Health

These Miracle Superfoods Boost Serotonin and Help Fight Depression

50. Apricot Apricots contain lycopene like tomatoes. Lycopene reduces reduces levels of inflammatory markers found in the brain that have been linked to depression. They also… Samantha Davis - July 25, 2022

The coronavirus pandemic led to a surge in mental health problems around the world. In addition to doing things like taking advantage of beauty trends that promote self-care and getting enough sleep, adding certain foods to your diet can promote mental health. In addition to boosting overall mood, they can give you a fighting chance against depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

Below, we’ll talk about how you can improve your mood with these superfoods and how each of them helps boost mood. They work by doing things like promoting health in the digestive tract and thyroid, both things that are critical for the production of mood-boosting serotonin. Let’s take a closer look.

Salmon contains Omega-3s that benefit mood. USA Today.

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1. Salmon

Salmon contains Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D, all of which play a role in mood. While researchers are still theorizing why Omega 3s work for depression, several studies have been conducted and show its effectiveness. There is promising research that shows Omega 3s treat other conditions, too!

Baked salmon is a quick and easy dish that makes it easy to get a dose of essential vitamins.
Shutterstock.

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While Vitamins D and B12 don’t benefit depression directly, deficiencies in either of these vitamins cause mood imbalance, increased risk of depression and anxiety, insomnia, and even memory loss. Salmon provides more than the daily recommended value of Vitamins D and B12, so eating it regularly improves mental health. It also has benefits for your heart, memory, and cholesterol.

Dark chocolate contains polyphenols that play a role in mood regulation. Healthline.

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2. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has many beneficial components that help boost mood. One theory is that dark chocolate improves gut health. In your digestive tract, there are more than 100,000 trillion microorganisms that fight disease, digest food, affect mood, and so much more. Dark chocolate works as a prebiotic and restructures the digestive environment, reducing those “bad” microorganisms that have negative effects on mood.

Try your hand at some dark chocolate desserts to work it into your day. Shutterstock.

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Dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants called flavonoids that offer benefits including lowered risk of heart disease and stroke, improved vascular blood flow, and better immunity. Antioxidants also fight free radicals that damage cells and cause cancer, decrease inflammation that worsens symptoms of chronic diseases like arthritis and autoimmune disorders, and protect the brain from degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Green tea contains ECGC, a beneficial component that reduces mental stress and induces a state of relaxation.
Clipper Teas.

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3. Green Tea

Green tea is full of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and other phytochemicals like L-Theanine and caffeine that work together and separately to improve your mood. EGCG specifically reduces levels of the stress chemical cortisol in the brain. L-Theanine boosts levels of GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, all chemicals that regulate emotions and mood.

Addin honey or herbs to green tea is a great way to unwind.
Shutterstock.

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Furthermore, there’s just something relaxing about sipping on a cup of warm tea while you just relax. Long-term stress and increased cortisol production reduce serotonin levels, which contributes to many mental health conditions. Green tea has also been linked to better focus, improved memory, and a reduced risk of degenerative brain diseases.

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4. Breakfast Cereal

Skipping breakfast has consequences, but it also is one of the meals people are likely to skip if they have a busy start. Starting your day with breakfast cereal provides healthy nutrients that fuel the body and mind. It also boosts mood by making you feel more satiated and content. That being said, the quality of your breakfast also matters and breakfast cereal is great fuel.

Cereal also makes yummy topping for yogurt. Shutterstock.

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Eating breakfast cereal every day also has benefits if you’re eating a fiber-rich cereal like bran or shredded wheat. In one study, participants ate bran cereal for a period of 14 days. It significantly improved gut health, which has been linked to better mental health. Furthermore, boosts digestive health which is critical to eliminating waste and stopping you from feeling tired, bloated, and sluggish.

The zinc content in oysters help fight depression. Men’s Health.

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5. Oysters

Oysters contain high levels of zinc, an important nutrient that is at least as effective as SSRIs in treating major depression, according to these studies. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 8mg for women and 11mg for men daily. A single raw oyster contains 5.5mg of zinc, so just two or three are more than enough to meet the recommendation.

Oysters can be eaten raw, steamed, or even tossed on top of some pasta.
Just A Pinch.

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Zinc aside, oysters are also packed full of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s improve the level of important hormones including DHA in the brain which regulates things like metabolism and mood. Furthermore, they fight inflammation that causes neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.

Eating a handful of blueberries can boost your mood in two hours. Shutterstock.

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6. Blueberries

According to research, eating blueberries boosts mood just two hours after consuming them. Flavonoids in blueberries improve executive function, which relieves symptoms of depression like feeling foggy and memory loss. Blueberries also have been linked to improving symptoms of depression and PTSD. Plus, the B vitamins provide energy and boost alertness by increasing blood flow to the brain.

Add a handful of blueberries to a smoothie for a mood-boosting punch. Pixabay

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Researchers recently identified low levels of the gene SKA2 being responsible for low mood, particularly in individuals who committed suicide. Eating blueberries raises levels of this gene and negates depressive feelings. Blueberries also contain monoamine oxidase, an enzyme with positive effects on serotonin and dopamine, two brain chemicals that play a major role in mood.

