I understood you Trupeach. Missygirl and Thequilteddove- I don't follow a specific "program" or record my food intake anymore, but maybe I should start. I do however follow the tips and tricks in "The Lickety-Split Diabetic Cookbook" This is a really good book to read when you want to lose weight. I'm not a diabetic but I do have problems with low blood sugar and diabetes runs in my family, so I worry that I'm heading for it if I don't get my weight under control. The book is half recipes, and half guide to healthier lifestyle and eating. She's got great tips on portion sizes, how to get started with an exercise program, and how to get extra fiber and fruits and vegetables in your diet. The author is a registered dietician, so she knows what she's talking about, but the book doesn't read like a cookbook or weight loss manual to me. It's kind of like a pep talk on every page. LOL. The recipes are really yummy and she gives great suggestions on what to serve with each recipe to keep it balanced and healthy. I still prepare A LOT of the menus from the book. The whole family enjoys them. You don't have to buy any expensive or specialty foods to follow them. I followed this "program" for 2 months along with a lot of exercise and lost 40#s but when we went on vacation last summer I kind of got away from the exercise part of it.