The Surprising Reason You Can’t Lose Weight

The power of mindset in fitness and nutrition will inspire and humble you.

You might be thinking that mindset can’t possibly matter more than caloric restriction, progressive overload, protein or steady state cardio for weight loss.  But…that would be wrong.  While these are all important topics in the conversation around how you lose weight, they’re still not as important as mindset.

Mindset can make or break you. Here’s why.

When it comes to fitness and nutrition, your relationship with mindfulness is the ultimate tool for achieving long-term success. It’s not just about starting a diet or a workout plan; it’s about cultivating a mindset that supports your goals every day. This takes mindful self-awareness.  It’s important to work on this self-care tool so you can stop yourself from eating past your point of comfort or eating outside of the structure you set for yourself.  Weight gain happens only when we’re in a calorie surplus so it’s important to cultivate self-awareness when first beginning a weight loss program.

Mindset is built daily through consistent effort and intentional practices. It’s not something that happens overnight. You develop it by making small, positive choices repeatedly, even when it’s challenging. This daily commitment is what transforms fleeting motivation into lasting discipline.

Often, we start a new fitness or nutrition regimen because of a spark—a desire to change or an obligation we feel. Initially, this spark can drive us forward, but it often doesn’t last. That’s where mindset comes in. When our initial excitement fades, a strong mindset keeps us going.

Mindset can get in the way of your progress if it’s not aligned with your goals. Negative self-talk, fear of failure, and lack of discipline can all hinder your progress. But when you cultivate a positive, resilient mindset, these obstacles become manageable. Mindset is crucial because it’s what sustains you through the highs and lows of your fitness journey. When your mindset is strong, you’re more likely to push through tough times, stay committed, and achieve your goals.

When I started my weight loss journey, it wasn’t my first attempt—I had failed many times. What made the difference this time was my mindset. I could tell I approached my ultimate goal with a different attitude. While I had fears of failing, quitting, or not finishing what I committed to, my mindset was so focused that my fears weren’t as loud as my desires.

Throughout the process, I developed trust in myself. I became more disciplined, adopted better eating habits, and started seeing results. This progress fed my mindset, creating a positive feedback loop. As I built new skills and became stronger, my mindset grew even more robust. When you create habits and a routine based on discipline, and you start feeling great, it naturally evolves into a lifestyle.

Fitness and nutrition become more than just goals—they become a part of who you are. Sometimes we begin our journeys without much belief in ourselves or with a negative mindset. We create stories in our heads that don’t match the end result of where we want to be. We tend to self-sabotage and feel we can’t accomplish something. That’s why it’s crucial to incorporate habits to combat these negative thoughts. Show up and trust that you can and will achieve what you want. By focusing on building a positive mindset daily, we can transform our approach and achieve incredible things.

My favorite ways to build my mindset:

• Affirmations: Positive affirmations help reinforce a strong mindset.
• Meditation: Quieting my mind through guided meditation keeps me centered.
• Consistency: Showing up, whether I have an hour or just 10 minutes, is key.
• Self-Compassion: It’s okay to skip a class or indulge in a treat. Be gentle with yourself.
• Positive Self-Talk: Shift the negative stories you create in your mind.

Mindset can make or break you. There are so many resources available, like YouTube and Google, to help you manage your mindset better. It’s important to realize that we control our minds, how we see things, and how we react. By focusing on building a strong mindset, we can better reach our goals in fitness and nutrition.