As I checked out my room this week at the Conrad Hotel in Chicago, a number of things stood out: the 42-inch flat screen television, the Bose radio, the bathrobe and slippers in the closet.

But one thing in particular caught my attention. The sleek, modern digital scale under the bathroom sink.

Usually, when I go away from home, I tend to go away from my eating plan too. For some reason, whether I am away for business or pleasure, I see it as a "diet-free" time. Of course that means I usually end up gaining weight, even if I work out.

This time I couldn't exercise because a chest cold has been kicking my hiney. So it was doubly important to stay on track. And that's where the scale came in.

I weighed myself each morning and tried to eat accordingly. But more importantly, before dinner each night, I would go into the bathroom to freshen up. When I saw the scale, it operated as a visual cue to watch myself.

And it worked pretty well. Knowing I had to face the scale again helped me choose salad instead of fried foods and desserts.

So thanks, Conrad Hotel. You really took a weight off my mind, and my body. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

-- Amanda Barrett, amNY.com