In 2005, a study conducted in Sweden proved that practicing gratitude can do more than give perspective and peace, it can also aid in weight loss. The study provided subjects with cognitive therapy that encouraged their brains to become positive thought producers. The cognitive therapy reinforced the power of gratitude, self-affirming words and thoughts, motivational mantras and responding positively to all that life presents. Not only did the subjects become more positive, encouraged and happy, they also lost more weight than the subjects randomized to non-treatment. The individuals practicing gratitude and positive thought were more likely to believe in themselves, their goals, their abilities and also improved their eating habits. The gratitude practiced acted as a shortcut to better mood and better self-esteem, and
this led to a better ability to lose weight!
You can practice gratitude by being aware and mindful of all of the people around you and by taking a look at how lucky and blessed you are. Appreciating all you have, your particular situation and the situations of others will give you the needed empathy and emotion that produces gratitude. Every day you can list what you are grateful for or share what you are grateful for with family and loved ones. You can use these thankful thoughts to increase your motivation and to help you stay on
your health and wellness track. How? By stopping and taking a moment when you are stressed, frustrated or ready to throw the towel in and recall all that you have, all that you can do, all of your wonderful abilities, all whom love and support you and boost yourself right back into action.
Stay thankful, stay grounded and with a habitual practice of gratitude, you will indeed experience a better path to health, wellness, and weight-loss.
