Weight Loss is a Simple Math Formula

Many think it is the subtraction of calories that results in weight loss. But, that is not always the case.

Mental and metabolic health are the REAL two key factors necessary for weight loss.

Poor mental & metabolic health can have a profound impact on your success with fitness goals.

Many studies have shown that stress and depression are associated with obesity in both adults and children.

In addition to the psychological factors that affect your diet, there are also biological factors such as hormones which can cause an increase in appetite or cravings for unhealthy foods when we're stressed out or down.

The good news is that good mental health can make weight loss easier by helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle through difficult periods of life!

The benefits of good mental health for weight loss

When it comes to weight loss, good mental health is key. Here are some of the benefits of having a positive outlook on life when it comes to your fitness goals:

1. You're more likely to stick to your diet- One of the main reasons people struggle with weight loss is because they find it difficult to stick to a diet plan for an extended period. When you're struggling with mental health issues such as stress or depression, your diet is often one of the first things to go. However, when you have good mental health, you're more likely to be in a better frame of mind to make healthy decisions about food and stick to your diet plan.

2. You'll be more motivated to exercise- Exercise can be one of the hardest things to do when you're struggling with mental health issues. When you're feeling down, the last thing you want to do is get up and go for a run. However, exercise is one of the best ways to improve your mental health. Not only does it release endorphins which can make you feel better instantly, but it also has long-term benefits such as reducing stress levels and improving mood (3). When you're more motivated to exercise, you're more likely to stick with your fitness routine and see results.

3. You'll pay closer attention to why you are eating. When you're feeling down, stressed or anxious, food can often be a way to cope with those feelings. However, when you have good mental health, you're less likely to turn to food as a way to cope with your emotions. This is because you'll have other outlets for dealing with stress and negative emotions such as exercise, self-coaching, or talking to friends and family.

4. You'll be more likely to make healthy choices- When you're struggling with mental health issues, it can be difficult to make healthy choices about food. For example, you might be more likely to reach for unhealthy snacks or fast food when you're feeling stressed out. However, when you have good mental health, you're more likely to be in a better frame of mind to make healthy decisions about food and stick with your diet plan.

5. You'll have more energy- Poor mental health can often sap your energy levels, making it difficult or even impossible for you to work out as much as you would like. However, when you have good mental health, you're more likely to have the energy needed for a healthy diet and exercise routine.

How stress and depression can lead to obesity

When you're feeling stressed or down, it can be tough to stick to your diet and exercise plan. Stress and depression can lead to obesity!

Stress can cause you to overeat and seek comfort in unhealthy foods. And when you're depressed, you may be less likely to take care of yourself and be more likely to indulge in refined carbs and high-sugar foods.

These unhealthy eating habits can quickly lead to weight gain, which only makes your mental health worse. Obesity is linked with several chronic health conditions, including depression and anxiety. So it's a vicious circle-stress and depression lead to weight gain, which leads to more stress and depression.

Tips for maintaining good mental health while trying to lose weight

Maintaining good mental health while trying to lose weight can be a challenge, but it's not impossible! Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:

1. Seek support from a coach, friends, and family. Talking to someone about your struggles can be helpful and improve your social well-being.

2. Find an activity that you enjoy. When you're having a bad day, being active can help lift your mood. Choose an activity that you love, whether it's hiking, biking, or swimming.

3. Make healthy eating habits a priority. Avoid processed foods and unhealthy snacks, and focus on eating nutrient-rich, healthy fat foods like avocados, olives, salmon, and vegetables.

4. Don't let one bad day snowball into many. It's normal to have an off day once in a while, but don't give up! Pick yourself up and try again tomorrow.

5. Make decisions ahead of time about your day. Include things like your meals, to-do's, and how your want to intentionally think and feel. This relieves your brain from the fatigue of making knee-jerk reactions.

When it comes to weight management, metabolic health is another key factor.

Metabolic health is a term used to describe the overall state of your metabolism, including how well your body burns calories and stores fat. When your metabolism is working efficiently, you're more likely to lose weight and keep it off.

There are several things you can do to improve your metabolic health and promote weight loss. Here are a few tips:

1. Eat plenty of protein- Protein is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism. Make sure you're eating plenty of high-quality protein every day from sources like chicken, fish, eggs, and nuts.

2. Get enough sleep- Getting enough sleep is essential for good metabolic health. Most people need around eight hours of sleep every night.

Final thoughts

Mental and Metabolic stability can have a profound impact on your success with weight loss. Good mental health can make weight loss easier by helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle and stick to your diet even during stressful periods in life!

When mental stability and good metabolic health are both in place an individual will be more likely to choose food with the highest health benefits, increase physical activity, handle stress, and decrease the risk of health problems like diabetes and cancer. Losing weight becomes easier and as simple as basic math.

If you want to learn more about the simple math behind losing weight, join us for our upcoming Kickstart, Project New You. A free course, April 11-15, 2022 held live in facebook.