HI Crazy:

It's very good that you found someone that you like and want to impress. And it's very good that you want to lose 40 lbs over the summer.

However, if you lose the 40 lbs, and you don't get the girl, what's going to happen? Are you going to get depressed, and start chomping on stuff you should not chomp on?? That's what emotional eaters do. It's no different than lighting up that piece of weed (and kudos to you for stopping this behavior).

Losing weight is the hardest thing and keeping it off is the second hardest thing. Stopping any kind of self destructive behavior is very difficult. We eat (this applies to overeaters), we eat because it makes us feel good and we like the way it calms us down, and it makes everything all right between us and everybody else.

However, it's self-destructive. I speak from experience. It also leads to obesity, diabetes, and a host of self-destructive behaviors. We tend not to like ourselves to much because then we develop self image problems.

If you wish to lose 40 lbs (and keep those 40 lbs off), then you have to have a lifestyle change (not just to get the girl but to save your life).

To do this, you should have a physical, rule out anything that might be harming your body, and then start a healthy eating plan along with an exercise routine.

Now am I asking you to go out and buy a treadmill?? Of course not, because it will wind up as a coat rack. 90% of people who buy exercise machines, don't use them and they end up hanging their clothes on them.

The same also applies to gym memberships. Some people go for a week or two, then they get lazy and say "oh the heck with this".

You sound young and if you are, then you have a very good chance at reaching a normal weight and prevent major health problems.

Even if you choose not to go to the doctor, you can still start a good eating plan. Eat fish several times a week. Don't fry anything. Keep away from sugar. Use less salt. If you are a meat eater, then choose lean cuts of beef. Don't eat things like sausage or frankfurters, hot dogs, cold cuts, because these are full of sodium and nitrates. Your body doesn't need these things.

Your body needs fresh fruits and vegetables. Do you cook?? If not, and you still live at home, try and speak to the cook in the house and see if they can go along with this new cooking regime.

This is YOUR body. This is YOUR life. Don't drink too much soda.

And especially, DO NOT USE CAFFEINE PRODUCTS. I know all the diet pills are stimulants, and have caffeine, But they really over load it and you'll get jittery.

You can achieve what you need to achieve (providing you don't have any thyroid issues going on, that's why I suggested getting a physical).

Eat good foods. Put good stuff into your body, and your body will respond.

And you have to move. This is essential. You can eat all the good stuff, but if you don't expend the calories, well, you won't lose.

You want to build lean muscle. That means weight bearing exercises. Do you have any dumbells around. Lifting weights burns fat and builds muscle.

But you have to eat when you do this. The biggest tip I can give you is tell you to watch the tv show "THE BIGGEST LOSER".

If you don't have this (I don't know where you live), but you can access the website online.

These people have lost tremendous amounts of weight by eating correctly and working out. You will see the before and after photos.

This really can be your turning point. You can lose 40 lbs.

I used to weigh 300 lbs at one time.

So I know what I'm talking about.

It takes discipline, and motivation.

This new girl is the starting point. The rest is up to you.

Good luck hon!!!