Think Thin, Be Thin: 101 Psychological Ways to Lose Weight

The simplistic title Think Thin Be Thin doesn't really encompass the ideas laid out in this encouraging book. Rather than designing a diet and exercise plan that promises results, authors Doris Wild Helmering and Dianne Hales focus instead on the psychology behind eating, and offer 101 short suggestions for getting healthy that can accompany any plan out there.

The tips are drawn from a variety of disciplines, including Gestalt therapy, transactional awareness, compliance theory and cognitive-behavior therapy: all these sources these translate to "there's something for everyone". Old standards like keeping a food diary and finding simple ways to burn calories (like gardening or taking the stairs at work) are mixed with creative ideas like becoming your own advice columnist for a day and watching specific comedy movies that also offer encouragement for change (think Groundhog's Day). Whether you sit down and plow through the book in one sitting or pick and choose a few tips to follow for short time periods, you'll find the positive tone both relaxing and inspiring.

While the emotional and mental aspects of weight loss are the focal point, you'll also find a few tips aimed at the more practical side, like tracking your BMI (a charted is included as an appendix) and how many calories are burned by an assortment of activities. Whether it servers as a companion to a new gym membership or a refresher course in positive thinking, this book has plenty of helpful tips to keep you on track. --Jill Lightner