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Why is dieting so hard?

Dieting is hard work and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

OK sometimes dieting is easy. You just seem to shed the pounds and then can happily eat what you want without putting on weight. However for the most part the constant struggle of resisting temptation about what we eat is just too difficult and we give in.

How many of these dieting struggles have you had?

Just this desert and I'll start the diet tomorrow.

Just one more piece of chocolate.

Just this last time.

Well its pancake day I have to have a pancake.

Its my birthday I have to celebrate.

Just a quick pint.

Just a bag of crisps.

I'm only just over my calorie allowance for the week.

I'll eat less tomorrow.

I'm not that fat.

I will just wear that other pair of jeans which fit better.

I can't help it it must be the weather.

How to get through the dark diet days

Keep a goal in mind. Why do you want to be thinner? What do you gain by staying fat or even worse putting on more weight? Will you upset people if you don't eat everything on your plate? Can't you simply tell people you're trying to lose a few pounds.

Being honest with yourself first and then other people around you, and not being ashamed of being overweight will make some difference. Other people need to respect the fact you're dieting too and help where possible - or at least not bring temptation too near too often.

Workmates you tell you that you look just lovely as you are do you no favours. Shrug off comments that you look ok at that weight. If you want to lose a few more pounds or even stone and people are telling you not to then give them some evidence. Tell them your BMI. Ask them for theirs. Tell them that you want to be within your BMI range to ensure you're healthy.

They'll probably not know what the BMI is so you can explain about it (or give them the url of our BMI calculator - the healthy range of weight for your height. Giving them this scientific indicator of your weight concerns might spark some recognition of the need to support you.

If your workmates or friends aren't sympathetic and carry on bringing cakes in for you or sharing round choccy biscuits when you find it so hard to resist then you have a very hard job to deal with it and you have our sympathy. Just stick firm and say no.

If you have hints on how to deal with people at work or in the pub then let us know.

Some people would rather say they're on medication so they can't have a drink than say they're dieting. This is probably truer of blokes than women though.

Saying that you're full thanks. Or you're saving your appetite for your lunch, or you're hving an off day and you're not feeling too good, or saying you've gone right off sweet stuff is a different way of saying you're dieting. Try different approaches with people who ignore the word diet.

Sometimes finding someone at work or home who is willing to join in and diet along with you is the easiest way to combat office fatism. Put up a chart showing how much weight you've lost, make it a bit more of a competition for people to feel part of and they may be supportive of you. If only sometimes cos someone is running a book on who loses the most weight quickest.

Motivating yourself can be easier than motivating the people around you to support you in your quest for weight loss.

Ask your partner to help you diet. The whole family doesn't have to miss out on treats just cos you're dieting, but you need to find a balance. You might find by eating more healthily you inspire others to eat more fruit and veggies too.
A good friend should help you diet by supporting you.

Remember to thank people for helping you too. And that smiling uses up calories!