A simple search at Google led me to a myriad of different diet-related Web sites. Some like Diet information.com   focused on diet information. Some like Only Slimming   and My Scale Down.com had cute names as well as data on dieting. Many were only there to sell weight-loss products.

Feeling somewhat overwhelmed, I turned to a Web site with a familiar name. Weight Watchers has helped millions lose weight and I found they had an online arm at weightwatchers.com. While Weight Watchers is known for meetings, their online plan which required no meeting attendance. The Web site looked very comprehensive, so I joined the online plan… $59.95 for 3 months. This gave me a full explanation of the plan and complete access to the online tools. The Weight Watcher idea is simple. All foods have a points value based on the fat, calories and fiber they contain. If you stay within your points range, you will lose weight.

The weightwatchers.com Web site was a pleasure to use. It is well-organized and attractive. A variety of online tools help you keep on track. You monitor what you eat with the online Journal. The computer calculates the points for you automatically. You chart your progress with the Weight Tracker tool. The Web site has hundreds of recipes and meal ideas. It will even give you complete meal plans. You can also create and save your own recipes and get complete point information with the Recipe Builder.

The Weight Watcher’s site offers plenty of support. There are message boards and chats available for 24-hours a day where you can get support and motivation from others. There is even a panic button to shore you up when temptation appears.

Bottom line – I loved the Weight Watcher’s Web site. The plan was easy to follow. The online tools were excellent. I lost five pounds in three weeks.

But it was time to move on. I found another program that I wanted to try – The Suzanne Somer’s Somersize plan. To really understand the program you will need to purchase one of Suzanne’s books, all of which explain the program and give sample recipes. Somersize is based on the theory that if you keep your insulin levels from spiking, you will lose weight. White flour and sugar are the main culprits that raise insulin levels, so they are completely eliminated. The rest of the program mainly deals with food combinations. It’s a little confusing at first, but I caught on quickly. The Suzannesomers.com   Web site is not as well-organized, as comprehensive, or as visually appealing as the Weight Watcher’s Web site. It is, however, free and the Web site has plenty of dieting support. There are chat rooms, discussion boards, success stories, recipes, and even a place where you can post your before and after pictures.

Bottom line—Being on the program made me feel healthier. There was plenty of online support. I lost six pounds in three weeks.

Both of these slimming Web sites try to sell you extras. The sales pitch is minimal on the Weight Watchers site. At the Somersize site, however, product sales are a focal point. Somersize products are also available at HSN, the Home Shopping Network.

It is obvious that online resources can help you lose weight. Be prepared to sift through a lot of sites and a lot of different programs to find the one that is right for you. Be sure that you have the commitment to stay with the program. Be ready to invest some time into meal planning and preparation. Then jump right in. Your computer and the Internet will help you get slim and trim.