TOPIC #1: FITTING IN WORKOUTS

Cutting out the wiggle room in her schedule helps Lizzbeth Davalos cut out the wiggle room in her will power. For her, good exercise habits are a matter of time management.

Here's how to try out her methods at home:

1) Establish a regular workout routine.

"I work out four times a week, run five miles a day with my dog," she says. "No more cheating! It's best to take life day by day, and I am keeping at this, making sure I'm doing everything the right way."

2) Plan session times.

"Schedule your exercise sessions a week ahead of time. That way, if something comes up, you can get your workout in."

3) Sign up for classes or activities.

Putting your John Hancock on the dotted line helps motivate you to show up. Look for aerobics or spinning classes at the gym that require you to sign up, or try committing yourself to an organized running or walking race on the weekends.

4) Create an exercise calendar.

Each month, sit down with a pencil and fill up the calendar with daily workouts. If you do this electronically, have the program send you daily reminders.

5) Never postpone.

As Lizzbeth always says, "Don't wait until Monday, start today!"

TOPIC #2: VACTIONS

No matter how faithful you are to eating right at home, everybody's diet resolve tends to dissolve once it's time for vacation. In fact, this may even be the excuse you mutter to yourself as you pile on the butter, sugar, and salt: "Everybody pigs out on vacation!" You might say, reaching for another helping.

Not anymore! Not for those of us who want to stride with pride down the beach.

Here are a few pre-trip, planning tips that will keep you on track.

Avoid places where gorging is a main attraction (such as cruises and Las Vegas). Going to an all-you-can-eat buffet is a guaranteed diet buster. Especially when there's one on every corner.

While you're still in planning mode, consider a walking or cycling tour to places like California's wine country, France's farmlands, or Vermont's fall foliage. (Most active travel companies will accommodate all abilities.) Make fun exercise one of the highlights of your vacation.

If you really need to chill out in the Caribbean, bring a calendar and pencil-in some daily activity. Resorts usually offer poolside yoga and aerobics classes. If not, improvise these days. The more calories you burn splashing around in the water (about 200 an hour) and dancing the night away (about 300 an hour), the less you'll have to worry about the ones in your pina colada.

The point is: Don't forget your sunscreen, your passport, or your weight-loss goals.

TOPIC #3: BONUS WAYS TO BURN CALORIES

Sure, an hour of cardio burns the calories and makes you feel great. But there are other ways to find "bonus" exercises that will keep you moving towards your weight-loss goals.

Biggest Loser Club fitness expert Michael Scholtz says, "Any activity you do helps burn calories. It truly doesn't matter if it's cleaning the house, walking the dog, walking the stairs, or interval training."

Michael's advice:

Combine around-the-house activities (such as gardening or cleaning the house) with your usual cardio sessions. "The benefit of any high-level cardio is that it burns more calories. Or, more specifically, it burns them more quickly. Do BOTH, and you burn calories in BOTH."

Make sure the extra activity isn't undone by extra eating. "Don't forget that how much you take in is crucial no matter how much exercise you do."

Pick activities that interest you. The more you enjoy something, the more likely you are to do it. Washing the car might burn calories. But if you hate it, forget it. Walk the dog, instead. Or take a stroll with your kids down to the mall.

TOPIC #4: GET A BUDDY

Happily married Pete Thomas has always known that the support of another person helps with the challenges of everyday life.

When you're trying to lose weight, the need for another voice in your life can be even greater. A diet buddy can listen to your struggles and help you celebrate your victories, keeping your morale and motivation on track.

Nobody really lives in a house stocked with trainers and teammates. Here's Pete's advice about how to get a helping hand at home:

1) Run an ad in an organization's newsletter or join an online club. Then, make sure to talk regularly to members via the telephone or email. The more contact you have, the more likely you'll stay motivated.

2) Join a support group. Or better yet, start a support group. Being a leader will inspire you to stick with your own goals.

3) Ask a family member, roommate, or friend to join you. Choosing a diet buddy who knows you well can help you be more open about your feelings.

4) Follow through. "Do whatever you have to do within reason to find a partner! You both will be the better for it!"

Biggest Loser Club

Online Diet Plan

Biggest Loser Club Myspace

Best Diet Plan

Losing Weight with the Biggest Loser