The diet cycle is a vicious one. It's like an unhealthy yo-yo that is mercilessly dragging you down, and the more weight you lose, the harder it becomes to break free. Some diets are so punishing they can only last a short period before the dieter has to quit, and binge on food to feel normal again--then gain weight and feel guilty and re-embark on a diet again! This cycle appears and reappears for many of us who are trying to look and feel our best.