Weight, energy and happiness coexist with one another, so that if one is lacking, the remaining two will begin to suffer. According to Kirk Wilkinson, author of "The Happiness Factor: How to Be Happy No Matter What," you have the power to make life changes that will result in weight loss, increased energy and more happiness. Focusing on what you can change, then taking the steps to make those changes will get you started on a healthier and more enjoyable life.
Step 1
Make significant changes to your diet. Throw out unhealthy foods, such as chips, candy, soda, sweets and processed snack foods. Stock up on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk and cheese, lean beef, skinless chicken and whole-grain breads, cereals and pastas. Experiment with different recipes to incorporate these foods into your diet. Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce your overall calorie intake so you can lose weight. Eating these foods will also boost your energy.
Step 2
Add at least 30 minutes of exercise every single day. Activity will burn calories so you can shed pounds, and will also increase your energy by building your muscles. Take an afternoon jog, go swimming at a local recreation center, join a sports team or check out some fitness DVDs from your library to do at home. Exercise often to further boost your mood and make you feel better about yourself, suggests Elizabeth Somer, author of "Eat Your Way To Happiness: 10 Diets Secrets to Improve Your Mood, Curb Your Cravings and Keep the Pounds Off."
Step 3
Identify activities and people that make you happy and engage in or with them whenever possible, suggests Wilkinson. Carve out time to spend with your family and friends playing sports, going for hikes, cooking meals together or playing board games. Build time into your life to do the things you enjoy and you may find that your happiness increases.
Step 4
Keep a journal. Write down your weight-loss goals and achievements. Keep track of your favorite new foods and collect recipes to try based on them. Write down how you feel when you lose a pound as well as how you feel when you fail to reach your goals. Write about things that make you happy so you can focus on those when your mood changes.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep a gratitude list, suggests Somer. Write down everything that you can think of that you are grateful for. Keep the list with you so that when you begin to feel down or frustrated about your weight loss or energy goals, you can boost your mood by focusing on what is good in your life. Ask a friend to make the same life changes with you so you can act as each other's support system.
- If you feel sad for more than two weeks, seek the advice of your doctor. If you are depressed, counseling or medication may be necessary to improve your mood. You should also consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen.
Things You'll Need
- Fitness DVDs
- Journal
References
- "The Happiness Factor: How to Be Happy No Matter What"; Kirk Wilkinson; 2008
- "Eat Your Way To Happiness: 10 Diets Secrets to Improve Your Mood, Curb Your Cravings and Keep the Pounds Off"; Elizabeth Somer; 2009
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