Yogurt contain probiotics that improve gut health and mood. Shutterstock.

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7. Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics that boost mood by improving gut health. Probiotics nourish “good” bacteria in the digestive tract and create an optimal environment for producing key hormones related to mental health. Eating enough probiotics has also been associated with lower stress levels and anxiety, particularly because they help regulate mood.

Yogurt can be topped with all kinds of fruit, granola, and other toppings. Shutterstock.

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Furthermore, decreasing gut inflammation increases tryptophan levels. Tryptophan is an important amino acid involved in the production of serotonin. Many SSRIs used to treat depression work by increasing serotonin levels just like probiotics. However, probiotics do this without the same risky side effects of SSRIs, so there is a relatively low risk of trying them as an alternative treatment.

Coffee contains polyphenols that reduce cognitive and affective disorders. Global News.

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8. Coffee

Coffee is full of polyphenols that pass through the blood-brain barrier and work quickly to decrease inflammation in the brain. In addition to improving alertness by boosting blood flow, this also decreases the likelihood of affective disorders like depression. Furthermore, coffee helps prevent cognitive disorders because of its effect on inflammation.

Sipping warm or cold coffee is the mood boost you need to start your day. Shutterstock.

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In addition to increasing blood flow by widening blood vessels, coffee boosts alertness because of the caffeine content. Caffeine improves things like memory, motivation, and mental alertness. People struggling with mood disorders and depression may also struggle with these things, so it helps with symptoms of low mood as well.

Spinach is full of magnesium for better mental health. Little Choices Matter.

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9. Spinach

For mood, the real benefit of spinach comes from magnesium. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to increased occurrence of depression and anxiety and like with Vitamin D, research shows a lot of Americans are deficient in the mineral. Furthermore, high levels of magnesium have been linked to higher levels of serotonin in the brain, especially in people who are deficient.

You can add spinach to a salad, toss it in your eggs, or add it to a sandwich. The Kitchn.

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As serotonin levels increase, spinach naturally boosts mood. It’s also full of fiber for digestion and better gut health. Plus, spinach works to pull metals stored in the body and removes them as waste. In addition to these benefits, the B-vitamins are great for energy spinach has been linked to lower blood sugar levels and decreased inflammation in the body.

An apple might give your brain and mood a bigger boost than coffee in the morning. Mashed.

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10. Apple

Many people rely on a jolt of caffeine from their morning coffee to wake up, but swapping this out for an apple might have benefits for your brain and mood. It starts waking you up because it’s full of easy-to-digest natural sugars. Apples are also full of B-vitamins that give you an energy boost, too.

Try apples baked with a little cinnamon for a tasty, energy-boosting treat. Shutterstock.

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Apples are also full of all types of nutrients, including high levels of fiber. Fiber is critical to keeping things moving in the digestive system and promotes gut health too. A healthy gut is essential for producing key hormones that balance mood. Also, unlike coffee, you’re less likely to experience mood crashes when you start your day with an apple.

Chicken contains tryptophan, an important precursor for serotonin production. Healthline.

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11. Chicken

Compared to other meats, chicken is low in fat but high in protein that digests slowly in the body. As a quality protein, chicken digests slowly in the body. It prevents blood sugar spikes as it digests, which plays a big role in preventing mood swings. Eating chicken also provides sustainable energy throughout the day and keeps you fuller longer.

Grilled chicken can be added to soups, salads, pasta, and more. Shutterstock.

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Another benefit of chicken is that it is high in various vitamins and minerals, as well as the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin production, so low levels have been linked to low mood. Additionally, increasing levels of tryptophan boosts serotonin even in people without a deficiency.

Pasta is a complex carb that provides sustainable energy to prevent mood swings. Pasta Pantry.

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12. Pasta

Pasta gets a bad rap because of the carbohydrate content, particularly in a time where people are constantly eating Keto or going gluten-free to lose weight. However, one of the healthiest diets- the Mediterranean diet- often includes pasta as a staple carb. Of course, those pasta dishes are also full of olive oil, proteins, beans, and tons of veggies for a nutritious dish that keeps you full and provides tons of health benefits.

Pasta doesn’t have a flavor on its own, so the ingredients you can add to it are endless. Shutterstock.

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Pasta is a complex carbohydrate that provides sustainable glucose that energizes the body rather than causing blood sugar spikes associated with mood swings. There’s also fiber and gut health benefits if you choose whole grain pasta. Whole grain pasta is also enriched with extra nutrients. Since high blood sugar has been linked to mood swings, it’s no surprise that keeping levels even would benefit mood.

Grass-fed beef contains Omega-3s for mood benefits. Chatelaine.

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13. Grass-Fed Beef

Grass-fed beef is rich in iron and B-vitamins, but it’s a lot better for you than other types of red meat. It contains less saturated fat and greater concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. When you choose grass-fed, there’s also a great concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids that benefit the brain and your mood.

Beef tastes great as a steak but can also be added to soup, salad, and pasta. Shutterstock.

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According to research, Omega-3 supplementation is an effective way to treat depression in some patients. The protein is sustaining and B-vitamins provide your body with energy that can perk you up. Furthermore, it’s a powerful antioxidant that prevents inflammation that has been linked to mood disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and many other health conditions.

