Day 2 in the 10 Days of Happiness: Be Active & Make Healthy Choices

. 

Day 2

Most approaches to nutrition dwell on calories, carbs, fats, proteins.

“Instead of creating lists of restrictions, good or bad foods, it is best to create a happy, healthy life in a way that is flexible, fun and free of denial and discipline," says Regina White, an Integrative Nutritionist.

She shared with the audience on Day Two of our 10 Days of Happiness that developing healthy lifestyles require baby steps, little milestones and adjustments every along the way. You are more likely to stay with your objectives if you take it from a holistic approach; you have to look at how different parts of your lifestyle affect your health and happiness.

Do you have low energy? Maybe you should rest some more, do a little exercise or get more sleep. Cut down on what you do and manage the rest better if you want to be healthy and happy. Anything worthwhile in life requires some efforts and expects some challenges, because the Ladder to great health requires baby steps.

No one diet works for everyone; you have to find the food and lifestyle choices that best support you. Rome was not built in a day. Neither will your results. You make gradual, lifelong changes that enable you to reach your current and future health goals.

On the other hand, Toni Tirapelli, personal trainer and founder of STARS, a Sport and Educational program outfit, advises us to just turn on our favorite music and dance. Do this in the morning and again at night, even if it is just for 3 minutes each time and watch our happiness rating grow.

For someone who has not been active, that could make all the difference. Because the actions increase your happiness you have a tendency to do more and before you know it, you'll be exercising regularly.  That is all it takes to ensure a healthy lifestyle and a longer life.

Building on Regina’s advice: she encourages us to take baby steps, drink a cup of water first thing in the morning and the last at night. If you do that before the potato chips, after a while the chips will not be as exciting as they used to be.

Cut down on the sugar, especially in soda. Stop smoking, drink moderately, rest, breathe deeply and get enough hours of sleep. Those are some additional choices that support a healthy lifestyle.

Day Three of the "Ten Days of Happiness" will be on learning to manage your time and your money. 

For information about how to call in, listen to previous days recording and other details visit http://iamhappyproject.org. 

That is it for now. Remember: "Do not allow the past or the future to rob you of your present" 

Stay happy,

CHO