When it comes down to it there are simple reasons we put on weight and the formula for weight loss is equally simple - energy in versus energy out - it's just not always easy to follow.

Quick fixes are also notorious for quick rebounds - usually our weight gain has come over a number of years, is it realistic to think that we can lose it in a month or so and keep it off.

Well my battle seems to be never ending - and I know I'm not alone. I've had some success this year but I still need more focus and commitment.

This blog is a way of sharing my favourite weight management tips because by sharing them I'm reinforcing them within myself.

And just a disclaimer: I'm not a dietitian, I have no medical training and I'm only sharing what works for me or what I've found interesting or motivating. If any of this helps in your battle to reach a happy weight then fantastic.

Meet My Weight Loss Pal... it's an iPhone App actually called "My Fitness Pal" but don't let that put you off it's great.

Managing weight is all about balancing the energy-in/energy-out equation right?  But if you're anything like me you hate calorie counting!!

My Fitness Pal is brilliant for two reasons: 1) it does all the calorie counting for you through an amazing database with so many foods right down to specific brands including lots of New Zealand's most popular brands like Watties, Anchor, Molenberg etc. You simply find the food in the database and indicate how much you've had and it calculates the calories and adds it to your daily log. It has all your frequent items in a list so after a couple of days it takes no time at all to log your food.
2) The second reason I love My Fitness Pal is that it's based on Nett calories. That's right nett calories - any cardio based exercise counts as negative calories so you can eat more and still be on target. It's a great motivation tool because if you exceed your target you're can get up and go for a walk or pull out a skipping rope for 20 minutes or so and bring yourself back on track.

Best of all "My Fitness Pal" is FREE so look for it on iTunes App Store or go to www.myfitnesspal.com (may also available on Android).