6 Mood-Lifting Moves That Will Help You Lose Weight

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: September 7, 2019

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Losing weight is hard enough to do when life is good, but when you’re feeling stressed or blue, shedding unwanted pounds can be downright impossible. That’s because a negative state of mind lends itself to poor food choices, binging, and other unhealthy eating habits. The good news is you can boost your spirits with some lifestyle changes that won’t just make you happier but more energized and motivated to lose weight too. Try these six mood-lifting moves to get rid of those excess pounds and keep them off for good.

Do Exhilarating Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins that lift mood, but exactly how mood-lifting exercise is depends on the type of exercise you do. Pick something that’s exhilarating and that you enjoy. A rigorous cycling class or a high-energy dance session may be the answer for some people, while an outdoor hike, swim, or game of basketball works for others. Figure out what it takes to maximize the mood-lifting effects of exercise for you, then get pumped to lose weight.

Choose a Mood-Lifting Diet

Foods high in magnesium and vitamins B and D, like nuts, avocado, spinach, fish, yogurt, and eggs, have been shown to fight stress and other negative states of mind. Include these and other mood-lifting nutrients in your diet. And pay attention to how you eat. For example, stay on a regular eating schedule to avoid getting overly hungry and sit down to eat. Besides making the experience more pleasurable, mindful eating improves digestion and facilitates weight loss.

Fill Your Free Time with Mind-Engaging Activities

Boredom is a surefire trigger for falling off the weight loss wagon. Avoid the doldrums by filling your free time with activities that keep your mind occupied and engaged. Learn a useful life skill, read intriguing books, work on a family history project, or do volunteer work. A busy mind will keep you from growing bored and turning to bad eating habits to boost your mood. Even better, you’ll use your time productively, which can inspire you to tackle other tasks, like weight loss.

Address Your Health Woes

Physical and mental health problems, if not addressed, won’t just grow worse; you can develop increased anxiety or depression over your health, making it hard to get motivated to lose weight. Seek help from a doctor or other healthcare professional for your health worries. Friends and family can also offer support by listening to your concerns and providing encouragement. Opening up about your health will improve your outlook and efforts to live a healthier life.

Socialize with Optimists

Socializing and optimism are two well-known mood lifters which when combined increase the odds of successful weight loss. Consider your social circles and single out people who have an optimistic attitude. Then make a weekly date with them to mingle and feed off their positive energy. Optimists have a natural knack for making those around them feel upbeat, hopeful, and motivated, which is the kind of mood you need to help you reach and maintain your weight loss goals.

Manage Your Debt

Unmanageable debt is a serious situation that causes stress, uncertainty, and fear, which can hinder any motivation you have to lose weight. Many people in debt drown their troubles in excessive eating or choose cheap, unhealthy foods to save money. Instead of letting your debt ruin your weight loss endeavors, learn to manage the finances. Find an advisor who can help you organize the budget. You’ll gain peace of mind, along with a better shot at losing weight.

Mood and weight loss have plenty to do with each other. Make a point to improve your state of mind and see how it can make losing weight quicker, easier, and long-lasting.

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Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

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Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

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Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

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Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

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