Tomorrow never comes. That what it seems like when you start on a weight loss program.

When I look around, I see so many Americans that are over-weight. There are countless programs and diets that claim to have the answer and may work for Dan Marino and others.

I just thought I'd share what works for me. Of course you have to watch the food intake each day. I have found it's a combination of eating right, exercise and a philosophy.

On the eating. First determine for your height and weight, what you need to eat to maintain the weight you are. Not loss weight, but just maintain for current weight.

My number is 2200 calories a day. Then, reduce your calorie intake by 500 calories a day. That's 500 a day times 7 days or 3500 calories a week. 3500 calories equals one pound of body weight a week times the number of weeks you want to lose.

You should familiarize yourself with the calorie content of the foods you often eat. I know 2 slices of toast and butter is 200 calories.

I wanted to lose 40 pounds and get back to 185 pounds.

Second, you have to do some physical activity. Call it what you want. Exercise, walking. The point is to increase the amount your body burns calories. Sitting on the coach won't do it, so take a walk.

The most important thing you can do is change you mind set. See yourself with this new body. Put a picture of the "New You" on your refrigerator.

Instead of saying, "I'm going to lose 40 pounds." Simply write down on a piece of paper the weight you desire to be as a present positive statement.

Write,"I weigh 185 pounds. " Don't say, "I'm going to weigh or I'm going to lose," because these statements suggest the future and we all know that tomorrow never comes.

Like the statement when you go in to a bar, and see the sign on the back of the counter that says, "FREE BEER TOMORROW!" The following day, the sign still says ,"Free beer tomorrow".

Exercise, eating right, and mind set..that's it. I've lost 26 pounds in 26 weeks. I still have 15 to go..oops..I mean I weigh 185 pounds! LOL And good luck!