Pumpkin seeds contain nutrients that boost serotonin production and help you get a better night of sleep. Healthline.

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14. Pumpkin Seeds

A small pumpkin seed packs a powerful nutritional punch. They are made primarily of fats and protein and provide a healthy dose of fiber for digestive health. With gut health being so critical in the formation of hormones that stabilize mood, anything that promotes digestive health can improve your mood.

Pumpkin seeds can be toasted with all kinds of flavors. Pinterest.

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Pumpkin seeds also contain magnesium which promotes mental health and Omega-3 fatty acids. They also containbtryptophan, which is a precursor for serotonin production, and L-tryptophan, which is a precursor to melatonin which helps you get a better night of sleep. A person’s mood is always more balanced when they are well-rested.

Display of whole grains and whole grain products
Whole grains provide sustainable energy that balances mood. Shutterstock.

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15. Whole Grains

Research on the human diet has taught us that the brain prefers to burn glucose for fuel. Glucose is the sugar naturally found in carbohydrates. That being said, not all carbohydrates are created equally. Low-quality carbohydrates digest quickly, resulting in blood sugar spikes. As energy levels go up and then bottom out, so does your mood.

Display of whole grains and whole grain products
Choose whole grain breads and pastas over refined foods. Shutterstock.

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The quick increase and sharp drop in energy results in brain fog and mood swings. When you eat sustainable foods like pasta, however, your body has the energy needed to regulate mood. Whole grains also nourish the good bacteria in your digestive tract. A healthy gut microbiome has been linked to better mood and lower occurrence of mental health problems.

Strawberries improve your mood and reduce stress because of the ALA found in strawberry seeds. Shutterstock.

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16. Strawberries

The major benefit of strawberries on mood comes from the Omega-3 acid ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) found in strawberry seeds. ALA has mood-enhancing effects like blueberries, so you’ll start feeling the benefits not long after consumption. Researchers believe this has something to do with the way ALA interacts with serotonin, especially in times of stress.

Having a strawberry smoothie is a great way to boost your mood in the morning. Shutterstock.

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Strawberries also have a low glycemic index. This means that despite their natural sugars, they won’t cause blood sugar spikes that result in mood imbalance. Instead, they provide sustainable energy. Strawberries are also a great source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is critical for removing waste from the body and improving gut health, which builds the foundation for healthy hormone production in the body.

The iodine and selenium in seaweed helps keep the thyroid health to promote mood regulation. Healthy Options.

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17. Seaweed

Seaweed is considered a superfood because it’s full of micronutrients, Omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins. It is also full of fiber and easy for the body to digest. By being easily digested, this means your body actually absorbs all the vitamins and minerals from the seaweed. Plus, the digestive fiber helps move along waste products and nourish the good bacteria in your digestive tract.

Sushi rolls are a great way to incorporate seaweed in your diet. Veggies Don’t Bite.

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For mood, seaweed’s iodine and selenium content are especially beneficial. These minerals are essential to metabolism and thyroid function. Thyroid function is especially important for mood regulation because it controls the production of important hormones that are responsible for balancing mood. Plus, selenium deficiency and thyroid dysfunction have both been linked to depression.

Eggs boost energy levels and relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Bicycling.

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18. Egg

Eggs pack a nutritional punch and contain Omega 3s, B-vitamins, and amino acids for energy. When you provide your body and brain with healthy sources of sustainable energy like eggs, there’s less chance of blood sugar spikes and fatigue. Omega 3s and amino acids also fight inflammation that can impede bloodflow to the brain, make you feel sluggish. Being tired plays a big role in energy levels and overall mood.

You can prepare eggs so many ways for breakfast or snack on boiled eggs throughout the day. Shutterstock.

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Furthermore, eggs contain nutrients like zinc and iodide. Zinc shows a lot of promise in the treatment of depression and relieves symptoms associated with mood disorders. Iodide is essential for healthy thyroid function and balancing fluid levels through the body. Since the thyroid is where many key mood hormones are made, healthy thyroid function goes a long way in balancing mood.

Coconut water keeps blood sugar (and mood) balanced. Parade.

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19. Coconut Water

Coconut water is incredibly hydrating because it helps your body retain water. It also provides minerals and electrolytes for energy, including iodine, selenium, zinc, and magnesium. Iodine is especially important for hormone production and both magnesium and zinc have shown promise in treating anxiety and depression according to research.

Coconut water can be infused with various fruits and herbs for a refreshing drink. The Adventure Bite.

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As an added benefit, coconut water balances blood sugar levels while providing energy. Not only does it prevent mood imbalances by providing steady energy, but it also decreases the risk of blood sugar spikes over time by lowering HbA1c levels. With a lower starting level of hemoglobin, the body digests carbohydrates better so spikes don’t happen. It can even help manage early symptoms of diabetes in some people.

Consuming carotenoids like those in carrots are linked to greater optimism. Parenting.

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20. Carrots

In a recent study from Harvard Medical School, researchers showed a strong connection between the increase in carotenoid and optimism. Carrots contain high levels of carotenoid, particularly beta carotene. This means that eating a handful of carrots regularly can boost your mood. Furthermore, carrots are full of antioxidants that fight inflammation.

