Don't despair! Failing at a previous diet and exercise regimen does not mean you are doomed to fail in the future. There was never much chance in the first place that the usual programs would work. And something can be learned from failure. The approach described in "The Stuff Yourself Diet" seems paradoxical, but it will work. It does not depend on will power. Losing weight is one thing, but no one can maintain a proper weight indefinitely by an effort of will alone. It is impossible to go through life hungry. This approach relies on a familiar psychological mechanism, "preemptive action," the ability to prevent undesirable behaviors by first engaging in other behaviors that interfere with those that are undesirable. In the matter of dieting, this means stuffing yourself with the right foods, so that you will forego eating other fattening foods. Most dieters have failed to maintain their proper weight for any length of time, and have become discouraged. I am hopeful, nevertheless, that the reader will engage in a leap of faith and try to diet just one more time, this time properly F. Neuman, M.D. Fredric Neuman, M.D. is the Director of the Anxiety and Phobia Center of White Plains Hospital. He has designed weight-loss programs and has successfully guided numerous patients to their proper weight. Permanently. He is the author of numerous books, including novels which have been acclaimed internationally. Warren Goodman has been a food critic and consultant, a biologist, a writer, and an attorney. He is responsible for the recipes and food commentary in "The Stuff Yourself Diet."