Chances are you've tried several methods for dropping pounds, from diet changes to exercise. While a temporary loss of weight may be your goal, wouldn't it be nice to have permanent weight loss after all that effort?

It's pretty easy for many people to lose weight. How about keeping it off? That's quite a bit harder, but with a mental focus of attaining and sustaining a goal, you too can "control" your weight instead of just losing it for a month or so.

The key is changing your lifestyle and outlook on everything from food to exercise to when to eat throughout the day. Controlling weight -- instead of it controlling you -- can lead to so many positive things in life. The effort does not come easy at all -- but trust me, it is worth it.