Roasted carrots with herbs or sauces makes a yummy dinner side. Once Upon A Chef.

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According to the research, people who get enough beta carotene in their diet are less likely to develop symptoms of depression. The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, which plays a critical role in energy metabolism and the production of hormones. Plus, carrots contain fiber that improves digestive health and have detoxifying benefits.

Mussels boost mood because they contain Vitamin B12 and essential minerals like selenium. Health Fitness Revolution.

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21. Mussels

Mussels are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamin B12. You can get an impressive 340% of your daily recommended amount of B12 in a 3-ounce serving. B12 plays a big role in mood because when you are deficient, it causes symptoms like fuzzy thoughts and low mood.

Mussels taste great steamed in wine or a yummy broth. With A Blast.

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Mussels also contain selenium and iodide, both essential nutrients for healthy thyroid function. The thyroid is critical in the production of mood-balancing hormones. Furthermore, mussels are full of Omega-3 fatty acids that have brain-boosting and protecting benefits. The manganese in mussels also helps fight free radicals in the brain.

Hot chocolate is rich in polyphenols that improve your mood. Shutterstock.

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22. Hot Chocolate

In one study published in the Journal of Psychopharmocology, research showed consuming one hot chocolate beverage per day improves mood. Of course, the key to this is the dark chocolate used to prepare the drink, which is rich in polyphenols. The warm, comforting temperature of the drink and daily routine could play a big role, too.

You can also try Mexican hot chocolate for an extra kick of flavor. Chili Pepper Madness.

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Polyphenols are known to improve cognitive function. They also boost blood flow to the brain to carry important nutrients and hormones and have been linked to improved mood. Plus, the polyphenols found in hot chocolate are powerful antioxidant that fights inflammation. Brew a cup and take a few deep breaths as you enjoy the drink for the most benefit.

Asparagus has important antioxidants that help with hormone production that plays a role in mood. Shutterstock.

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23. Asparagus

Asparagus is full of antioxidants that balance levels of homocysteine throughout the body. Homocysteine causes inflammation that impedes blood flow to the brain. By letting blood flow normally, it’s easier for mood-balancing hormones to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Plus, asparagus is high in tryptophan that’s critical for producing serotonin.

This cheesy asparagus recipe is flavorful and easy to make. Cafe Delites.

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In addition to helping the body balance hormones, asparagus is high in levels of folate. Folate deficiency has been linked to depression and anxiety and increasing levels could relieve symptoms if that is the cause. It is also high in fiber that’s critical for digestive health and provides energy without blood sugar spikes.

Red bell pepper helps regulate hormones like serotonin and melatonin. Shutterstock.

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24. Red Bell Pepper

The red color of red bell peppers comes from a powerful antioxidant called capsanthin. Like most antioxidants, it fights inflammation and boosts blood flow to the brain. Plus, capsanthin contains tryptophan. Tryptophan helps the body produce serotonin and increased blood flow makes it easier for serotonin to get to the brain.

These pizza peppers prove you can put just about anything in a red bell pepper and roast it. Today.

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The capsanthin content in red bell peppers also improves levels of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin production is critical for getting a good night’s sleep, which plays a big role in your mood the next day. Furthermore, red bell pepper has high levels of Vitamin B6. Research shows Vitamin B6 supplementation effectively treats depression.

Honey boosts levels of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a role in mood. Lipstick Hippies.

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25. Honey

There isn’t a lot that honey can’t do, from fighting infection to protecting the brain. Honey really helps by raising hormone levels and providing energy, so serotonin can get to the brain and your mood can be lifted. It also stops oxidation in the brain, decreases inflammation, and has brain-protecting benefits.

Use honey to make a yummy sauce for chicken, fish, or veggies. The Busy Baker.

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Like apples, honey is also a great source of energy that comes without a crash. It has natural sugars, amino acids, and tons of vitamins and minerals. The amino acids are precursors to neurotransmitters like serotonin as well. Plus, it has antibacterial, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, and other benefits, too!

Folate in okra boosts dopamine production that improves your body’s response to stress. Taste of Home.

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26. Okra

Okra is a fibrous vegetable that digests slowly, balancing blood sugar levels and preventing mood swings. It also contains high levels of folate. Folate plays a role in dopamine production. Dopamine plays a critical role in how we handle stress. Folate deficiency has also been linked to depression because of its role in the production of serotonin.

Cook down okra in a gumbo to get rid of slimy texture. The Spruce Eats.

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The pectin and digestive fibers found in okra also make it great for digestion. It nourishes the good bacteria in the gut and improves mental health. The pectin responsible for the slimy texture inside okra also helps eliminate waste and toxins. This helps it detoxify your body of waste, toxins, and heavy metals.

Research shows turmeric boosts mood and fights depresson. Medical News Today.

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27. Turmeric

Turmeric is effective in treating the symptoms of depression because of it’s high levels of curcumin. The polyphenol curcumin is responsible for giving turmeric its yellow color. It also has strong anti-inflammaotry properties that decrease inflammation and protect the brain from issues with memory and degeneration associated with Major Depressive Disorder.

Turmeric gives rice a pop of color and a mild flavor. Little Sunny Kitchen.

