The mind is a major bitch if you think about it. It is the one thing that gets us out of shape and tries its best to keep us there, completely out of shape and hating our bodies. Whether you’re working out and your mind keeps telling you it is enough, to stop because it hurts, because it isn’t worth it, because maybe you don’t need to keep pushing. OR when your stomach is already full, yet your mind keeps telling you you’re still hungry, a little more will be great because it tastes good and it won’t make a big difference, or because that good tasting food will somehow help your emotions get better (and actually give you a pleasant sensation after you eat when the reality is, the reason you’re not feeling good emotionally is still there and sooner than later you’ll start feeling down again) pushing you towards a physical state you hate.
Add to this the constant negative attacks from society, friends, significant other and family members. People will question your motives, will tell you the opposite of encouraging comments, will try to hold you down from growing and achieving your goals.
This is why it is so important to work on the mental attitude, to train yourself to ignore your mind, to stop listening to that “quitter” voice inside your head and from those around you, that will constantly to drag you back down to that place you hate to be. Surrounding yourself with people who will encourage you either with words, their hard work or both, and who won’t judge you, will also help you achieve this.
Some people say fitness is 70% eating and 30% workouts. I’d say for most it is 50% mental, 35% eating and 15% fitness.