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The Shift: 7 Powerful Mindset Changes for Lasting Weight Loss
This program includes an introduction read by the author.
Gary Foster's The Shift is not about what to eat or not eat. It’s not about when to eat. It’s about building thinking habits, proven through science, that help you lose weight.
Can you lose weight before you value your body? Are big goals needed to achieve big results? Do you deserve to go it alone because you got yourself into this? Is it possible for a weight-loss journey to avoid setbacks? Must gratitude and happiness wait until you’ve succeeded at your wellness goal?
No. To all of it.
Dr. Foster’s seven mindset shifts show you how - and why - to treat yourself in a way that feels better and primes you for likelier success. His argument and the techniques in each chapter, built on years of research and breakthroughs in cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology, can lead to results on the scale - but, more important, in your own thinking. The Shift flips old-fashioned weight-loss theory on its head, training you to recognize when your thinking is taking you away from your goals, to focus on action rather than outcome, and to value non-scale victories more than the number on the digital display. It’s evidence-based motivation - and it really works!
The seven mindset shifts include learning to enhance the traits you like best about yourself, leaning into your strengths, appreciating the power of small steps (and more frequent reward), finding your people, and truly relaxing into happiness and gratitude.
“Diet thinking” isn’t habit-forming; mindset thinking is. And muscular yet kind mental habits, like the ones found in The Shift, are key to permanent, positive change.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press
Gary Foster's The Shift is not about what to eat or not eat. It’s not about when to eat. It’s about building thinking habits, proven through science, that help you lose weight.
Can you lose weight before you value your body? Are big goals needed to achieve big results? Do you deserve to go it alone because you got yourself into this? Is it possible for a weight-loss journey to avoid setbacks? Must gratitude and happiness wait until you’ve succeeded at your wellness goal?
No. To all of it.
Dr. Foster’s seven mindset shifts show you how - and why - to treat yourself in a way that feels better and primes you for likelier success. His argument and the techniques in each chapter, built on years of research and breakthroughs in cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology, can lead to results on the scale - but, more important, in your own thinking. The Shift flips old-fashioned weight-loss theory on its head, training you to recognize when your thinking is taking you away from your goals, to focus on action rather than outcome, and to value non-scale victories more than the number on the digital display. It’s evidence-based motivation - and it really works!
The seven mindset shifts include learning to enhance the traits you like best about yourself, leaning into your strengths, appreciating the power of small steps (and more frequent reward), finding your people, and truly relaxing into happiness and gratitude.
“Diet thinking” isn’t habit-forming; mindset thinking is. And muscular yet kind mental habits, like the ones found in The Shift, are key to permanent, positive change.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2021
588 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Gary Foster
1 book11 followersGary D. Foster, Ph.D., is the Chief Science Officer at WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and Adjunct Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Foster, a clinical psychologist and obesity investigator, was previously the Founder and Director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he was the Laura Carnell Professor of Medicine, Public Health and Psychology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
August 22, 2021
This book is an important companion to anyone struggling with the yo-yo journey of trying to lose weight like I have. What works with this book is it not your typical "diet" book -- it does not read like an "infomercial" of the glut of diet books published promising weight loss if you follow the exact plan of what to eat and not what to eat. Instead this book focuses on the mindset we need as we embark on our journey to get healthier and lose weight or get in better shape. I emphasize "healthier" because the author Dr. Foster is the Chief Scientific Officer for WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) and the emphasis with this plan (of which I am a member) - is on overall health not just how we show up on the scale. Some of the information I have heard before from my participation in WW and some is a summary of ideas and concepts from other books and resources (e.g., Beck Diet and Charles Duhigg "The Power of Habit").
I really like how the book is structured -- Overall idea "Shift" followed by specific ideas, an example of a personal shift, Skill-building techniques that we can put into action and resources.
I recommend this book if you are looking for an additional compendium of ideas for how to shift your mindset to support healthier changes.
I really like how the book is structured -- Overall idea "Shift" followed by specific ideas, an example of a personal shift, Skill-building techniques that we can put into action and resources.
I recommend this book if you are looking for an additional compendium of ideas for how to shift your mindset to support healthier changes.
