If you're looking to burn an extra 10 to 40 calories per day, you should seek out 10 to 15 minutes of comedy relief, according to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. While the small increase in calorie expenditure won't replace a healthful diet and exercise regimen, taking time to relax and laugh certainly can't hurt. In fact, adding fun to your life might help with weight loss in other ways.
Stress Factor
While the calories burned during laughter won't budge the bathroom scales any time soon, taking time out for a giggle can reduce your stress. Emotional eating can be triggered by stress, tension, anxiety and depression, according to Weight Watchers. Laughter helps counteract the stress response by increasing your oxygen intake, releasing endorphins and relieving muscle tension. In this way, laughter can help you lower your caloric intake if you use comedy as an alternative to comfort foods.
Exercise Connection
Regular exercise boosts your mood and leaves you happier and relaxed, according to MayoClinic.com. When you pair exercise with an intentional pursuit of activities, people and entertainment that make you laugh, you're not only countering stress and anxiety, you're also living healthier and burning more calories. The better you feel, the more likely you are to make other lifestyle choices that contribute to a healthy weight.
Food Factor
Your calorie intake plays a major role in weight management. In addition to exercise and a healthy dose of laughter, you need to monitor the quality and quantity of your diet. Although meals with friends and family can be fun, a relaxing dinner party can be distracting when it comes to watching your food intake. Have healthful choices and watch portion sizes. It would take nearly two hours of laughter to make up for consuming an extra 300 calories at dinner.
Considerations
Weight loss depends on your creating a negative calorie balance. The most effective way to accomplish your weight goals is through a combination of diet modification and physical activity. If you strike a balance between smart lifestyle choices and fun downtime, you can reach your weight goals and enjoy the journey. Regular doses of genuine laughter improve immunity and make difficult life situations more bearable. The extra calorie expenditure -- that's a bonus.
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