"To break the cycle of roller-coaster dieting and live a healthier lifestyle, there are three key elements that work together, " says Carla Fields, an award-winning fitness consultant in Decatur, Ga., who has been in the business for 15 years. "They are diet and nutrition, aerobics and cardiovascular exercise, and weightlifting."

Combined, Fields says, those elements help burn food consumed throughout the day. She urges clients and dieters in general to set realistic goals and to write them down. She says keeping a record of daily food consumption is key, explaining that most people think they know how much food they are consuming, but they don't. Journaling allows people to count carbohydrates, protein and fat, which Fields highly recommends because it helps people acheive goals much quicker, she says.

To trigger your metabolism, Fields urges people to eat their first meal within a couple of hours of waking up and then eat three to five small meals spaced throughout the day, generally every three to four hours - ending about 7p.m. She says it may be good to eliminate certain foods from your diet at the start of your fitness plan, but you should check with your doctor first.

Additionally, Fields urges clients to eat out less, choosing instead to prepare their own meals, which should include more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats that are baked, broiled or grilled. Nutritiouss snacks like egg whites, raw vegetables and fruits can prevent afternoon vending-machine raids.