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Try our tips on for size if you have been having a hard time dieting.

Are you having a hard time dieting? You're certainly not alone. The majority of Americans go on a diet at least once every single year. Unfortunately, most of us don't have much to show for it - as the average weight of Americans has been steadily climbing.

Having a hard time dieting comes down to mindset. Dieting is relatively straightforward - you adopt a plan and you follow it. But yet, it's super common to have a hard time with dieting. Why?

After working with thousands of clients over the years, I have noticed three simple words that separate those who make progress toward their goals (even if slow progress) versus those that perpetually struggle. Ready to learn what they are? Scroll down.

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It's reframing "this is hard" to "how can I?"

When you are faced with a challenge, how much time do you spend explaining why it's too hard, why it won't work, what got in your way, or why it's easier for other people than it is for you?

All of that helps us vent our frustration. It helps us save face when we feel that our lack of success is being judged. However, it doesn't get you any closer to your goal.

I'd argue that it leaves you further away.

Next time you are struggling, take notice if you are thinking to yourself, "I CAN'T." Notice if you are explaining to yourself the reasons why you feel you can't. Stop in your tracks and think this thought. Maybe even ask it to your nutritionist, if you have one. "HOW CAN I?"

Let's work through a couple of examples of folks having a hard time dieting and see where we can find, "How Can I?"

Problem.

I am on a roll after having a healthy breakfast and lunch, but then my family wants to order Pizza for dinner. I am having a hard time dieting.

Reframe: How can I?

There are a number of options.

• I can make my own meal and tell my family that I have to focus on my goals while they eat pizza. I can sit at the table with them and still enjoy family time.
• I can order a veggie pizza with some protein like chicken or hamburger on it and ask them to go light on the cheese. I can get a side salad to help fill me up so that I don't eat too many slices.
• I can ask my family to order another type of take out that is easier for me to stick to my diet, such as chinese where I can get a meat with steamed veggies.

Problem

I had dinner early and I have no more calories left for the day, but I am starving. I am having a hard time dieting.

Reframe: How can I?

There are several solutions here.

• I can chug a big glass of seltzer, water or herbal tea to help fill my stomach.
• I can head to bed early so that I don't feel the hunger.
• I can make myself a light snack such as veggie tray. Even though it will be extra calories, it will be negligible and so much better than blowing my whole day on a huge caloric snack.
• I can have a protein bar to quell my hunger. The 200 calories represents around 0.05 of 1 lb. of fat. It's not going to show up on the scale and it's not a big deal. 

Hopefully by these examples, you can see the problem when you give up too quick the second a problem arises when you're trying to diet. Expect problems - problems are normal! After all if this were easy, everyone would do it! Problems give us the opportunity to develop strategies that will serve us now as well as in the future. Problems are a blessing. They teach us so much. 

Remember, no matter what struggle you are going through, you always have the capability to turn around the thought of "I can't" to "How can I?"

Want more mindset hacks to help with dieting? Grab your copy of my new book, Change Your Weighs.

You can get it sent to your kindle for less than a Chipotle burrito bowl plus tax :)

Change Your Weighs: 199 Reasons Why It's Just Not Working Out.

If you'd like more personalized help, consider hiring me to help you with your health and fitness in person or virtually! I'm a Certified Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer.

Ready? Let's go! Learn more about booking a Nutrition Consultation. Or get a Price Quote for either in-person or video call sessions! You can also book a Free 15 minute Discovery Call with me where we can decide together what is the best next move for you to take in terms of your nutrition.

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