August 18, 2021
I’ve been a member of WeightWatchers (now known as WW) off and on for longer than I want to realize, so I was looking forward to reading The Shift by Gary Foster, PhD. With any book about weight loss, I always want to know about the author — who they are and whether they have any significant credentials. Dr. Foster is not only the Chief Scientific Officer for WW, he is also Adjunct Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry (whatever that means) at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley, I received a copy of his book The Shift in exchange for this honest review.
Subtitled “7 Powerful Mindset Changes for Lasting Weight Loss,” this clearly written and practical book may surprise anyone who remembers the OLD Weight Watchers, in which there was a huge emphasis on the number on the scale. Thankfully, there has been a lot of progress in focusing on attitude, mindset, and thought processes. There are (unsurprisingly) seven mindset shifts outlined, including resting oneself with compassion, relaxing into gratitude, focusing on thinking instead of the scale, appreciating small steps (and non-scale victories, such as awareness of behavior patterns, rewards, and support from others.
There is a lot of scientific information and CBT (cognitive behavior therapy), plus anecdotes from actual WW members. As I said, it is practical and definitely not boring, as too many weight loss books tend to be. Four stars.
Subtitled “7 Powerful Mindset Changes for Lasting Weight Loss,” this clearly written and practical book may surprise anyone who remembers the OLD Weight Watchers, in which there was a huge emphasis on the number on the scale. Thankfully, there has been a lot of progress in focusing on attitude, mindset, and thought processes. There are (unsurprisingly) seven mindset shifts outlined, including resting oneself with compassion, relaxing into gratitude, focusing on thinking instead of the scale, appreciating small steps (and non-scale victories, such as awareness of behavior patterns, rewards, and support from others.
There is a lot of scientific information and CBT (cognitive behavior therapy), plus anecdotes from actual WW members. As I said, it is practical and definitely not boring, as too many weight loss books tend to be. Four stars.
July 6, 2021
The Shift was another book that was hard to put down. I have in the past dabbled some with WW but could never get the full hang of it. I am a very emotional eater and I have used food as my go to for a lot of things. From getting put down by an ex to a few abusive relationships, food has always been there for me. Trying to clean up my eating habits I've learned that I have a binge eating issue and I honestly never thought I'd say that. Instead, I have since read this book and need to start looking at food in a completely different way. I need to shift my thoughts into good thoughts and continue on my weight loss journey. I highly suggest reading this book if you too need a little encouragement on how you think of food.
November 28, 2021
An easy read with simple techniques for shifting one’s thinking to accept one’s self, be self compassionate and find gratitude in every day things. Also contains tools for developing health food boundaries with others (for example when people insist you try the pie they baked but it goes against your journey and goals to do so).
The book was well laid out and a pretty good “starter”. If you’re already aware of a lot of these concepts it’s a great reminder and refresher. If you’re not it’s a simple way to begin shifting your thinking for better success.
The book was well laid out and a pretty good “starter”. If you’re already aware of a lot of these concepts it’s a great reminder and refresher. If you’re not it’s a simple way to begin shifting your thinking for better success.
November 26, 2021
I will preface this by saying I'm a lifetime WW member. Six years ago, I lost nearly 70 pounds over 2 years on their program and have kept most of it off (that covid 10 is real...). I really think that in many ways the sensible eating and activity probably has added years to my life. I know I feel better mentally and physically. So why read this book? Well, I think it's because I still follow the eating plan, I still keep my activity up, and I still attend meetings as much as possible. And the mental part of this is so important - it is incorporated in the program but this gives so much more insight into the hows and whys.
What is The Shift? It is a reversal of the "usual" mindsets on weight loss.
You don't need to be harder/tougher on yourself --> You need to embrace self-compassion
You don't need big goals that set you up for epic fails --> You need to build habits and small doable goals that build up your sense of success
You don't need to "fix" your flaws --> You need to build on your strengths
You don't need to hate your body to motivate yourself to lose weight --> You need to love and value yourself to care for yourself and make good decisions
There are seven shifts, seven ways that the author, a scientist who has worked for years on the psychology of weight loss, promotes for caring for yourself and being kind to yourself. When you treat yourself as worthy of care, things turn around and the decisions become easier. It takes work. It's not easy. But it is worth it.
Info to remember:
What's in your head is just as important as what's on your plate.
