Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight knows that cutting calories is just the beginning of the sacrifices. When we commit ourselves to a diet, we also commit our bank accounts. Diets are just plain expensive!

At Weight Watchers, a weekly meeting/weigh-in costs $12, plus point-value books, cookbooks, a food scale, measuring cups, and a variety of special Weight Watchers-sanctioned snacks. This doesn't even include the inevitable increase in the weekly grocery bill!

Sure, you're worth the investment. But for my pointing-counting compatriots on a budget, there's a great website that has recipes, point values and restaurant menus... for free (although they accept donations)!

Dotti's Weight Loss Zone was launched in 1998 by Dotti Coon, a sister in the struggle, and has been passed along the grapevine by WW-loyalists (I heard about it from my mom; she heard about it from a woman in one of her meetings).

By far, the site's best feature is its constantly updated food lists (Weight Watchers' restaurant guide is out-of-date as soon as it's published). Dotti's personal journey is also very motivating -- she's brave enough to track her own weight loss on the site, and her experiences are very relatable.

P.S. The site is not affiliated or sanctioned by Weight Watchers.

-- Lauren McCullough