Level with yourself. It's possible that if your husband or kids didn't give you a reason to skip the gym or break from your healthy-eating plan, someone or something else would—the holidays, your schedule, or your job, for example. Why we undermine our own efforts can be a complex issue, so I recommend that you try to understand yourself a little better. In other words, know your motivations and how badly you really want to lose the weight. Ask yourself a few questions, like are there other reasons (such as stress or emotions) that cause you to go off your healthy program? Do you have a need to please other people at your own expense? Sometimes the answers to these and other self-analytic questions can tell you if you really want to do what is necessary to permanently lose the weight.

Be patient. In the beginning, your family may have a hard time giving up some of their "unhealthy" favorites, but slowly, you can expose them to healthier versions of these foods, and they should start to come around. Your taste buds have to be re-trained, in a sense, and that takes a little time.

Trick them. Sneak healthy, low-calorie foods into your family's favorite meals. For example, if your children like omelets, try using egg whites, such as AllWhites, or cutting back on the number of yolks you use, and toss in a bunch of veggies, like tomatoes, red peppers, even broccoli. Or, try making a batch of sweet potato  fries instead of regular fries. That way you get what you need and they get what they like.

Enlist their help. Often, getting the kids or your spouse involved in food prep or cooking can help them take more interest in your efforts to eat more healthfully. Ask them to go shopping with you, to help cook, or even let them pick that night's meal. The Best Life Diet Cookbook is loaded with family-friendly meals.

Get an early start. Exercise first thing in the morning. This will remove many of the excuses that can come up during the day, like your son's soccer practice that ran late or your daughter missing the school bus.

Choose child-friendly workouts. Select an exercise that you know you'll perform regularly. Obviously, if you have young children, it should be one that allows you to watch them while working out. For example, walk or jog with your child in a stroller or baby jogger. Or try aerobic dancing or a fitness DVD. You can do this at home, and still keep an eye on the little ones.

Schedule family workouts. If your children are older, or it's just you and your spouse, it should be a little easier to squeeze in workouts. In fact, you can combine exercise with some family bonding by setting aside an hour or two each week for a family activity. Any activity is fair game, from a family bike ride to a trip to the farm to go apple-picking to a simple game of tag in the yard.

Don't make excuses. Make healthy-eating and regular exercise non-negotiable. Not only will this help you stay on track, but it also sets a good example for your children. They'll learn that taking care of your health is a priority.