Eating is not a moral issue. Weight gain and weight loss are not moral issues. Your weight is not your worth.
When you beat yourself up, you are less likely to reach your weight loss goals.
When you focus on your strengths, you see yourself in a new light, build momentum, and respond to setbacks based on what works for you...It's a paradigm shift from what's wrong to what's strong. People just feel more capable...Because now they see possibilities, potential...The behavior of keeping at it (just putting one foot in front of the other and continuing, staying in the game): That's the cornerstone of long-term change.
Building gratitude & happiness by prioritizing an enjoyable activity: each week select an activity that is either (a) an activity you enjoy doing alone (painting, baking, taking a bath, reading); or (b) an activity you enjoy doing with others (dining out, going to a concert, playing cards); or (c) an activity you enjoy doing for your community (volunteering at community center, going through things to donate, tutoring)
Three good things - practice regularly writing down 3 good things that happened to you today. Describe in detail and savor remembering them.
What is The Shift? It is a reversal of the "usual" mindsets on weight loss.
You don't need to be harder/tougher on yourself --> You need to embrace self-compassion
You don't need big goals that set you up for epic fails --> You need to build habits and small doable goals that build up your sense of success
You don't need to "fix" your flaws --> You need to build on your strengths
You don't need to hate your body to motivate yourself to lose weight --> You need to love and value yourself to care for yourself and make good decisions
There are seven shifts, seven ways that the author, a scientist who has worked for years on the psychology of weight loss, promotes for caring for yourself and being kind to yourself. When you treat yourself as worthy of care, things turn around and the decisions become easier. It takes work. It's not easy. But it is worth it.
Info to remember:
What's in your head is just as important as what's on your plate.
Eating is not a moral issue. Weight gain and weight loss are not moral issues. Your weight is not your worth.
When you beat yourself up, you are less likely to reach your weight loss goals.
When you focus on your strengths, you see yourself in a new light, build momentum, and respond to setbacks based on what works for you...It's a paradigm shift from what's wrong to what's strong. People just feel more capable...Because now they see possibilities, potential...The behavior of keeping at it (just putting one foot in front of the other and continuing, staying in the game): That's the cornerstone of long-term change.
Building gratitude & happiness by prioritizing an enjoyable activity: each week select an activity that is either (a) an activity you enjoy doing alone (painting, baking, taking a bath, reading); or (b) an activity you enjoy doing with others (dining out, going to a concert, playing cards); or (c) an activity you enjoy doing for your community (volunteering at community center, going through things to donate, tutoring)
Three good things - practice regularly writing down 3 good things that happened to you today. Describe in detail and savor remembering them.
September 10, 2024
Pretty much common sense that I knew. I didn’t really learn anything new. I thought it would be different than it was
January 18, 2023
This was very good - though it's a book I really need to re-read slowly. I listened to the audio book that was well narrated, but there are chapters and activities mentioned that I would like to spend more time with.
January 13, 2022
Book 2/52 for 2022! This is THE best book for weight-loss. No really, hear me out. Yes the food you eat, the amount of movement you make, and your own body's responses will dictate weight loss. However, meaningful and lasting weight management is related to our minds. This is what the book focuses on and it's highly readable. For my own recollection it's important to practice kindness for myself, see setbacks as opportunities to refocus, take reasonable steps, focus on strengths, appreciate my body, maintain true supports, and consider my gratitude day to day. Life is tough, maintaining a healthy body composition is difficult, but my body has never been the enemy.
*The author is an obesity expert. This is his life focus and he's very skilled and knowledgeable about the complexity inherent in obesity within society. This is incorporated within the book, although the focus is largely on the self.
*The author is an obesity expert. This is his life focus and he's very skilled and knowledgeable about the complexity inherent in obesity within society. This is incorporated within the book, although the focus is largely on the self.
November 13, 2021
I like how we can apply these techniques to other aspects of our lives besides weight loss.
November 17, 2021
If you struggle with body image and self worth, there is some good messaging here.
November 27, 2021
This was an interesting book that deals with the mind-set of weight loss and self-image. I have followed the WW plan a few times in my life and understand the way to break bad habits and create better ones now. Dr Foster is a psychologist, obesity researcher and behaviour change expert as well as the Chief Science Officer at WW. This book gives practical details about how to achieve positive lifestyle changes and self-image.
