I don't know who makes these decisions, but this is "7th annual Healthy Weight Week."

On Tuesday, Jan 18, Rid the World of Fad Diets and Gimmicks Day will spotlight the widespread fraud and questionable nature of the weight loss field with the 11th annual Slim Chance Awards.

So, where are you? Dumped your diet yet? Discouraged cuz you haven't made it to your health club as often as you expected. Looking for some sensible advice to get on track.

If you bought into one of the above gimmicks, or one of the many others, instead of beating yourself up, add it to that pile of "learning experiences." Then learn from it.

First of all, stop talking about your weight. No one but a paid professional wants to hear about it--even when they seem to be listening. It's not lost on me how excited/nervous/anxious people are as they talk about weight. if nothing else, the stress the put on themselves release chemicals designed to store fat. More importantly, I'm frightened when I hear about four year olds who are worried they are fat. They learn it from their parents. I haven't met anyone who wants to be remembered in life for being slim. Get on with what makes you smile.

Secondly, you must find a way to show up for an exercise session every day. Your body has between 25 and 30 billion fat cells. Those suckers love to fill up when you eat all that energy your favorite foods provide. In the same way the cells in the muscle can be trained to burn more fat, the fat cells can be trained to let go of your stored energy.

Third, if you're carrying around extra fat weight, you don't need as much food as you eat. Last year I provided a formula that allows you to calculate how many calories you need to get the nutrients you need every day. Check archived weekly messages if you didn't save the method.

The magic solution for each person who manages a healthy weight is THEIR solution. I had a lot more success with clients when I stopped telling them what to do and supported their self-awareness process.

Regardless, don't get hoodwinked by a quack. Be a savvy consumer. Two of my favorite web sites can help you. They are: www.quackwatch.com and www.ncahf.org. Meantime, write me at the Ask A Question icon on my web site if you want answers to your weighty questions.