventory  of your health before beginning. There is no “One size fits all” weight loss strategy.

With your physician’s approval, start exploring the possibilities.  

Assess whether you can go it alone.  Some people can, but many others need a buddy for support. In 2011, Dr. Mehmet Oz  started a free weight loss  program, Transformation Nation that gave participants a way of connecting across miles.

Support is embedded in some free weight loss programs. With eight million participants, Spark People has ignited success for many of the hopeful. It contains a calorie counter and meal plans, along with a personalized fitness program.

Medical web sites, like Mayo Clinic and Web MD, offer valid research.

One free web site, Freedieting,  helps assess nearly 50 different plans.  It includes a section on fad dieting and its dangers.

A number of online diets have a long track record with a specific target. Look at South Beach and the Ornish diet for heart-healthy plans. Neither diet is an easy fix. South Beach has a strict introductory phase. Ornish can be best followed by vegetarians.

Keeping tabs of what you eat is another great tool in losing weight.  Fitday offers a free journal , although  it has tiers toting paid programs.

Publications offer free online diet programs.  Consider plans offered by Good Housekeeping and Spry Living as examples.

Take it slow. You probably didn’t put on the weight overnight, so don’t expect it to melt off .

Should you find yourself needing meetings with live participants, two other possibilities exist.

One is the very popular Weight Watchers program.  It has a sound base, with 45 years in operation. With a weekly weigh-in cost, it is far from the least expensive option, however.

A less expensive international program is TOPS – Take Off Pounds Sensibly. It is a non-profit that was established in 1948.  It includes a support segment  called KOPS - Keep Off Pounds Sensibly.

Both Weight Watchers and TOPS look beyond the scale for success. Other gauges exist for weight loss. Clothes may seem to grow larger and belts may be cinched another notch over.

Be kind to yourself. Celebrate all of your successes,  whether they occur through weight loss or on the side.

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