This two-pronged trap leads us to believe that we're overweight because we're lazy and have no self-discipline. When we believe it, we "go on diets" and take on heroic exercise programs we can't stick with.

I know, on the surface "eat less, exercise more" makes some kind of sense. Why is it a trap? Because both overeating and under-exercising are effects, not causes.

Why do we overeat?

1. Most of us are chronically exhausted and overwhelmed, so we eat to stimulate ourselves through the day. Dragging at 10 am? Have a cup of coffee and a pastry. Falling asleep in the afternoon meeting? Grab a bagel and a soda.

When we use food as a stimulant drug, we confuse our hunger signals and end up eating when we don't need to.

2. The food we eat is predominantly nutrient-poor. It is high in calories, but poor in the thousands of nutrients our bodies need to maintain health. So while we get full, we are rarely fulfilled. Our need for nutrition drives us to over consume.

When we think the problem is our overeating, we "go on diets." We restrict our portion size. We skip meals. Do you see the problem here? We are now trying to fuel our bodies with even less nutrition than before!

Despite what you have heard about the Western diet, we are basically malnourished. Eventually, we "fall off the diet" or "cheat" and eat like a horse in an effort to get the nutrients our bodies are literally dying for.

Why don't we exercise enough?

In this fast paced world, we are overwhelmed and exhausted from the relentless demands on our lives. We are fueling our bodies with nutrient-poor foods, and most of us are overweight. Are you in any mood to exercise in that condition?

So we make resolutions, join gyms, hire personal trainers to "motivate" us to do what we don't feel like doing, and then we feel guilty when we "miss a workout" or fail to "stick with the program."

When you learn how to manage your energy and recuperate fully, and discover how to fuel your body with predominantly nutrient-rich foods, you won't need to eat less or exercise more. You'll eat until you're satisfied, and you'll take advantage of your improved condition to be more active - naturally.

Look for the Diet Trap #2 article:

The "Everything in Moderation" Trap: Why This Sound Principle Fails Us When It Comes to Eating.