10 Mindset Shifts for Weight Loss

A lot of what determines your results with weight loss is how you’re thinking about yourself and what you think about weight loss.

Your thoughts always play a very large part in your results, so if you don’t have thoughts that set you up for success, then you won’t get the weight loss results you want.

Most women who have a negative mindset or thoughts about themselves or weight loss, have a difficult time going from very negative to very positive, which is where a small shift can be really valuable.

So instead of a complete change from something you currently believe to be true, to something you don’t believe yet, try a simple “shift” instead.

I’m going to share 10 mindset shifts for weight loss that you should definitely try if you want to get the results you desire.

Your thoughts may not be exactly the same as the current thoughts that I list below, but you can probably think of some thoughts you have that are very similar.

Mindset Shift #1

Current thought: “Weight loss is so hard.”

Mindset shift: “I used to think weight loss was hard, but this time I’m not going to let it be hard.”

Do you see how weight loss being thought of as hard can cause a feeling of frustration or even helplessness, but the mindset shift creates a feeling of determination?

Mindset Shift #2

Current thought: “I’ll be so much happier when I lose 20 pounds.”

Mindset shift: “I’m happy with my life, but I’d still really enjoy losing 20 pounds.”

So with the current though here, happiness is contingent upon your weight loss results, which means you completely lose all power with this way of thinking.

Your feelings are not determined by your results. It’s the opposite. Your results are determined by your feelings.

Mindset Shift #3

Current thought: “I can’t even look at carbs, they make me fat.”

Mindset shift: “Sometimes I eat a lot of carbs, but I can control that.”

With the current thought, carbs (or any other type of food) is the enemy, meaning that you’ll most likely try to completely restrict yourself.

Or, if you “fall off the wagon,” you’ll probably feel very guilty, which isn’t productive.

The mindset shift gives you the power and allows you to still have some carbs, but in a controlled manner.

Mindset Shift #4

Current thought: “My body looks terrible.”

Mindset shift: “I love my body AND I can still want to lose some weight.”

Doesn’t this mindset shift feel so much better?

• Related: Why You Must Love Your Body First (Blog Post)
• GET WEEKLY TIPS: Eating Habit and Weight Loss Tips

Mindset Shift #5

Current thought: “I don’t know why I bother, I can never keep the weight off.”

Mindset shift: “I’m human and that means I’m not perfect. This time, I’m going to try something different.”

The current thought causes feelings such as exasperation and defeat. You’re essentially failing ahead of time if you have a thought like this.

The mindset shift allows you to give yourself a bit of grace and also elicits a feeling of hope.

Mindset Shift #6

Current thought: “The scale hates me.”

Mindset shift: “The number on the scale isn’t changing, so that just means I need to make a change.”

The mindset shift allows you to problem solve and make a change in your plan going forward.

Mindset Shift #7

Current thought: “I want her body.”

Mindset shift: “Although I can’t have someone else’s body, because that’s her body, I can feel amazing in mine.”

Having someone else’s body isn’t possible. It’s a goal that you’ll never reach, because it’s their body, so can never be yours. Your own body can be (and is!) amazing though.

Mindset Shift #8

Current thought: “Everything is working against me with losing weight.”

Mindset shift: “Losing weight can sometimes be difficult, but there is so much help out there if I need it.”

The current thought makes you feel completely powerless, where as the mindset shift shows you that there’s help if you need it, no matter your struggle.

Mindset Shift #9

Current thought: “I’m addicted to sugar.”

Mindset shift: “I enjoy sugar, but if I need to give most of it up, I’m willing to do that for my health and/or body goals.”

Although it may seem like you’re addicted to sugar, you aren’t. Sugar addiction is a sexy term that shouldn’t be taken literally.

You can break free of your “bad” eating habit of eating a lot of sugar. I promise you.

Mindset Shift #10

Current thought: “Weight loss is so much easier for other people.”

Mindset shift: “Weight loss is easier for some people and even harder for other people. I’m right where I should be.”

You can tend to think that everyone else has it easier, but that’s not the case. In fact, many or even most may have it harder than you, as far as weight loss.

So that current thought definitely doesn’t serve you, whereas the mindset shift does.

Final Thoughts on Mindset Shifts for Weight Loss

Just like any habits, mindset shifts take a little bit of practice for them to become your new thought habits. However, if you do this tiny bit of work, the payoff will be substantial.

Pick a few that you’d like to work on, write them down and strategically put them in places you’ll see, so you can practice them often.