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Adding turmeric to your diet can fight against free radicals from toxins in our environment and the things we eat. It promotes a healthy heart, reduces your risk of cancer, and reduces the symptoms of arthritis. Research shows that it even boosts memory abilities in people with the genetic marker for Alzheimer’s disease.

The high folic acid content of edamame helps boost mood. Shutterstock.

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28. Edamame

A serving of edamame boosts mental health because it contains an impressive 80% of your daily recommended intake of folic acid. Folic acid plays a big role in your body’s production of important hormones as well as providing energy. Deficiencies can result in anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.

Flavor edamame with garlic, ginger, and other spices or eat it raw. Inspired Taste.

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Edamame is also a great source of magnesium, which assists with the deveopment of the “happy hormone” serotonin. It also has high fiber content that promotes digestive health and it digests slowly. This means that it provides energy while preventing blood sugar spikes that can throw off your mood.

Eating a banana gives your body what it needs to easily synthesize serotonin. Lazy Plant.

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29. Banana

Banana contains plenty of amino acids, B vitamins, and tryptophan that all play a role in serotonin production. The levels of serotonin in your brain greatly affect mood and deficiencies of serotonin are related to conditions like anxiety and Major Depressive disorder. Plus, the natural sugars provide a boost of sustainable energy to increase alertness.

Add bananas, Greek yogurt, and flavor from berries, peanut butter, or other fruits. Kristine’s Kitchen.

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The B vitamins in bananas work with the tryptophan, which is a precursor to the hormone serotonin. They also provide the energy needed to move it through the blood-brain barrier so it can improve mood. As an added benefit, banana is a starchy fruit that takes longer to digest so it prevents blood sugar spikes.

Avocados are great for heart health and can boost your mood. Psychologies.UK.

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30. Avocado

When it comes to mood, avocadoes help because of their high levels of folate and Vitamin B5. Vitamin B5 plays a critical role in the function of the adrenal glands and hormone production. Folate, on the other hand, helps with the production of serotonin and dopamine that regulate mood.

Bake an egg in an avocado and top with bacon or hot sauce to make a yummy avocado boat. Delish.

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Avocado also contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats fight inflammation, protect the cells and the brain, and even improve heart and digestive health. They even fight cancer. Omega-3 fats also have protective benefits for the brain and prevent damage caused to brain cells by mood disorders.

Walnuts contain ALA, polyphenols, and other mood-boosting components. Hindustan Times.

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31. Walnuts

With the wide range of nutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats found in walnuts, they are arguably one of the best foods for boosting mood. There was even a recent study where eating walnuts every day was linked to a better overall sense of well-being. This is no surprise with so many nutrients that help with hormone regulation.

Add walnuts to trail mix or turn them into walnut butter. Alphafoodie.

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Walnuts contain antioxidants, including polyphenols, ALA, and Vitamin E. They also contain healthy fats like avocadoes and other vitamins and minerals for a nutritional punch. Polyphenols and ALA both work to regulate hormones in the body and the antioxidant properties of walnuts fight inflammation. They also contain dietary fiber that provides energy for the body and promotes gut and digestive health.

Cottage cheese provides a healthy source of energy and supports your thyroid.
Greatist.

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32. Cottage Cheese

We’ve all heard that rumor that dairy products are “bad” for you. However, it’s one of those things that has benefits when you’re choosing the right kind of dairy and cottage cheese meets that mark. Not only is it high in calcium and protein, but it also has Vitamin B12. All of these work together to boost energy.

Cottage cheese can be topped with sweet or savory toppings. The Almond Eater.

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Cottage cheese also has natural electrolytes that occur because of the selenium content. Selenium plays a big role in thyroid health. Since your thyroid plays such a big role in balancing and producing hormones, it’s critical to maintaining a healthy mood. It also stops selenium deficiency that results in depression in some people.

Choline found in chickpeas has been linked to overall mood because of its role in brain and nervous system function. Medical News Today.

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33. Chickpeas

Chickpeas contain about one-third of an adult’s recommended daily protein intake and almost half of the recommended amount of fiber. This provides long-lasting energy and stabilizes blood sugar levels, which prevents mood swings that come along with blood sugar spikes. Plus, there is a good amount of tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin.

Use chickpeas to make a creamy hummus. Shutterstock.

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Chickpeas also have a healthy dose of choline. Choline plays a critical role in the nervous system and brain and how well it functions. It’s been heavily studied for its link to overall mood with finding suggesting that it helps. One study found that choline effectively treats bipolar disorder in some people.

Kefir nourishes the digestive tract and mind. Nutra Ingredients.

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34. Kefir

The benefit of kefir comes down to the link between gut health and brain health. Fermented foods like kefir are one of the best things that you can eat to encourage a healthy digestive tract. Many hormones, including an estimated 90% of serotonin molecules, are made in the digestive tract.

Drink Kefir as is or add it to recipes like these overnight oats.Nourish Every Day.

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In lab tests, it was found that consuming kefir and other fermented foods significantly improved the body’s ability to produce GABA, an important hormone that plays a big role in managing mood and the way we handle stress. Decreased levels are seen in people with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Saffron is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal.
Medical News Today.

