Feeling a little like tossing the towel in on your diet plan? Whether this is because you just haven’t been able to follow the diet, you’re experiencing hunger like never before, or you just aren’t seeing as fast of results as you wanted, there are a few things to remember that may make you change your mind.

Dieting is hard. There’s no denying that. But with these in mind, it can feel easier.

The First 21 Days Are The Hardest

If you’re just starting and tempted to give up already, remember, the first 21 days are the hardest. After that, habits will form and it will get easier from here. It’s a fact.

Hunger Is Natural And Normal

Feeling hungry? Don’t sweat it. While feeling intense hunger pains you can barely tolerate are not a good sign, some hunger is normal and to be expected.

Relax if you feel this. No one ever died from a little hunger. As long as your diet is set-up well, this shouldn’t be an issue.

The Right Diet For You Is Out There

If you’re struggling with your diet plan, it may not mean you need to give up, but rather, find a new diet.

Everyone is unique in how their body responds to certain diets. The trick is finding one that you respond to well. Keep going until you find the right diet.

Nothing Good Comes Easy

You didn’t gain the weight overnight and you won’t lose it overnight either. No, it won’t be easy and yes it takes work. The sooner you accept this and expect it, the sooner you’ll see results.

It Won’t Be This Way Forever

If a hard day has you down, realize it won’t be like this forever. Eventually, if you keep going, you will reach the end point and at this time, you can add food back in.

You should still continue to eat healthy, but the cravings and hunger will pass. This is only temporary.

Nutrition Is 80% Of The Weight Loss Game

If you’re tempted to give up and just focus on fitness, you may want to rethink that. While exercise is definitely a key part of the equation, diet really does account for up to 80% of the results you see.

It is critical that you eat right if you hope to manage your body weight.

Junk Food Is Not HEALTHY

If the cravings for food is what’s tempting you to fall off your plan, remember that junk food, regardless of whether or not you gain weight from it, is not healthy.

At the end of the day, your health should be a priority – weight loss or not. Don’t you want to feel your best?

Change Is Challenging

Most people resist change and dieting is a way of change. You’ve had your food habits for years, so don’t expect it to come easy. You will feel resistance every step of the way.

Expect it and prepare for it. It’ll make the process easier.

A Healthy Body Is Better Than Any Food Ever Will Taste

When cravings are incredibly strong, keep in mind that no matter how good that food you want may taste, it won’t be as good as the feeling you’ll get when you are in a healthy body you’re confident in.

Always keep this in mind. All the work is really worth it in the end.

Effort Is What Counts

Finally, remember that your effort is really what counts most. While always staying on track is nice, don’t expect perfection. Expect effort.

As long as you are making a good effort, that is what matters.

So think about these next time you’re tempted to give up on that diet and see if you don’t just rethink it altogether.

[Image via Getty]