I don't think it presents anything new, but as with all changes to be made in life, you need to be in the right frame of mind to receive and act on it and this book helps get you there.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I don't think it presents anything new, but as with all changes to be made in life, you need to be in the right frame of mind to receive and act on it and this book helps get you there.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2024
Nothing in this book was a big surprise but the way the author ties it all together - the society bias around those overweight, the facts, the stories from those who have had struggled and those who made a shift is great. He was open about his own beliefs - I especially appreciated him sharing his own bias early in his career.
His passion to just want to help people is evident. He gave good examples of how to approach situations and you hear from some folks who have had mind shifts leading to their personal successes.
I listened to this one via Libby but I am going to buy a hard copy. It’s one that should be shared and revisited too.
His passion to just want to help people is evident. He gave good examples of how to approach situations and you hear from some folks who have had mind shifts leading to their personal successes.
I listened to this one via Libby but I am going to buy a hard copy. It’s one that should be shared and revisited too.
November 16, 2021
This is an interesting book with some powerful ideas about weight, self-concept, and habits. The author writes with a sympathetic, supportive tone. It was inspiring, but not earth-shaking. I did like the author's sincerity.
December 10, 2022
This was a really interesting listen. It supports many of the mindset changes that I’ve been learning in recent years snd it’s not just from a wright loss perspective.
It has a number of interesting exercises to do to help reinforce the ideas that are being promoted.
It has a number of interesting exercises to do to help reinforce the ideas that are being promoted.
April 2, 2022
If you ignore the focus on weightloss (which I did not love) this was a great and practical book on how to shift your mindset in a positive direction.
August 5, 2024
Great takeaways backed by research. Definitely aided in shifting and expanding my perspective on well-being, health, and weight-loss. I’m glad I read it.
August 28, 2024
This is a quick & easy read. Many of the concepts discussed relate to other habits in your life in addition to healthy habits & weight loss.
August 11, 2023
Short and sweet audiobook that I truly enjoyed because it focused more on mindset than counting calories or points. Loved the Gratitude chapter.
December 20, 2025
Great book to read for any Weight Watcher who needs more help with stronger motivation to lose the weight. Enjoy + remember what you want + how to succeed. ❣️👍
September 14, 2021
THE SHIFT helps the reader develop a healthy mindset about making positive lifestyle changes. The techniques inside can be leveraged for most positive changes and goals in general.
I appreciated the positivity, the case studies, references, suggested actions, and solid advice provided within. The overall message is that one’s weight has no factor on their worth as a human being and that people should be not only kind to others, but also kind to themselves.
The mindset changes include self-compassion, keeping setbacks from spiraling by employing a growth mindset, practicing gratitude, setting smaller/actionable goals, harnessing habits, and finding joy in the journey to name a few. One of the shifts is about playing to strengths rather than trying to fix weaknesses and references a character strength assessment tool, which was a nice bonus.
A few of the big takeaways for me were a remainder that other people’s wins do not define or diminish our own and how crushing small goals creates momentum, becoming stepping stones to accomplishing big goals.
The author works closely with Weight Watchers aka WW and mentions the organization a few times, however he does not recommend a particular diet as this book is not program specific.
While the book speaks of seven “shifts,” my ARC appeared to only include six, but I am confident the final version will be complete.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group, for providing an Advance Reader Copy.
I appreciated the positivity, the case studies, references, suggested actions, and solid advice provided within. The overall message is that one’s weight has no factor on their worth as a human being and that people should be not only kind to others, but also kind to themselves.
The mindset changes include self-compassion, keeping setbacks from spiraling by employing a growth mindset, practicing gratitude, setting smaller/actionable goals, harnessing habits, and finding joy in the journey to name a few. One of the shifts is about playing to strengths rather than trying to fix weaknesses and references a character strength assessment tool, which was a nice bonus.
A few of the big takeaways for me were a remainder that other people’s wins do not define or diminish our own and how crushing small goals creates momentum, becoming stepping stones to accomplishing big goals.
The author works closely with Weight Watchers aka WW and mentions the organization a few times, however he does not recommend a particular diet as this book is not program specific.