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35. Saffron

Saffron has loads of antioxidants that reduce oxidative damage and protect the brain. Research also shows that saffron increases the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain without affecting other hormone levels to bring about a better sense of well-being. Dopamine also plays a big role in how well you handle stress.

Saffron adds flavor to dishes like this shrimp paella.
Clean Eating Magazine.

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The way that you react to stress and your body’s physical response does take a toll on mental health. Stress can also make mood disorders, depression, and anxiety worse. According to one study, saffron is so effective that it works as well as anti-depressants like Prozac. However, it does this without the risk of side effects.

Tryptophan found in pistachios can be synthesized by the body to make serotonin.
Better Me.

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36. Pistachios

Full of protein, dietary fiber, and healthy fats, pistachios are a great snack with a low glycemic load. This means that when you eat them, they help stabilize blood sugar as well as blood sugar spikes that affect mood. As an added benefit, unsaturated fats in pistachios lower cholesterol and encourage heart health.

Use pistachios to add crunch to the outside of a piece of salmon.
Aubrey’s Kitchen.

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Another benefit for mood is the tryptophan in pistachios. Tryptophan is synthesized by the body to produce the hormone serotonin. Pistachios are also full of B vitamins that provide the body with the energy they need to carry out tasks like synthesizing serotonin. There’s any energy boost for your brain, too.

Peanut butter is great for energy and even better for your mood.
The Butter Nut Company.

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37. Natural Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is another source of tryptophan that helps regulate the hormones serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin manages mood and melatonin encourages sleep, which is important for mental health. Peanut butter is also full of potassium and magnesium that regulate fluids so hormones travel from areas like the gut and the thyroid to the brain.

Peanut butter and apples are an energizing snack.
Shutterstock.

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Peanut butter contains natural sugars, as well as nutrients like iron, protein, fats, and fiber that give your body sustainable energy. The natural sweetness can also be used to curb carb cravings and stabilize blood sugar so you don’t have mood swings. This makes it a great choice for breakfast.

Eating soaked almonds has incredible mood and brain benefits.
Aims India.

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38. Almonds

Almonds are full of polyunsaturated fats that help the body release serotonin and polyphenols that stop the brain from experiencing signs of aging, whether from old age or chronic mental illness. Polyunsaturated fats also help stabilize mood and improve digestive health, two things that help with mental health and your overall sense of well-being.

These almond granola bars are a tasty mood-boosting snack.
Foodie Crush.

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Another benefit of almonds is their high tryptophan content, which assists the body in producing serotonin. For the most benefit, you’ll want to soak and peel almonds before eating them. The brown coating on the outside of almonds contains tannins that stop the body from absorbing all those nutrients found in them, particularly the polyunsaturated fats.

Raspberries encourage the brain to release “feel-good” hormones.
Health Fitness Revolution.

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39. Raspberries

One of the biggest benefits for mood when it comes to raspberries is their anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins are found in a lot of different berries and raspberries contain a high dose. These antioxidants are known for their ability to encourage the brain to release “feel-good” hormones like dopamine and serotonin.

Raspberry chia pudding is a tasty snack that feels like dessert.
Yummy Inspirations.

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Raspberries are also an incredible anti-inflammatory and protect the cells and brain from oxidative damage. While oxidative damage happens naturally as you age, it also worsens with mental health problems and stress. Raspberries in particular have one of the greatest antioxidant content of fruit. It’s even ten times greater than what you’d find in a tomato.

Matcha contains L-Theanine which positively affects mood. Healthline.

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40. Matcha

Matcha is another superfood that can boost mood because of its high antioxidant content. The antioxidants found in matcha are called catechins. Catechins fight inflammation throughout the body and improve blood flow. Better blood flow means it’s easier for the energizing effects of matcha to start working.

The blueberries mellow some of the matcha flavor in this tasty smoothie. As Easy As Apple Pie.

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Matcha is energizing because it contains a small amount of caffeine and energy-boosting L-Theanine. L-Theanine encourages the brain to release serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, all of them working to boost mood. The neurotransmitter is also known for helping with stress response and relaxation, though it does contain some caffeine. This helps you relax without getting drowsy.

Wine improves gut health, fights depression, and can help you relax. Eating Well.

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41. Wine

Wine offers some of the same benefits as kefir because it’s a fermented product full of probiotics that feed the good bacteria in the gut. It’s also full of antioxidants that fight oxidation and inflammation. Wine even offers protection from conditions like Alzheimer’s. Wine quality matters, though. Natural wine contains probiotics while most commercial wines have them filtered out.

Sharing a glass of wine with friends is a great way to relax. Shutterstock.

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A glass of wine is also a great way to relax and unwind at the end of the day. While excessive drinking has risks, drinking wine a few nights each week improves mood and mental health by reducing stress. Stress affects things like how we handle problems, mood stability, and our ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Cashews contain lots of tryptophan, B vitamins, and healthy fats.
Hospitality Health ER.

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42. Cashews

Like many other nuts on this list, cashews contain depression-fighting tryptophan that helps boost mood stability and serotonin production. Their high level of magnesium also supports thyroid health. Plus, cashews have lots of B vitamins that boost metabolism and provide energy to send mood-stabilizing hormones where they need to go.

