Will spending money on diet programs and clubs give you weight loss motivation? In "The World's Best Kept Diet Secrets" by Diane Irons, the author writes,

Dieters have been fooled into spending large sums of money to enter a diet club or program that promises to help you lose weight. Remember, you are still the one doing the work, no matter how much you spend on some pricey gimmick.

"I became a diet club junkie, going from program to program. I'm sure that I spent thousands of dollars, believing that someone else was going to set me free from my years of overeating. It was only when I came to the decision to take charge of my own body that I dropped the pounds." Dan, age 47, 130 pounds lost

There are so many different diet programs and clubs to choose from these days that it's mind-boggling. You can sign up for Jenny Craig, be a weight watcher or eat chocolate on the nutrisystem program. The latest trend is online programs where you can get emotional support from other dieters. Even Christians are applying biblical principles to help you lose weight. There are new diet books out every month and the most recent trend are those that point the finger at emotional eating as the reason why you can't stick to a diet.

Spending money on yet another weight loss program might make you feel better for a little while...you might think "at least I'm doing something" but if you don't do the real hard work of setting goals, following the guidelines and keeping your eye on the prize of a thinner, healthier you, failure will follow.

Please don't think I am an innocent bystander. I am famous (in my family) for joining weight loss programs and quitting when it gets hard. Dan's comment about making the decision to take charge of his own body really opened my eyes to the winning motivation that lies behind every successful weight loss story. You've got to face the truth about your weight and that it's your own bad choices that are making you fat. Then you can start to make the right choices to eat right and exercise.

Bottom line is that you've got to value being healthy (and thin) more than you value the momentary taste of fat and sugar.

Facing the truth about what your problem really is and changing your attitude about your health is the motivating factor that will help you lose the weight and keep it off. If you choose to spend money on a diet club or program, make sure you choose one that teaches you healthy lifestyle choices and why it's important to the success of your weight loss plan. It's not just about following the rules of the program. Lasting weight loss success depends on commitment and being honest with yourself.

About the Author

Eunice Coughlin is the founder of Healthy Living for Moms, a guide to physical and emotional wellness. She has written this site for the benefit of moms everywhere who desire to improve their health, lose weight and stay young.