It is hard to diet, and if you’re like me you’re pretty much over it.

Dieting takes a lot of willpower and determination, especially when you’re surrounded by temptations every day. However, if you want to lose weight, some strategies can make the process easier for you.

Let’s get into why dieting gives us the blues and how we can make it a little more…exciting?

Why is it Hard to Diet Anyway?

Our culture, unfortunately, encourages overindulging. Junk food invades every corner of our lives, from movie theaters to vending machines in our break rooms.

If you have a sweet tooth, bakeries line every corner, and chocolate bars pop up in the checkout aisle at your supermarket.

And with so many places offering free or discounted snacks for kids after school, it’s no wonder that obesity has become an epidemic among children today!

Is it Even Worth It?

It’s easy to get discouraged from following a diet when you feel like the odds are stacked against you. Studies show that diets fail about 95% of the time. So it can be hard to keep your motivation up when temptation rears its ugly (yet tantalizing) head.

It doesn’t have to be this overwhelming, though! If you want to lose weight and get healthier, you CAN do it! Let’s go over a few strategies to help make the process easier:

Take a Look at Your Budget and Meal Plan

Or, if you’re anything like me, check to see if they even exist. One of the first things that people look at when they decide on a new diet is how much money will be spent vs. what groceries can be bought for their meals throughout the week.

It’s a good idea to look at how you can save money by meal planning and sticking with a grocery list. A lot of people will go out for lunch every day, which is great… as long as they don’t mind spending more on food than what it would cost them to make their meals instead!

Exercise More Often

Eating healthy is important, but if you want to lose weight and keep it off for good then exercise is just as crucial! Look at how many times a week you can go walking or running.

Try jogging instead of driving when your errands take you around the block. Do some push-ups in front of the TV during commercial breaks so that by nighttime you’ll be more tired and less likely to go for that bowl of ice cream in the fridge!

What Can You Do When Temptation Strikes?

It’s easy to give in to temptation when you’re surrounded by food every day. Junk foods make it even harder when placed right within your reach. They tend to prefer kitchen counters or in the break room at work.

So make sure to plan for how you can avoid falling into temptation’s grasp when it comes down to those moments where most dieters crumble!

Don’t Forget About Sleep and Stress Levels

When we are sleep-deprived, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that increases appetite. If you’re stressed, resisting those donuts that your co-worker brought in to the office can prove much more difficult.

Try going for a 15-minute walk every day after work. Also, don’t forget about sleep! Get an hour of shut-eye before midnight. By the time you wake up in the morning, your cortisol levels will have already started to drop. Then, you’ll be less likely to go for that donut!

A Well-Planned Diet Helps Prevent Boredom and Cravings

Junk food proves hard to ignore when you’re bored, but don’t let yourself get too hungry either. Try having healthy snacks like fruits or nuts at your desk or in your kitchen. This way, you’ll have something to munch on that won’t break your diet.

It’s also important not to allow yourself too much time between meals. That’s when stress and boredom can make us fall into bad habits. Keep healthy snacks on hand so that you won’t feel deprived and tempted to eat a full meal just because it’s lunchtime!

Staying Motivated! You’re Not in This Alone!

Diets can be the bane of our existence sometimes, but there are a few things that can help.

First, keep a food diary! Use apps like MyFitnessPal to write down everything you eat for a week. Then, look at how many calories it added up to. You might be surprised!

Second, get a friend or family member to join you on your diet journey. This can make the process more fun and social, as well as provide some extra accountability.

Last, remember why you’re dieting in the first place! Keep your goals in mind and don’t let yourself get too discouraged. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so remember to be patient with yourself as you work towards a healthier lifestyle.