While the book speaks of seven “shifts,” my ARC appeared to only include six, but I am confident the final version will be complete.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group, for providing an Advance Reader Copy.
April 3, 2022
Excellent book concerning obesity, habits and social stigma. Great advice for any situation not just weight loss. I guarantee that anyone struggling with obesity will relate and hopefully gain insights and encouragement.
March 4, 2022
1- Imbrace self-compassion. 2- build helpful thinking styles. 3- Set small habits, build systems. 4- Enhance your best traits. 5- Value and appreciate your own body. 6 - Find your people. 7 - Experience appiness and gratitude.
Not really hepful, or groundbreakingly new.
Not really hepful, or groundbreakingly new.
February 15, 2024
I mean, if you've ever done CBT/ACT/DBT, or gone to your WW meetings, there's nothing earth shattering in here. Also I am oppositional-defiant about self-help books and the concept of gratitude journaling makes me scowl. But the actual scientific facts were nice.
January 11, 2024
A book to help with positive thoughts and habits around food and exercise, and can be applied to in all area's of life like work, family, friendships etc.
I got the most out of mindshift 4 - Use your strengths.
Mindshift 4 introduced me to "24 character strengths". These 24 strengths are what everyone possesses in different degrees
As advised in the book I used an online quiz to find out what my highest and lowest strengths were.
While the results weren't surprising, it was interesting to read more about what I'm good at, and not so good at.
A quote in the section was to focus on what's "strong rather than wrong" when I came to my strengths.
By focusing and using my higher strengths I could focus on gain, rather than lack.
Importantly I learnt how to use my natural strengths to boost my less powerful ones.
For example curiosity comes very naturally to me while self regulation (self discipline) is difficult.
Using my curiosity I explored this further.
Sometimes at work I have to do boring tasks which I'll avoid till the last minute, which stresses me out.
Using my curiosity, I explored how I could motivate myself to be more disciplined to do these tasks.
I found that I could use another high strength "teamwork" to help motivate me to get these tasks done.
Those tasks were not longer about me, but getting them done to support the team which changes the whole way I approach the task.
Also mindset number 1, self compassion.
I have always found this mindset difficult and while the advice in the book is good, if like me, you struggle with this I recommend "No Bad Parts" by Dr. Richard Schwartz.
Overall this book was helpful and easy to digest. The kind and compassionate tone of the book is welcoming.
As the author mentions in the book, shame doesn't motivate people to change - if it worked then then we'd all be happy functional human beings.
Kindness is the best way to navigate through the success and failures of change - I say yes to that!
I got the most out of mindshift 4 - Use your strengths.
Mindshift 4 introduced me to "24 character strengths". These 24 strengths are what everyone possesses in different degrees
As advised in the book I used an online quiz to find out what my highest and lowest strengths were.
While the results weren't surprising, it was interesting to read more about what I'm good at, and not so good at.
A quote in the section was to focus on what's "strong rather than wrong" when I came to my strengths.
By focusing and using my higher strengths I could focus on gain, rather than lack.
Importantly I learnt how to use my natural strengths to boost my less powerful ones.
For example curiosity comes very naturally to me while self regulation (self discipline) is difficult.
Using my curiosity I explored this further.
Sometimes at work I have to do boring tasks which I'll avoid till the last minute, which stresses me out.
Using my curiosity, I explored how I could motivate myself to be more disciplined to do these tasks.
I found that I could use another high strength "teamwork" to help motivate me to get these tasks done.
Those tasks were not longer about me, but getting them done to support the team which changes the whole way I approach the task.
Also mindset number 1, self compassion.
I have always found this mindset difficult and while the advice in the book is good, if like me, you struggle with this I recommend "No Bad Parts" by Dr. Richard Schwartz.
Overall this book was helpful and easy to digest. The kind and compassionate tone of the book is welcoming.
As the author mentions in the book, shame doesn't motivate people to change - if it worked then then we'd all be happy functional human beings.
Kindness is the best way to navigate through the success and failures of change - I say yes to that!
March 10, 2022
The Shift was unexpectedly good, and it is not a diet book. The book was more like a gentle hug, giving you powerful, positive messages when thinking about your health and weight.
Each chapter is a caring mindset shift.
Chapter 1 covers self-compassion.