Casher chicken is a yummy mood-boosting food. Averie Cooks.

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Research shows that just a handful or two of cashews is more than enough tryptophan to help stabilize mood, as well as people with anxiety and depression. Some other benefits include improved cholesterol, heart health, and blood sugar levels because of the healthy fats. Cashews also contain fiber that supports digestive health.

Some of the benefits of fig include digestive health, better cholesterol, and improved mood. Medicine Net.

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43. Figs

Figs are a powerhouse of nutrients and also contain pectin, which absorbs cholesterol from the bloodstream and removes it from the body as waste. Veins are wider with cholesterol out of the way, which keeps blood flowing and makes it easier for your body to get nutrients and mood-boosting hormones where they need to go.

Roasting figs in the oven gives them a deep, rich flavor. Give Recipe.

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Figs also contain tryptophan, which helps with hormone production and benefits sleep. Sleep is critical to positive mood and mental health because it’s important for the body feeling rested enough to carry out tasks on a cellular level. Figs also have high fiber content that prevents mood swings associated with fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Watermelon is 92% water, as well as amino acids and electrolytes that help balance mood. India Today.

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44. Watermelon

Watermelon is incredibly hydrating, being made up of 92% water. In addition to water, this fruit contains electrolytes including potassium and magnesium. As electrolytes balance fluid levels in the body, it’s easier for nutrients and important mood-balancing hormones to be moved around as they should.

Add watermelon and berries to a fruit salad for an instant mood boost.

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Despite being low in calories, watermelon is also full of Vitamin A and important amino acids that affect hormone production. It also contains fiber to encourage digestive health, natural sugars for a boost of energy, and amino acids tha help wih the production of hormones. Watermelon also contains Vitamin B6, which helps boost mood in individuals with deficiencies.

Lycopene in tomatoes reduces depression-causing compounds in the brain. Women’s Weekly.

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45. Tomatoes

One of the biological causes of depression is the presence of certain inflammatory compounds in the brain. Researchers are not yet sure what causes this inflammation, however, it is known the antioxidant lycopene found in tomatoes reduces these compounds. Lycopene is responsible for giving tomatoes their red color.

Tomato sauce is a great way to get the nutrients from tomatoes. Shutterstock.

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Tomatoes also promote a healthy gut microbiome and digestive tract because of their fiber content. They also contain vitamins and minerals that support the production of happy hormones, including iron, folate, Vitamin B6, and magensium. Their natural sugars and B vitamins are also great for an energy boost.

Guava is full of B vitamins that help with the synthesis of hormones. One Green Planet.

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46. Guava

Tropical fruits like guava are typically associated with being good for immunity because of their high Vitamin C content. However, these antioxidants also work to fight inflammation through the body. Guava also contains plenty of B vitamins that give the cells energy to do what they need to do, including regulating your mood.

This strawberry guava smoothie is a little taste of paradise. Recipe Blog.

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Eating guava also gives you a dose of many different micronutrients that play a big role in how the body produces hormones that regulate mood. Guava also contains magnesium that supports the thyroid for hormone health. It also has lots of fiber for digestive and gut health.

Beetroot helps remove toxins from the body that could have negative effects on mental health. Stirring Change.

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47. Beetroot

Beetroot is full of powerful pigments that work to detoxify the body. The buildup of certain toxins and heavy metals happens naturally over time from exposure to things in the food we eat and our environment. Many of these cause problems like poor mood, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.

Roasted beets make a flavorful, mood-boosting side.
Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

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Beetroot is also high in fiber to help move those toxins along the digestive tract. In addition to getting rid of bad toxins that cause problems with mood, beetroot is high in betaine. Betaine regulates hormones in the body and is involved in the synthesis of serotonin. By raising serotonin levels, mood naturally improves.

Swiss chard packs a big nutritional punch that helps prevent vitamin deficiencies that affect mood.
Medical News Today.

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48. Swiss Chard

As we’ve learned already, there are a lot of micronutrient deficiencies that cause mood imbalance and worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Swiss chard is full of vitamins, minerals, and various micronutrients that the body needs to keep functioning as it should. This makes it a great added vegetable for a big nutritional punch.

Saute Swiss chard with some aromatics for a nutrition-packed side.
Cook Smarts.

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In addition to helping prevent vitamin deficiencies, swiss chard also contains selenium, B-vitamins, and other nutrients important to hormone synthesis. It has a high fiber content that supports gut health and the selenium is beneficial to thyroid health. Plus, Swiss chard is rich in B vitamins that provide energy.

Raisins provide hormone support and boost energy levels.
My Balance Meals.

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49. Raisins

Keeping a steady energy level through the day plays a big role in mood, especially since blood sugar spikes also cause highs and lows. Raisins contain 29 grams of natural sugar in a single cup, making them a great choice for a pick-me-up. Plus, they are full of fiber that digests slowly and helps sustain, all while promoting digestive tract health.

Add raisins to trail mix for an easy snack.
Our Happy Mess.

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Raisins are also full of nutrients like iron and calcium, minerals like magnesium and selenium, and powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation. Iron and calcium support healthy red blood cells while antioxidants improve bloodflow. Magnesium and selenium have been closely linked to mood because of their influence on the thyroid as well.

