Here's a change of pace for today - instead of blabbing on about all the excuses I have for eating chocolate in the middle of the day and not losing any weight - let me share with you five dieting truths that I've discovered over the past 5 weeks. Given my very, very limited weight loss - I may not be the most credible source - but I'll leave that to you to decide for yourself.

Truth #1: Dieting is easier when there's an imovable event in your future. I have an important 10-year reunion this weekend. I have to wear a tight, clingy dress. Makes turning down that Starbucks Frapuccino a bit easier.

Truth #2: Tortilla chips are not worth the points. 10 chips = 2 points. Or, instead you can have a lite Frapuccino (if you're not crash dieting to fit into a favorite dress), a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich, 4 pieces of your favorite sushi or a glass of wine. Skip the chips.

Truth #3: Eating a relatively large, filling breakfast does result in fewer total points during the day. Eat egg whites, oatmeal, fruit or whole wheat toast - and make it all the way to lunch without a nibble.

Truth #4: Exercise makes a big difference. For me, I don't lose weight when I exercise - but exercise=forgiveness. If I have 25 points in a day, instead of my alloted 23 - but I exercise - the weight will still come off. Just don't fall into the trap of  believing you can eat more because you exercised. You never burn as many calories as the machines tell you you did. They're set up to make you feel good about your effort (like a skinny mirror makes you feel pretty in that bikini). Don't trust it!

Truth #5: Scales are evil. There is nothing to be achieved by weighing yourself everyday. If you lost weight - you're bound to feel like you deserve to cheat a bit the next day - and if you gaine d- you're frustrated, disappointed and likely to give up. Stay off the scale.

Food for thought. At least this food has no points.