WHY DIETS FAIL       What is the solution to overeating and obesity? Nigerians are trying several ways to deal with obesity . Presently some use over-the-counter aids (appetite depressant,etc.) diets of many kinds, group therapy, punishment and reward techniques, even prayer and fasting. But few have experienced lasting result.         Diet researchers have come to one conclusion: there is no completely successful method of dieting that works for everyone over a sustained period of time. Most adults who lose weight return to their original overweight condition within two years after they stop dieting. That is definitely  not success.      I have known dozens of individuals who have struggled with their own methods of diet control. Many have sought trained medical advice and been giving all kinds if slimming drugs. But drugs have not solved their weight problem. Instead they got hooked, became nervous, and have personality changes. Recently an undergraduate from one of the Nigerian Universities  called me to tell me she is overweight and will really need my help. I asked her few questions and her answers revealed that she had been on a slimming drug so she wanted me to recommend another type of drug that will help her lose weight.       Drugs and other weight-loss techniques often postpone or prevent our finding the permanent  solution to diet problems.            WHY DIETS FAIL      When we begin a diet, we usually have something motivating us to lose weight. It may be to: - look better in a fitted dress -become more physically attractive -get a new job -overcome a health problem -attract the opposite sex -become more self confident All of these reasons are related to what we think, feel and want. They all revolve around our selfish desire.          People who lose weight for these reasons don't keep it off. In more than 90% of the cases,most people who diet regain the weight they have lost. And many regain more than their  original weight.         The problem with this kind of motivation is that it isn't good enough. Motivation to change must come from a higher and stronger source than ourselves. It must come from within - from our desire to be in line with the will of God for our lives.     The word "diet"comes from the greek word  meaning " manner of living" our diets are a way of life . The way we eat and the reason that we diet  tells a lot about our general wellbeing.        I understand that eating nutritiously in this day and age can be a challenge. But whenever possible shop for lean meats eg cow feet, chicken, fish, eggs( for adults, eat more of the egg whites and less of the egg yolk). Also combination of beans and corn (like in moinmoin and pap or ekor). Simply put- 1 cup of cooked beans eaten with 1/2 cup pap( made from millet) forms a complete meal      Dairy- use more of fat free milk and yoghurt. As we speak some people are confused about milk. They ask questions like- Does milk  really do a body good? To drink or not to drink? That is the burning question. My take on this is to go on low fat or skim milk. Components in the milk, including calcium, zinc and vitamin A. You can limit milk intake to twice a week .      High-carbohydrates- four servings of carbs like ofada rice/brown rice(for white refined, parboiled rice, 6 table spoonful of rice is advice per meal.  Whole-wheat bread, or high-carbohydrate vegetables are potatoes(White and sweet) yams,corn. A serving is a slice, 1cup of cold or hot pap, rice.       Fats- 2 table spoon a day for health and flavouring. And use oils moderately especially palm oil. There are also some heart friendly oils, and You can also use small amount of healthy butter for spreads. What matters is the accumulation over the week. If one day is short on fats, you can make it up the next day. If you eat too many fats one day.....oops, accident do happen! Then cut back on them the next day. Fats should only total 20-25 percent of your calories. Check labels and buy foods with 20% fat or lower.       Fruits- one fruit a day is a huge plus. It may not be really easy getting fruits every day but you can try. It is good to vary them. Choose the most common fruits in season and enjoy them. Presently, Mango, watermelon and some other fruits are available or some other fruits depending on which is best for your system.        Vegetables- one serving is equivalent to 1/2 cup cooked or raw, 1 cup leafy, salads, soups. Always have one or two vegetables accompanying you lunch and dinner.  Toss chopped onions, tomatoes and pepper into low fat ( non cholesterol oil). You can eat low-carb  vegetables  all day long if you want! When you get hungry grab some carrot sticks to crunch on.      Here is a quick vegetable recipe: dice or slice your favourite  vegetables  and add a cooked protein like fish or chicken, sealt and pepper. Toss them all into a pot. Simmer mixture for fifteen minute, and enjoy! You can eat with yam, rice,  beans etc. EXERCISE Another major reason why diets fail is INACTIVITY.    Did you know that exercise revs up your metabolism to burn more calories even when you are resting! Your resting metabolism is the number of calories needed to maintain your bodies important functions like pumping blood and digesting food. ,       Make fitness a priority. Lifestyle fitness is not difficult or complicated. Simply by getting more active, and moderate eating you are taking a positive step towards a lifetime of health and fit living.