Dear Cheryl: I too lost a daily part time job last July and began putting on the pounds. I still freelance but not going to work every day sure puts a dent in the routine and leaves plenty of time to rummage thru the fridge.

Your menu sounds like mine - just eat it! I've always had a big appetite and it's very difficult to cut back. Luckily, I like my main meal at lunch. I eat a dinner-type of meal at that time, and then not too big a meal later in the day. Night eating is a big problem and I've had to say NO to myself after 10 pm.

I was glad to see that somebody cut out the caffeine and cheese and heavy cream. I suspected that they were hampering my weight loss and you've confirmed that.

I've started LC'ing again after many stops and starts. It's not easy. I put up an announcement on my board: You can buget your money, now budget your food. I have to give encouragement to myself, and I'll give some to other LC'ers as well.

Keep it up and don't lose faith.

Cheers from Chiqui