Chapter 2 covers the power of various unhelpful thinking styles to hinder progress and how to counter them and develop more helpful ones.
Chapter 3 debunks the myth that large, dramatic goals are motivating and effective and advocates instead for reasonable, specific goals and fuels habit formation.
Chapter 4 describes the benefits of leveraging your strengths rather than trying to fix your weaknesses.
Chapter 5 addresses body image, its determinants, and the pervasive weight and shape-based stigma that so many people experience and which plays a role in their (negative) body image.
Chapter 6 addresses how you can best obtain the support you need from others around you.
Chapter 7 covers some of the determinants of happiness and the practice of gratitude.
This book expresses treating your body kindly and well. Your body is worthy of respect at any weight and size. If you want to be healthy or feel some need to lose weight, it explains that your journey is about what is good for you and your body, not about your body being deficient or needing fixing.
I recommend this if you are hard on your body or struggle with body image and self-worth. The title is a bit misleading, but once again, this is not a "diet" book. The mindset shifts discussed in this book are about overall health, how you feel about yourself and showing yourself compassion, and developing healthy habits for your mind, not about your number on the scale.
Each chapter is a caring mindset shift.
Chapter 1 covers self-compassion.
Chapter 2 covers the power of various unhelpful thinking styles to hinder progress and how to counter them and develop more helpful ones.
Chapter 3 debunks the myth that large, dramatic goals are motivating and effective and advocates instead for reasonable, specific goals and fuels habit formation.
Chapter 4 describes the benefits of leveraging your strengths rather than trying to fix your weaknesses.
Chapter 5 addresses body image, its determinants, and the pervasive weight and shape-based stigma that so many people experience and which plays a role in their (negative) body image.
Chapter 6 addresses how you can best obtain the support you need from others around you.
Chapter 7 covers some of the determinants of happiness and the practice of gratitude.
This book expresses treating your body kindly and well. Your body is worthy of respect at any weight and size. If you want to be healthy or feel some need to lose weight, it explains that your journey is about what is good for you and your body, not about your body being deficient or needing fixing.
I recommend this if you are hard on your body or struggle with body image and self-worth. The title is a bit misleading, but once again, this is not a "diet" book. The mindset shifts discussed in this book are about overall health, how you feel about yourself and showing yourself compassion, and developing healthy habits for your mind, not about your number on the scale.
June 6, 2024
I've been a member of Weight Watchers off and on for years and I love their balanced approach to weight loss. THE SHIFT gets mentioned fairly often in our meetings and by WW members, so I've been wanting to read it for some time. When I saw it was available on Libby, I jumped at the chance to listen to it.
THE SHIFT really isn't about what to eat/not to eat or how to exercise more or how to starve yourself skinny. It's about mindset, specifically how to turn off negative thought patterns that drain and damage us and change them into something more productive and positive. Foster champions self-compassion and progress over perfection. His holistic approach to weight loss makes sense. It feels doable. THE SHIFT is a short, easy read (listen) that is inspirational, encouraging, and realistic. I enjoyed it. Although I liked listening to it on audio, I do plan to sit down and read the physical book so I can highlight the parts I found especially helpful.
I'm not sure who the main narrator is on this one, but he has a very smooth voice. He reads Foster's words in a way that sounds both warm and wise. Even still, I also liked that the "My Shift" sections were read by different voices so that there was a little variety to the narration.
THE SHIFT really isn't about what to eat/not to eat or how to exercise more or how to starve yourself skinny. It's about mindset, specifically how to turn off negative thought patterns that drain and damage us and change them into something more productive and positive. Foster champions self-compassion and progress over perfection. His holistic approach to weight loss makes sense. It feels doable. THE SHIFT is a short, easy read (listen) that is inspirational, encouraging, and realistic. I enjoyed it. Although I liked listening to it on audio, I do plan to sit down and read the physical book so I can highlight the parts I found especially helpful.
I'm not sure who the main narrator is on this one, but he has a very smooth voice. He reads Foster's words in a way that sounds both warm and wise. Even still, I also liked that the "My Shift" sections were read by different voices so that there was a little variety to the narration.
