Do you hear the bloodhounds howling? Have you seen it on the news? Are the police after me? No? Something must be happening by now. Are you sure there isn't an all points bulletin out for me because I have finally broken out of prison. At least it seemed like prison; the toughest prison to ever break free from: the prison of being fat!

Today, I am 170 pounds lighter than I used to be, a feat I accomplished by following advice no diet book will tell you. I'd like to share some of my best tips with you so that you too can break out of the ball-and-chain that unwanted pounds represent to you:

1. A tape measure is your best escape tool. Most people who want to lose weight don't realize the importance of measuring their bust, waist, hips, leg thigh area, knee, calf, ankle, neck, upper arm and wrists. These measurements are especially important when you reach a plateau and suddenly stop losing weight and don't know why. Many people give up when they reach this point because they don't realize that their bodies are actually shrinking in size during this time. Taking frequent measurements will prove this to you and keep you from throwing in the towel (or eating the kitchen) when you mistakenly believe nothing is happening.

2. Stop telling people you are dieting. Any word that starts with d-i-e can't be good. And if that weren't enough, when we tell everyone from waiters and friends to family that we are on a diet they can't help but try to tempt us with the foods they know we should avoid. When you call them on it they'll utter an apologetic, "Gee, I forgot you were on a diet." Yeah right! This is what I say when someone asks me if I am dieting: "What makes you think I am on a diet? My new eating plan is making me healthier and stronger!"

3. Lie! Say you have allergies when you don't. When you dine out and need to make specific requests to waiters to ensure that you don't get any bread on the table, croutons in your salad or fattening sauces on your entrée, tell them that you're allergic. Instead of thinking that you are picky or trying to tempt you, they'll honor your request ­ no questions asked!

4. An appealing appetizer beats bread and water. I start my day off with a piece of fruit followed by some breakfast about an hour later. I eat my main meal in the middle of the day and at night I treat myself to an appetizer elegantly served on a small plate. Coming up with the appetizer du jour is such fun and there's no deprivation.

5. Use a mental makeover to break out. There are ten negative emotions that trigger mindless eating episodes. But the good news is there are also ten power emotions that allow you to regain control before you eat yourself silly. I keep a list of these emotions on my kitchen cabinet doors and recommend that you do the same. When you find yourself eating out of emotions like guilt or fear, change what you are doing. Take your hands out of the chip bag. Shut the refrigerator door. Stop eating. Identify the negative emotion behind your eating and feel good about yourself for not being a repeat offender.

I hope you find these five tips useful. Remember if I can lose 170 pounds after 30 years of dieting disasters, you too can stage your own prison break.

An entrepreneur who has worked for several Fortune 500 companies, Dr. Marlene Siersema is the author of the new book, "The Thinking Side to Thin." Within its pages she shares all the secrets she learned after she overcame a lifetime of diet failure to shed 170 pounds.

Dr. Marlene Siersema ­ All Rights Reserved

About the Author: Want to avoid emotional overeating? For a free emotions chart you can download and post on your kitchen cabinet door, visit Marlene Siersema's Web site http://www.marlenesiersema.com and click on Products.