The Surprising Way Your Attitude Can Affect Weight Loss

If there is a promise to shed those pesky pounds attached to a crash diet, like the watermelon diet for instance, you may be more inclined to give it a go. With so many extreme weight loss methods available, and as enticing as they may be, there simpler and healthier ways to achieve your weight loss goals. 

Although less trendy, a positive, healthy attitude may be the secret sauce to weight loss. Psychologist Brian Wansink, Ph.D., told WebMD "It's mind over matter — that's what drives behavior." He says, "It's believing that you can do it, and starting with the right attitude that you can accomplish your weight loss goals, and having the power and the stamina to do it." 

Other experts agree that when it comes to weight loss, mindset does matter. NYC-based therapist Kathryn Smerling tells U.S.News & World Report, "Shifting your mindset about how to lose weight is the biggest factor in losing weight." While this method may not appear as results driven as some fad diets, Smerling says, "We can't shift our weight from the outside without realizing the correct inner resolve and intention."

There is quite a bit of research suggesting mindset matters for a healthier, happier life, and an increased focus on maintaining a positive state of mind may present more effective results. If weight loss is a struggle, even after trying many different methods, it may be time to look inward and pay close attention to your thoughts and attitude. Therapist Paul Hokemeyer suggests that when those negative, self-doubting thoughts creep in, you try to remove them from your head by saying the word "stop" out loud, and then introduce a better, healthier thought (per U.S. News & World Report).

Registered dietitian Susan Moores tells WebMD that to start changing your mindset, it's helpful to learn from the positive experiences of others. She says, "Find others who have been successful...talk to them about the pitfalls and how they mustered the willpower to carry on." Smerling agrees, telling U.S. News & World Report, "Surround yourself with positive people," which can help shift your mindset from demeaning thoughts to more encouraging and uplifting ones.

Choosing better thoughts, surrounding yourself with supportive people, focusing on small steps, and even readjusting your goals can all have a more positive impact on your mindset, which may in turn, yield a better weight loss experience.