Mindset Shifts That Helped Me Lose 80 Pounds and Keep It Off

If you've ever felt stuck in your weight loss journey, believe me—I’ve been there. For years, I tried everything: crash diets, extreme calorie cuts, weight loss surgeries, and intense workout regimens. I’d lose weight, only to gain it back—and with every setback, I felt like a failure.

Sound familiar?

What finally changed for me wasn’t the number of hours I spent on the treadmill or the latest “miracle” diet plan. It was something much deeper: my mindset. And I want to share with you the shifts that helped me shed 80 pounds—and keep them off.

Here’s the thing: losing weight isn’t just about what you eat or how much you move. It’s about how you think. Let me show you what I mean.

1. From Self-Loathing to Self-Love

In my early 20s, I lost 60 pounds in just three months. You’d think I’d be thrilled, right? But I wasn’t. My self-talk was brutal. Every workout was punishment for not being “good enough.” Every meal felt like a battle between guilt and shame.

It took years—and a lot of hard lessons—to realize that you can’t hate yourself into a version you love. Real change starts with kindness. Now, every choice I make—from what I eat to how I move—is rooted in wanting to feel good, not just look good.

Try this: Next time you catch yourself being critical, ask, “Would I say this to someone I love?” If the answer is no, it’s time to rewrite the script.

2. Ditching the “All or Nothing” Mentality

For years, I was the queen of extremes. Either I was doing two-hour workouts and eating nothing but salads, or I was binging on fast food and skipping the gym for weeks. Spoiler alert: neither worked.

What finally clicked was learning that consistency beats perfection. Small, sustainable changes add up. Now, I focus on progress, not perfection.

Try this: Commit to just one small change this week. Maybe it’s drinking more water or going for a 10-minute walk. Celebrate that win and build from there.

3. Seeing the Scale as Data, Not Judgment

Let’s talk about the scale—it used to be my worst enemy. A “bad” number could ruin my whole day. Sound familiar?

Now, I use the scale as just one tool in my journey. It’s data, not a reflection of my worth. I look at trends over time instead of fixating on daily fluctuations. And guess what? It’s freeing.

Try this: If you weigh yourself, treat it like checking the weather: neutral, factual, and nothing more.

4. Becoming the Person I Wanted to Be

Here’s the biggest shift: instead of focusing on the outcome (like hitting a certain weight), I started focusing on becoming the type of person who lives a healthy lifestyle.

That meant showing up for myself daily—even when it was hard. I became someone who prioritizes movement, fuels my body with nourishing foods, and shows myself grace when things don’t go perfectly.

Try this: Ask yourself, “What would the healthiest version of me do today?” Then do that—just for today.

Your Journey Starts With a Mindset Shift

My story isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about rewriting the narrative I believed about myself. If you’ve been struggling, know this: you’re not broken, and it’s never too late to start again.

Whether you’re just beginning or trying to find your way back, I’m here to remind you that lasting change starts with loving yourself enough to believe it’s possible.

Let’s stop chasing quick fixes and start building a life we love.

Want more tips and support on your weight loss journey? At Rising Stars Wellness, we’re here to help you love yourself to health with personalized medical weight loss solutions and mindset coaching.

💬 Ready to start your journey? Book a free consultation today!