You’ve probably heard about stomach stapling, or gastric banding, which is a serious medical procedure taken by some people when they feel they have tried everything else to control their weight, and this is the only thing left.

This type of operation is not something to be taken lightly. This is major surgery. And it is expensive. People who have this done have to change their lifestyles and eating habits in a big way. Wouldn’t it be better to avoid the hassle, and take control of your eating in a less-drastic manner? I have a suggestion.

I have tried this simple tip over several months, and it works well for me…

Depending on where you live, you may or may not have a problem keeping cool. Here in the northern hemisphere, it’s summertime — and it’s hot outside! If you live in a warm climate, or you keep your home heated to a warm temperature, you can probably relate to feeling overheated, especially after — or even during — a workout.

When you are exercising, keep some water handy, and take a sip every few minutes. Even a few sips will help keep you hydrated. Drink the water any temperature that you like — I like very cold water! If you get bored with plain water, add some lemon or lime juice, and/or a bit of sugar-free sweetener if desired.

What’s in your kitchen? I’m not talking about food this time… I’m talking about your cookware. If you are like most cooks in a hurry, you have at least a couple of nonstick frying pans, griddles, and other implements covered with that familiar gray or black, twinkly-finished coating. I sure did! I found them to be very convenient.

After using them for years — replacing as needed, when scratched, dented, or otherwise unusable — I began reading studies reporting that nonstick coatings give off toxic fumes when overheated. "Well, so what?" I thought. I am always careful not to cook on overly high temperatures, so where’s the danger? But then I read stories in pet magazines of how nonstick pans give off fumes that kill birds, even at LOW temperatures!

You see them everywhere — on TV, in magazine ads, on bus stop benches, and more. "Use this and lose weight!" It is usually either a meal replacement, or some kind of pill, or a glassful of some viscous liquid. But what are they? And do they work?

There are several approaches to appetite control. Protein is well-known to help curb a raging appetite, and so is fiber. These work in different ways, and they work well together.

Here is a way to use the benefits of both protein and fiber to help get control of your appetite. If you have been overeating for a long time, it may take a little while before this takes effect. That’s because you may be out of touch with your appestat, the part of the brain that tells you when you're full. But keep at it, and eventually you will feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food.