November 23, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I love this book because of the fact is not about food, lifestyles or scale victories but the one part of the body that is the most powerful and most underrated, the mind. Healthy living and weight loss is more of a mental game rather than a physical game. I learned so much about cognitive behavioral therapy through this book that it gave me some helpful tips to apply to my own healthy living journey and I can't wait to pay it forward and share them to my friends, family, and our library community. When I was a member of WW my leader always preached non scale victories such as eating more fruits, drinking more water, having clothing fit better, having more energy and most importantly feeling great about yourself and loving yourself (this one is so important to me). This book will really circulate well in our collection just in time for the new year.
We will consider adding this title to our R Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I love this book because of the fact is not about food, lifestyles or scale victories but the one part of the body that is the most powerful and most underrated, the mind. Healthy living and weight loss is more of a mental game rather than a physical game. I learned so much about cognitive behavioral therapy through this book that it gave me some helpful tips to apply to my own healthy living journey and I can't wait to pay it forward and share them to my friends, family, and our library community. When I was a member of WW my leader always preached non scale victories such as eating more fruits, drinking more water, having clothing fit better, having more energy and most importantly feeling great about yourself and loving yourself (this one is so important to me). This book will really circulate well in our collection just in time for the new year.
We will consider adding this title to our R Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
June 7, 2022
I have been on diets before (and am trying now). I have read a few books on it and have been told a lot of things to change or do or try. I was a bit nervous about reading another book, but then I saw it and took a chance. I am happy I did.
This book is not going to tell you what to eat or not eat.
There's no silver bullet.
What there is, however, are ways to look at yourself and your thinking to make it more likely that you will be successful. Some of it was obvious and others were bigger, but they were all things that I needed to hear (read). I didn't realize how I stood in my own way of the process of getting healthier. Why it was so easy for me to back slide (as I have many times before). I still want to lose more weight (get healthier), but I think I have a better chance and I am promising to myself to come back to the book when I start to trip up. I am only human after all.
This book is not going to tell you what to eat or not eat.
There's no silver bullet.
What there is, however, are ways to look at yourself and your thinking to make it more likely that you will be successful. Some of it was obvious and others were bigger, but they were all things that I needed to hear (read). I didn't realize how I stood in my own way of the process of getting healthier. Why it was so easy for me to back slide (as I have many times before). I still want to lose more weight (get healthier), but I think I have a better chance and I am promising to myself to come back to the book when I start to trip up. I am only human after all.
July 1, 2021
This book provided practical information on ways to change your mindset to achive weight loss. I did not think there was any ground breaking information. But, I thought the Author did an excellent job provding 'reminders' as to how to view food and healthy eating habits.
The Author provided clear and concise examples of real people and their struggles with weight loss. The book did not read like a textbook and I thought there was practical, useful information.
My only criticism is there is no new ground here. Since I value healthy eating, I am always looking for "New" information; a different perspective. I do not believe this book brought anything revelatory.
Thank you NetGalley and St martins Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
jb/
https://seniorbooklounge.blogspot.com/
The Author provided clear and concise examples of real people and their struggles with weight loss. The book did not read like a textbook and I thought there was practical, useful information.
My only criticism is there is no new ground here. Since I value healthy eating, I am always looking for "New" information; a different perspective. I do not believe this book brought anything revelatory.
Thank you NetGalley and St martins Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
jb/
https://seniorbooklounge.blogspot.com/
October 4, 2021
The Shift is about changing your mindset. Instead of using willpower to drive your diet, utilize skillpower to take detailed steps into your weight loss journey.
The book discusses how to change your negative self-talk. It also goes over research into how to set habits to make it easier to stick to your exercise goals. There are real life examples in each chapter of how the techniques have worked for others.
There is a large quantity of good ideas in The Shift. While it is marketed to WW members, it can be used by anyone trying to reach a goal. I’ve been a member of WW for over a year. It would have been great to receive this book in my welcome pack. Overall, it’s a useful tool to have in your arsenal. 4 stars!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
The book discusses how to change your negative self-talk. It also goes over research into how to set habits to make it easier to stick to your exercise goals. There are real life examples in each chapter of how the techniques have worked for others.
There is a large quantity of good ideas in The Shift. While it is marketed to WW members, it can be used by anyone trying to reach a goal. I’ve been a member of WW for over a year. It would have been great to receive this book in my welcome pack. Overall, it’s a useful tool to have in your arsenal. 4 stars!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
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