And the first step to solving all these problems can be found in one little book.

“The Calorie King: Calorie Fat & Carbohydrate Counter!”  (Calorie King, $7.99, 302 pages, www.calorieking.com)

Our priorities remain unchanged: get in shape, reduce medical costs, cut gas consumption, keep the family together. The plan: take the family to dinner. But don’t drive. Ride your bike or walk and then use the “King” to order a healthier meal. Instead of the $1 double cheeseburger (King says 440 calories and 23 grams of fat) have the Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap at 260 calories and 9 fat grams). It might cost more, but you’ve save a bundle on gas.

Be sure to bankroll some of the money you saved on gas because pretty soon you are going to need smaller clothes. And since waist size is directly related to your health, a smaller waist will ultimately lead to lower medical bills.

The “King” lists thousands of foods, including 200 fast-food chains and restaurants. So you can always find something healthy to eat.