Cooking for each other...

As with many things, it's easier to lose weight with a partner than it is to go at it alone. For almost two years now, my wife has been a resolute partner in my pursuit of better health. A successful "loser" herself, she's lost almost 50 lbs.

The picture above was taken on Valentine's Day of this year. We both were trying to focus on our weight loss goals after a rocky and indulgent holiday season, so instead of going out to dinner, we continued our annual practice of staying in. We've found this to be every bit as (if not more) romantic, less expensive and healthier than venturing out to a restaurant.

Cooking has become a cornerstone for Jenny and I on our weight loss journey. By skipping restaurants, we have precise control over what goes into our bodies. There's no guesswork involved, no hidden fats and calories that can trip you up.

It's easy, too. Learning to cook meals from scratch can be learned with practice, and surprisingly good results can be obtained in less than half an hour. Try getting food that quick in a decent restaurant at dinnertime.