Why can't I lose weight?

Your goal is to lose weight, improve your health and keep the weight off. But something (or someone) keeps hiding your running shoes and leaving open bags of candy, chips and crackers around the house.
Sounds like a self-assessment is in order. This quiz might be the eye-opener you need to see how your habits and environment are affecting your weight.
Which of the following best describes your home?
a) Refrigerator packed with fresh fruits and vegetables
b) Refrigerator packed with chopped fruits and veggies, and no junk food in the cupboards
c) Empty refrigerator
d) Chips, cookies and candy in bowls within sight
Tip: Get rid of the junk food in your house. It's too tempting, especially if you're trying to lose weight. Keep healthful, low-calorie snacks within sight and easy reach.
How often do you eat five or more servings of fruits and veggies?
a) At least three times a week
b) Daily
c) Rarely
d) Never
Tip: The majority of fruits and vegetables are largely water and contain many of the vitamins and minerals that help strengthen your immune system. They're also low in calories. Buy fruits that are dried, frozen and canned (in water or juice), as well as fresh, so that you always have a supply on hand.
How would you describe a typical meal?
a) Smaller meals, eaten more often
b) I keep a food journal, so I know exactly how much I eat and when.
c) I don't keep track of what I eat, but I'm sure it's average.
d) Just keep piling it on
Tip: Most of us have no clue how much we're really eating. As a general rule, assume you're eating 30 percent more than you think.
Describe your dieting history.
a) I diet only when I need to, like for high school reunions.
b) I'm careful about what I eat, but never diet.
c) I'll lose weight quickly, but eventually gain it back.
d) I feel like I've been on a diet my entire life. Nothing works.
Tip: If you aren't changing your lifestyle, you aren't making lasting changes. Losing weight for good involves coming up with permanent strategies.
Why do you believe you need to lose weight?
a) I would like to look more attractive.
b) I have a few extra pounds.
c) My spouse bugs me all the time to lose weight.
d) My doctor said I'm at high risk for diabetes and heart disease and I need to lose weight, but I haven't done anything yet.
Tip: Part of being able to change a behavior requires that you have a real desire to do so. Make sure that you know the reason you want to lose weight - and that the reason is important to you.
Do you combine dieting with a daily increase in physical activity?
a) I try to exercise three or four days a week.
b) Always.
c) Sometimes. It depends on what's going on at home, work or school.
d) Never.
Tip: Permanent weight loss requires changing your routine and combining dieting with an increase in physical activity. It's important to be active most days of the week and to make it part of your daily routine.
Do you plan your meals?
a) I know what's for breakfast.
b) I know what I'm going to eat most days.
c) I eat fast food, vending machine food or takeout.
d) No. I eat whatever is around when I'm hungry.
Tip: We consume more calories when we don't prepare. Stock up on healthful ingredients for quick meals and snacks.
Do you skip meals to lose weight?
a) Once in a while
b) Never
c) Sometimes three or four times a week
d) I eat once a day.
Tip: Skipping meals can send the body into semistarvation, slower-metabolism mode. When you get around to eating, it is usually something unhealthful, and it gets stored for energy later, rather than burned as energy now.
How often do you drink sugary soda or alcohol?
a) Once or twice a week
b) Rarely
c) Five to 10 drinks a week
d) More than two drinks a day
Tip: Sugary soda and alcohol are high in calories. A can of soda contains about 160 calories and 10 teaspoons of sugar. Alcohol consumption can also encourage overindulging in greasy, fatty or fried foods.
How often do you eat out?
a) Two to five times a month
b) Once a month or less
c) Once a week
d) More than 10 times a month
Tip: People who eat in restaurants are more likely to gain weight because of larger portions of foods higher in calories and fat. Order a salad and dishes centered on vegetables.