Healthy Happiness

 

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Healthy Track to Happiness


In a world filled with starving models, glamorous celebrities, and protruding chest bones, it can be difficult to turn our heads from dieting. While the majority of us don't resemble these deathly thin "icons," we do share the same desire. Perfection. This insubstantial declaration not only forces us to analyze every inch of fat on our bodies, but we look up to these false images and use them as comparisons. Beautiful flawless women are put on an inaccessible pedestal, yet little do we know that these women are far from perfect.
For many of us, losing weight is crucial for our health. While the media tries to make us believe that being thin is the only answer, it is not the correct solution. The following guilt-free tips will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, without sacrificing happiness.

#1. It is important to remember that this should be a lifestyle change, not a fad diet. In order to lose weight and stay healthy for the long run, you have to be realistic. I want to enjoy life, savor food and still look great. But if I never treat myself to Chinese food or a night out on the town, I will become frustrated, disgusted and will ultimately go back to unhealthy habits. Keep up with your healthy recipes and fitness, but pick a cheat day. Eating fat once a week won't pack on the pounds; eating like that every day will.

#2: Avoid routine at all costs. I'm battling this right now. I get up, eat the same breakfast, go to work, eat the same snack before lunch, and the list continues. Do not get caught in this monotonous schedule. You need to experiment with healthy recipes and find a few snacks that you can alternate.

#3. Music. How can anyone exercise without upbeat music? If I didn't have my ipod with me at the gym, I wouldn't work as hard. I always try and find new music to keep me motivated. It also is a great way to pass the time, without focusing on the clock.

#4. Get out those skinny jeans for weight loss inspiration! We all have one article of clothing that used to look hot on us. It was a wakeup call for me when I tried on my favorite pair of jeans, and they refused to go past my thighs. That day was a lifestyle change and I still keep them on my door as a reminder.

#5. When I come home from work, all I want to do is quickly cook dinner and relax on the couch for the rest of the night. But in order to stick my lifestyle, I immediately go to the gym after work. I think of it as just "another hour" to put in some effort. Plus, it reduces stress while burning off calories! Cardio is such a mood booster for me that I actually look forward to how I feel afterwards.

#6. Five meals a day keep the fat away. While many people assume that starvation is the way to lose weight, there is a pain-free and healthy way to shed the pounds. Be sure to have breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. By consuming five moderately porportioned meals a day, it will increase your metabolism and help you lose weight. You would be surprised at how full and satisfied you are; it does not feel like a diet!  
   
About the Author:

Heather Beaudoin is a Marketing Communications Specialist and Freelance writer located in Boston. She is dedicated to providing resources for women who want to live a healthy lifestyle, without sacrificing happiness. Visit http://www.healthhasnofury.com for weight loss tips, recipes, fitness advice and support.


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