We all know someone who is trying to figure out the best approach to lose weight or stay trim.  Is there really a best way or an ideal diet? We have all heard friends say that after years of trying diet after diet they actually gained weight. So what’s the deal? Do diets actually make us gain weight?

A neuroscientist, Sandra Aamodt, tackles the question Why Diets Make Us Fat in her new book (with the same title).  Aamodt discusses how the brain influences body weight.  She also writes about how the stress of dieting can contribute to weight gain.  In her analysis, Aamodt shifts the focus from dieting and weight loss to self-care. Like many individuals, she has first-hand experience with dieting. However, nowadays, you won’t find her dieting. Her focus is on mindful eating, creating a positive relationship with food, and nourishing her body.