Diets are not easy and they are meant to test our ability to reach our goals. There are ways to make it fun and a daily part of our busy lives.

1. Think about your future self.

By sticking to your diet, you're sticking to your biggest goals, including looking better or feeling better about yourself. Its important to take one day at a time.

2. Try to make the diet fun.

Diets aren't fun, it's a fact! But, diets can be enjoyable if you like eating healthy and restricting your caloric intake. The benefits of eating healthy seem impossible to see when you’re hungry all the time and think about having a slice of pizza every couple hours, but it is worth it!

3. Diet for yourself.

If you're trying to lose weight to impress others or get a revenge body, your chances of succeeding are not likely. You have to want to change for your own self-improvement.

4. Make healthier versions of your favorite cheat meals.

If you love fried chicken and mash potatoes try making oven baked corn flake crusted chicken with garlic cauliflower mash potatoes. This cuts the calories in half and cauliflower potatoes tastes even better than regular mash potatoes in my opinion.

5. Curb your cravings.

Salty or sour foods are great for curbing cravings. I have a bit of sweet tooth so I learned that if I eat pickles as a late night snack my mind forgets that I wanted cookies. If your sugar craving doesn’t subside, I always go for a sugar free Jello cup with Cool Whip on top. Be careful not to eat the whole container of Cool Whip.

6. Remember the benefits that we tend to look past.

Not eating bread or processed foods helps you sleep like a baby and have more natural energy throughout your day. FYI natural energy comes after the first month of dieting. I tried to stop drinking coffee for a while but coffee helped my digestive system adjust to having four cups of vegetables a day. Ever since I cut out high fat foods and carbs my skin has never felt or looked better.

7. Experiment with different foods.

Try not to eat the same thing every day just because it may be easier to stick to, because after a couple days you will be sick of it. Experiment with different vegetables and low-carb snacks like Parmesan crisps over your normal choice of a cheese stick or hummus.

8. If you don’t like it, don’t eat it, or try to make it work for you.

Do not force yourself to eat certain foods that you find vile. I cannot stand lettuce unless it's covered in Walden’s dressing, and you will not find me eating raw veggies without hummus. There will always be a way to make healthy foods that taste bland taste better.

9. Don’t overthink exercise.

Dieters tend to think exercise is a hassle since we are intaking less calories and finding energy for a jog or elliptical time seems impossible. It's the little moments throughout for work day that count. Standing and walking whenever possible is a big help. Taking night walks and joining Zumba and yoga classes are fun ways to burn calories without the stress.

Keep it up !