Why Losing Weight and Getting Stronger Feels Hard (and How Mindset Shifts Can Help You Keep Going)

You’re Not Alone

Let’s be honest—losing weight and getting healthy is hard. It feels like you’re putting in all this effort and seeing nothing change for weeks. It’s frustrating, discouraging, and honestly, sometimes it feels pointless. I’ve been there too.

You start strong, but then you hit a wall. You’re tired, second-guessing every choice, and wondering if you’re the problem. Spoiler: You’re not. These feelings? Totally normal. The good news is that they don’t last forever—and mindset shifts can help you push through.

Let’s talk about the hard stuff and the changes that can make it better.

The Emotional Journey of Change

Why It Feels Hard at First
The first few weeks can be brutal. You’re doing the work—eating differently, moving more—and it’s like nothing is happening. No weight loss, no extra energy, just... effort. WebMD’s guide explains why hormonal shifts and metabolism changes make losing weight after 40 feel slower but not impossible.

What’s happening behind the scenes, though, is that your body is adjusting. Your metabolism, hormones, and even your brain need time to catch up. You don’t see the results yet, but things are moving.

Feeling Embarrassed or Nervous
Whether it’s walking into a gym or trying to explain your new habits to friends, it’s easy to feel self-conscious. You’re not alone—millions of women face similar fears, as highlighted in Trim Down and Shape Up’s article.

The Trap of Perfection
How many times have you thought, “Well, I messed up today, so I might as well start again next week”? Perfection doesn’t exist. Consistency wins every time—80/20 is the goal, not 100%. As Dr. Layne Norton explains, letting go of perfection is key to long-term success.

Mindset Shifts That Actually Help

This is where it gets good. These are the same mindset shifts we use at Mila.fit to help women move forward even when it feels tough.

Get Clear on Your Why
If you don’t know why you’re doing this, it’s hard to stick with it. It’s not just about the number on the scale—it’s about how you want to feel. Picture the stronger, healthier version of you. Is that worth the effort? Kate M. Johnston’s insights dive deeper into connecting with your “why” to build motivation.

Change Doesn’t Always Feel Good
You’re not always going to feel motivated, and that’s okay. You don’t have to want to do the work every day. What matters is doing it anyway because it leads to the life you want. Psych Times explores how viewing weight loss as a lifestyle change makes it sustainable.

Show Up for Yourself
Take 10-15 minutes each week to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? How do you feel? The goal isn’t to beat yourself up—it’s to notice patterns and adjust. Self-awareness is your superpower. 

Focus on What Matters
There’s so much noise out there. Keto, intermittent fasting, the latest workout trend—it’s overwhelming. Stick to the basics: Eat nutrient-dense foods, move your body, and build habits that last. Reverse Health’s guide highlights why mastering fundamentals is the key to success.

Let Go of What Drains You
Stop chasing hacks. Let go of habits that leave you feeling tired, stressed, or sick. Instead, focus on actions that give you energy and make you feel good. Rejuvenate Health AK provides actionable advice to break free from draining behaviors.

Own Your Choices
This one’s big. No one else can do this for you. Your health, your habits—these are your choices. That’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s also empowering.

Love Yourself Through It
Change doesn’t come from beating yourself up. It comes from loving yourself enough to make better choices. You’re worth it.

This process is hard. It’s emotional. And it doesn’t happen overnight.

But that doesn’t mean you’re failing. You’re learning, growing, and showing up for yourself—and that’s what counts.

If this blog resonated with you, I’d love to help you take the next step. At Mila.fit, we focus on mindset, nutrition, and sustainable health for women 40+. Want to feel strong and healthy for the long haul? Let’s do this together.