I seriously hate yo yo fad diets. In fact, I'm not a fan of the word "diet" when it is used to mean a method of losing weight. I have been over-weight by societal norms most of my adult life but for me dieting or losing weight is more about getting more healthy than it is about self-image.

I've learned that eating less is not the only way to lose weight. I've also learned that that sometimes things can be counter-intuitive (such as the first item on my list below). So here are 3 cool things I've learned about losing weight:

1. Coconut oil helps you lose weight. Yes, I know it's one of those much maligned in the media "saturated" fats but as it turns out in real research not funded by those who want you to believe this myth, saturated fat does not cause weight gain. In fact, coconut oil helps you lose weight. Go figure.

2. Apple cider vinegar helps you lose weight and it's CHEAP! Forget all those expensive weight loss pills that don't actually work anyway and instead take a tablespoon of organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar every morning and every night (mix it with water!!) and you'll soon see that it's much easier to lose those pounds without much effort.

3. Deep breathing and getting more oxygen to all your tissues will help you lose weight. Deep breathing is also called "belly breathing" sometimes. Lie down and take some deep extended breaths by letting your belly rise first and then your chest and then slowly exhale. Do this for maybe 10-15 minutes a day and you should see a difference.