New Year, New Mindset: How to Win at Weight Loss in 2026

In this New Year’s Day special of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark kick off 2026 with a powerful conversation about the one thing that determines long-term weight loss success more than diet plans or gym routines: mindset.

They’re joined by Dr. Sheheryar Banuri, a Dean and Lecturer at Cambridge University, whose work sits at the intersection of mindset, decision-making, and behavioural economics. Dr. Banuri explains why weight loss isn’t about willpower alone, but about the thousands of small decisions we make every day — often when our mental energy is already drained.

The discussion explores how habits are formed, why motivation comes and goes, and how understanding emotional vs rational decision-making can radically improve your chances of success. Dr. Banuri introduces the concept of choice architecture — shaping your environment so the healthier option becomes the easier option — and explains why breaking big goals into simple daily actions is the real key to sustainable change.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to start 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a smarter approach to weight loss that actually lasts.

📘 Featured Book Recommendation

Dr. Banuri is also the author of The Decisive Mind, a book that explores how we make decisions under pressure, why we often choose short-term comfort over long-term benefit, and how to design better systems around ourselves to consistently make the right choices.

Rather than relying on motivation, the book focuses on practical strategies to reduce decision fatigue, manage emotional triggers, and build habits that support long-term goals — making it especially relevant for anyone serious about weight loss, health, and personal development in 2026.

👉 You can find The Decisive Mind here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decisive-Mind-Right-Choice-Every-ebook/dp/B09ZQJZ9NK/

Key Takeaways from this episode:

1. Mindset plays a critical role in successful, long-term weight loss.
2. Weight loss is driven by daily decisions, not bursts of motivation.
3. Emotional decision-making often undermines health goals without us realising.
4. Structuring your environment can make healthier choices easier.
5. Different types of motivation can be harnessed at different stages of a journey.
6. Breaking big goals into small, daily actions leads to sustainable success.

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