Yo-Yo Dieting vs Healthy Dieting

I've been on just about every diet known to man. I feel like I have ruined my metabolism because no matter or how I eat or try to exercise, I gain weight, especially around my middle. What are some things that I can do to give my metabolism a boost? I already walk everyday.
- Angela,  age 30

This is one of the effects of yo-yo dieting. Yes any fad diet will work because all fad diets cut back calories to anywhere from 800-1500 calories per day which is considered a low caloric intake. The one thing to remember is these diets are short term and nearly impossible to stay on for life, they show you how to eat lower calories and less fat but don't focus on the real issue. You are eating too much which we all know we do but do we ever ask ourselves why?
For the next week every time you put anything into your mouth ask yourself "why am I eating this?" Is it because you are hungry, stressed, bored, or out of habit. Stress, boredom and habit are three major causes of weight gain.
This is one of the first exercises I have my clients do. They do a journal for at least a week and write down everything they eat and why they are eating. It is important to work on behavior before an eating plan can even be worked out.
The most important advice I can give is, weight loss takes time, don't skip meals, listen to your body eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full, talk to your food ask "why am I eating you?" and if it is because of one of the three causes, don't eat. And most important continue to exercise. It is recommended to exercise at least 4 times a week for 60 minutes to see weight loss.
- Source: Stacey Roberts RD, LD