The secret to successful weight-loss might just come with hiking boots and a backpack. And we have scientific proof. According to a study from the University of California that studied a whopping 31 diets, cutting back on calories short-term doesn't help you from packing the pounds back on long-term.

"If dieting worked, there would be a bunch of skinny people walking around," said obesity researcher Dr. David Katz at Yale in an Associated Press release earlier today. Since 1970, the number of obese people has swelled to epidemic proportions in America. And even though weight-loss promises come packaged in bottles, expensive diet programs and fat actresses going skinny for their public, there really is no magic bullet.

Nomadik has a suggestion.

Have you ever met a fat hiker? We didn't think so.

Active people generally don't belly up to McDonalds on the trails - at least not yet. They listen to their bodies and feed it what it needs - a healthy balance of carbs, protein and fat. And since they're so active, they're not storing the excess as fat. We aren't doctors, but we're pretty sure the formula works better than laying down the equivalent of your mortgage payment to step on a scale so someone can chastise you for your lack of self control.

Want to feel better fast? Dig out those hiking boots and take them for a walk. Your hips will thank you - we guarantee it!

Julia Rosien,
Nomadik Editor