Does being happy makes you Lose WEIGHT?

Reaching our ideal body weight and staying in the shape makes us happy. What we concentrate is on eating healthy and exercising. But as I always say Weight Loss is a holistic approach.

Right Nutrition, Right lifestyle and Right mindset play an important role.

We think that the secret to happiness is losing weight but actually it’s another way around, the secret to lasting weight loss is to get happy.

It is much easier to lose weight when you are happy than when you are miserable.

When we’re happier, we tend to make healthier decisions, including those that lead to weight loss—such as eating better, moving more and sleeping better.

HOW DOES HAPPINESS AFFECT WEIGHT LOSS EXACTLY?

When you experience any kind of stress or undergo a negative situation, the cortisol levels in the body which regulate the stress levels affect your mood and experience the blues. This then, makes you skip regular work out and hit the snooze alarm button instead of heading out for morning walks, eat that piece of cake (Pizza or ice-creams) which is just emotional eating. Those extra calories then get stored as yep - excess fat.

Any amount of stress, no matter how mild, can affect brain chemicals that regulate mood, thinking, appetite, and behaviour, making you more likely to eat poorly, skip exercise, and gain weight.

I am not saying it’s easy to deal with life’s stressful ups and downs. But it is worth the effort to find healthy ways to battle anxiety, boost serotonin, and release endorphins, that can lead to a happier mood, healthier mind, and slimmer body.

Did you know that happy people tend to have more energy, and better self-control and are less likely to turn to food in times of stress?

Who knew happiness could be such a powerful ally when trying to lose weight? But how can you “get happy,” exactly?

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PLEASURE AND WEIGHT LOSS

One proven way is to add more pleasure to your life. Engage in activities that bring you joy.

What makes you feel slim? Happy? Energized? Alive? Passionate? Excited? Give yourself permission to DO IT NOW.

When we make time for self-care, hobbies, and activities that bring joy into our lives, we are less likely to turn to food for comfort, excitement, happiness, or love.

Since we’re all different, there’s no one recipe for happiness that works for everyone. But there are some common elements that can help. A great Get Happy Lose Weight rule of thumb to live by is "Get happy, then eat." Stop trying to eat your way to happiness!

By getting happy and diversifying your pleasure, there's a good chance you'll end up seeking comfort in food less often, which will lead to eating less and losing weight 🙂 That Makes sense, right?

Here are more ideas to help you get happy and lose weight…

MORE WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR HAPPINESS RIGHT NOW

SMILE

Did you know that studies, have shown smiling more often, whether you’re feeling happy or not, helps improve your mood, increases positive thoughts and can help your body deal with stressful situations more effectively, even lowering heart rate? So, if you’re having a bad day, try smiling anyway.

BEGIN YOUR DAY RIGHT

Begin each day with an activity that nourishes you. It can be as simple as having a cup of green tea or taking five minutes to pray and/or reading or listening to motivational books or videos before the day begins.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

People with a more grateful outlook on life tend to be happier, according to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Researchers concluded that: ‘Gratitude is linked with positive emotions including contentment, happiness and hope.’ At some point during the day - maybe before you go to bed each night - make a simple list of at least 3 things you’re grateful for in your life.

HYDRATE

If you’re dehydrated, you’re more likely to feel tired and stressed, and have less energy. So, it’s important to stay hydrated so you have the energy you need to tackle the day’s challenges.

SEEK NATURE

Find an activity that gets you outside. A study published in BMC Public Health found that a 20-minute walk outside twice a week was more restorative than getting the same exercise indoors.

HELP OTHERS

According to a study published in 2013, people who volunteer regularly have lower levels of depression, increased life satisfaction and enhanced wellbeing.

UNPLUG

A recent study found that compulsively checking e-mails and texts can cause anxiety. Take 15-minute breaks every hour from your phone. Spend more time seeing friends in real life and less time on Facebook.

CHOOSE MOOD LIFTING FOODS

Include more of these foods on your menu to keep those happy chemicals high and the hunger ones low:

• Walnuts can boost levels of serotonin, which helps put you in a good mood.

• About 40 grams of dark chocolate made from 75 per cent cocoa reduces levels of stress hormones.

• Chickpeas contain folate, a B vitamin that’s needed to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that’s most associated with pleasure.

• Avocados contain B vitamins, which help create that feel-good serotonin. They also have potassium that can help lower blood pressure.

• Sunflower seeds have loads of magnesium. A deficiency of this nutrient can lower your dopamine levels, making you feel more stressed and anxious.

• Fatty, cold-water fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines contain omega-3 fats, which can make you feel calmer. In one study, people who regularly ate foods high in omega-3s were 20 per cent less anxious than those who don’t.

MOVE IT!

Countless studies have shown how exercise provides some serious mental health benefits. Moving more will not only help you burn more calories but also help boost feel-good endorphins and energy, which will greatly improve your mindset. It doesn’t matter what you do, go for a walk, take a spin class, dance around the house, or play with your kids – the key is to enjoy it.

DO YOGA

Physical activity always pays off as a mood booster, but for an extra shot of happiness, try yoga. Over time, it boosts levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, important because low levels of it have been linked to a bigger risk of low mood and even depression. Plus, practising yoga regularly makes falling asleep easier and improves overall sleep quality.

GET SOCIAL

A study conducted by renowned ‘happiness experts’ found that positive, high-quality relationships and a strong social support system increase levels of the ‘feel-good’ hormone oxytocin. To foster your marriage, friendships and family ties by spending as much time with them as you can.

SAY NO

Too many women are on the verge of collapsing under the weight of trying to do it all, to be everything to everybody. It is important to learn to set priorities and establish healthy boundaries. Start saying “no” to projects, commitments, and people that you find draining.

TAKE A SOAK

Skip your shower and take a bath. Taking more time to let your body relax will make stress (and sore muscles) melt away.

SCHEDULE SOMETHING FUN

Looking forward to something fun - a lunch date, an hour-long bubble bath, a shopping trip, a girlfriend’s getaway, a mini-vacation - can build excitement and make you feel happier. Try it and see! your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.