Have you ever wondered why so many diets just don't seem to work?

One of the main reasons they don't is that when you're dieting, or cutting back on calories, your body senses that you're cutting back on amounts. It thinks you are trying to starve it. The result is that your metabolism gets out of balance, and your body begins to store fat and burn less calories in order to keep itself from starving. The diet boomerangs.

Instead of dieting, lose extra pounds naturally by working with your body to keep your metabolism balanced. Instead of cutting back on calories, cut out unhealthy foods. Eat only whole foods, such as whole grains, rice, fresh organic vegetables, and fresh fruits. Cut out empty calories and foods that are filled with unnecessary chemicals that your body can't properly use. You will look and feel healthier if you cut out processed and refined foods, packaged foods, and all forms of sugar. Snack on whole or dried fruits instead of bags of cookies or chips.

Contrary to what you think you should do, eat all day long. Grazing on whole foods will give your body the nutrients it needs and help you feel full so you don't overeat. Eat three small healthy meals and two snacks between meals per day. This is a good way to keep your body from thinking that you're starving it. Don't eat or consume liquids in any significant amounts for about three hours before bedtime.

Don't skip breakfast. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, just like your mother told you. But eating a sugary doughnut and wolfing down two cups of coffee isn't exactly a good breakfast. Whole grain cereals such as oatmeal with fresh blueberries or strawberries added for flavor make a fulfilling breakfast, and one that will also provide rich nutrients. Eating a good breakfast, low in fat and high in fiber and nutrition will increase your energy throughout the entire day. You'll be much less likely to experience an energy crash later.

Eating whole, healthy foods and maintaining a balanced metabolism ultimately helps your body maximize the nutrients that you feed it. The reward is your payoff: Good health, good looks and good energy when you need it. Dieting may not work, but eating healthy does.