The Shift by Gary Foster Summary
Overview of The Shift
Forget diets - "The Shift" revolutionizes weight loss by targeting mindset, not meals. WW's Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Foster's bestseller reveals why self-compassion outperforms self-criticism. What if hating your body actually prevents lasting change? Discover the psychology that transformed thousands.
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Key takeaways
Why Diets Fail But Mindsets Succeed
Here's a truth that might sting: you already know what to eat. You know vegetables are healthier than donuts, that water beats soda, that walking beats sitting. Yet despite this knowledge, millions of people cycle through diet after diet, losing weight only to regain it, beating themselves up with each "failure." The problem isn't ignorance-it's that we've been asking the wrong question. Instead of "What should I eat?" we should be asking "Why do I think the way I do about eating?" This fundamental shift in perspective has quietly revolutionized weight management, moving from what's on your plate to what's in your mind. After decades working with thousands of people struggling with weight-from research labs to clinical practice-one pattern emerges with stunning clarity: those who succeed long-term don't follow plans perfectly. They develop a different relationship with themselves, one built on understanding rather than punishment. Your thoughts shape your feelings, your feelings drive your actions, and your actions determine your results. Change the first domino, and everything else follows.
The Radical Power of Self-Compassion and Escaping Mental Traps
The Surprising Science of Small Steps and Building Lasting Habits
Leveraging Your Signature Strengths for Sustainable Change
Making Peace With Your Body Right Now
Building Your Support System and Cultivating Happiness Now
Your Mindset Is Your Greatest Asset
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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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