Exercise Makes you Happy!

Exercise Makes You Happy!

Polish off a bag of potato chips. Gulp down a two liter. Go back for seconds, thirds, and dessert. Ever have a problem with eating more than you should? It happens. And it’s one reason nearly 70 percent of all adults in the United States are overweight or obese.

Are those homemade rolls, favorite-take out meals, or special treats really so good you can’t help yourself? Probably not. But they do make you feel happy, right? Well sort of. When you overeat, your brain responds by letting you know when it’s full. And it’s a good feeling. Only it doesn’t last, and sometime later you’ll feel bad about eating too much, like when you step on the scale or pull on a pair of pants that now fit too tightly.

Been there, done that? You’re not alone. To really understand why you might be overeating, kick back on the green couch of universal problem-solving and take a closer look at your eating habits. There’s a good chance that you’ll discover eating food, sometimes too much, makes you feel good. And that’s a problem when you’re trying to watch your weight and eat smaller portions.

You need to eat a variety of healthy foods in the right amount. Need a little help with sizing up the amount of food you should eat? We can help. Just check out all our healthy and tasty Portion Control meal choices available.

You need to eat, but you don’t need to overeat to be happy. In fact, exercise is a powerful way to boost your mood and burn a ton of calories. Rev up your heart rate with a brisk walk, run, or gym workout, and your brain responds by releasing a flood of endorphins. And voilá, without going back to the buffet table, you’re feeling good.

But it will take some effort. Some studies suggest that you won’t reach that happy place during a workout until you’ve hustled for longer than 60 minutes. It’s one reason people often report feeling good after a tough workout and long-distance runners tap into the “runner’s high.”

If managing your calories and practicing portion control is part of your plan this year, exercise can help, too. Aim to exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day. You’ll strengthen your heart, lungs, and muscles. You’ll burn calories and fat. And you’ll be happier.