If you are looking to lose weight but have no idea where to start, remember that a healthy body begins with a healthy mind. All-or-nothing plans that take a drastic approach to weight loss can take a toll on both your body and mind. Stepping into a positive weight loss mindset can give you the confidence needed to get the results you're looking for. With any change you want to make in your life, adjusting your way of thinking can make all the difference. Losing weight is no exception. Let's take a look at how you can tap into a success mindset that will help you rebalance your body, lose weight and feel alive! The Weight Loss Mindset Shifting your perspective on weight loss might seem easier said than done. But the first step is to try to discover any self-limiting beliefs that may be holding you back from your goals. These beliefs can stem from assumptions on how things "should" be versus what you think you can actually achieve, or they might be ingrained through habit or past experience. To transform negative self-fulfilling prophecies, it's important to be aware of how you view yourself. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity suggests those who perceive themselves as overweight may end up struggling with further weight gain in the future. This is often due to the repetition of comfort-food patterns as a result of stress. This suggests that negative self-perception does much more harm than good. Instead, try to accept yourself with openness and patience so you can build confidence and achieve a "success mindset." Transform Your Focus When you consider your weight loss goals, are you focused on the end result or the process? Do you believe you need to lose weight to be healthy or is your primary motivation to become healthy and balanced first? Sometimes we forget that it is the process that leads us to the end result, which makes it the most important part. While it's true being a healthy body weight is the best thing you can do to live a long and healthy life, the secret to enjoying these results lies in the process of getting there and remaining there. Work toward achieving a healthy body and mind by setting manageable targets along your journey. Create a lifestyle composed of small, consistent changes that are sustainable and enjoyable, over-reaching goals may be unrealistic and stand in your way of enjoying the process. Focus on Your Holistic Health A positive weight loss mindset begins with transforming your beliefs about yourself, but it must also incorporate an integrative health approach that supports both body and mind. Stay on top of your emotional wellbeing. Reach out for support from like-minded people and friends, incorporate reinforcing practices like journaling, restorative activities like mediation and celebrating successes along the way, and practice deliberate positive self-talk. Focus on a healthy diet full of low glycemic, anti-inflammatory foods high in antioxidants. Assess your current food intake with a food journal so you can keep track of the foods you are eating, how they make you feel and whether they are aligned to your goals more consistently than not. Detoxify your body. A great way to support the body at the deepest level is with a functional medicine detox. A total body and mind reset that gives your body the nutrients it needs to restore possible deficiencies and support optimal elimination of any accumulated toxins, this, in turn, can support weight loss, better energy, mood, sleep and put you in a great place to continue to get the results you want. Set manageable movement and exercise goals. If you are not doing any activity, start with walking - even just 10-20 minutes can make a difference and start to boost your confidence to do more. Finding a movement and exercise routine you enjoy creates a more sustainable long-term approach. Reduce stress, get plenty of rest and keep an eye on how full your rain barrel is! The most important thing to remember when creating a weight loss plan is that you only need to start where you are. Take it one day at a time, and enjoy the journey!