Apricots are full of vitamins and nutrients that support a positive mood.
BaBa Mail.

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50. Apricot

Apricots contain lycopene like tomatoes. Lycopene reduces reduces levels of inflammatory markers found in the brain that have been linked to depression. They also benefit mood because of their tryptophan content, which the body synthesizes into serotonin. Furthermore, the antioxidant powers fight inflammation to improve bloodflow and move serotonin where it needs to go.

Roasted apricots taste great over granola with a little Greek yogurt or whipped cream.
SBS.

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Apricot is also full of digestive fiber that keeps your gut healthy. It’s high content of B vitamins and natural sugars make apricots a great mid-day snack to boost your mood naturally. Plus, the iron found in apricots is critical in the production of red blood cells and preventing anemia, which can result in mental symptoms like worsened anxiety and depression.

Fitness

We Are Obsessed With these No-Sweat Ways To Burn Calories

According to the US Department of Agricultural, or USDA, the National Agricultural Library claims a person needs to burn over 3,500 calories more than they eat… Trista Smith - July 15, 2022

According to the US Department of Agricultural, or USDA, the National Agricultural Library claims a person needs to burn over 3,500 calories more than they eat to lose a pound. Moreover, they would have to reduce up to 500 calories per day to lose a pound per week or double that to lose two pounds per week. This can happen by eating fewer calories, burning more calories — or both. However, working out isn’t always easy. Sweating can be smelly, sticky, and super nasty sometimes. However, it’s necessary, especially when you are working out. However, wouldn’t it be great if you could exercise without sweating so much — or at all? Whether you are busy at your job or just feeling lazy, you should try these no-sweat exercises. Go from working on the job to working out at the same time. You’ll feel productive burning calories while sitting on your butt.

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40. Breathe Deeply

Taking deep breaths can help you lose calories without sweating. How? When you breathe deeply, it engages your abdominal muscles. You’ll breathe from your diaphragm instead of your chest. Try to get into this habit of breathing slower. This promotes fat loss because you curb the fat-storing stress hormone, cortisol.

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Breathing deeper gives you more momentum to complete your tasks, burning calories in other no-sweat ways throughout the day. Do you know about the 4-7-8 breathing exercise? You can slowly inhale through your nose for four seconds. Pause your breath when you get to the top of seven seconds. Open your mouth slightly and exhale for eight seconds. This pattern also helps with stress.

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39. Put Some Music On and Clean the House

No matter how much you hate doing the dishes or folding the laundry, you have to do daily housekeeping. From your home to your own body, everyone has to clean. Instead of dreading a boring, mundane task, turn on some tunes and jam out so it doesn’t feel like a chore. In the process, you can get all of your dusting, sweeping, and window washing done.

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In the meantime, you can burn more than 650 calories in the process without even breaking a sweat. That is the same as an hour of kickboxing or running. If you are really motivated, try rearranging your room in the process. Of course, when you are hands-free wearing the latest EarPods, hopefully. Keep reading for more ways to burn calories without sweating.

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38. Give Up Your Seat

Sure, giving up your seat on the bus or other public transportation is a nice thing to do. However, a shift from sitting to standing can also help you burn calories. Say goodbye to 20 to 50 calories per hour during your morning or evening commute. We know this number isn’t a ton.

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Nevertheless, if you do this twice a day, five days a week, for years then it will certainly add up. You can even work your core muscles while standing. Try to balance without holding the pole, but don’t go overboard – safety first! Instead of sitting, standing on the bus will contribute to better health in general.

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37. Do Yoga

You probably hear this all of the time. Yoga, this and yoga, that. However, you can seriously relax and burn fat at the same time. That is a win-win to us, and everyone else in the world. This no-sweat way to burn calories is ideal for your well-being in general. There are several different types of yoga and ways to practice this meditation method.

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If you do 30 minutes of Hatha yoga, you can burn up about 150 calories. Plus, you get daily zen! You can challenge yourself to go for longer after you get used to it. The longer you can do yoga, the more calories you burn without sweating.

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36. Go in the Water

Do you like swimming? Even if you aren’t the best, you probably know things seem lighter in the water. That means doing mindful water-based movements is a great way to lose calories without sweating. When you walk or jog in the water, you can burn extra calories than what you would on land. And without the extra sweat! Why? Because H2O offers heavier resistance than air.

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If you have a pool or access to a lake or ocean, give this idea a try and see if you notice a difference. A leisurely swim will burn about 200 calories in just 30 minutes. This fun activity is ideal during the summer months since it’s fun and fitness.

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35. Eat lightly and often.

Depending on your work schedule, this option might not seem possible. You might have to go for long periods of time between meals, and stick to those three major meals. We understand. However, if you can, you should try to eat smaller meals more often.

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Chrissy Wellington is a nutritionist and she recommends eating lighty, and often. Why? Because for most people the body uses more energy digesting smaller meals every few hours opposed to eating the same number of calories between two or three sittings. Of course, it depends on what you eat, too. Never fill up on junk food or weight yourself down with sugary drinks. Instead, stick to healthy snacks like fruit and remember that water is always best. Keep reading for more ways to lose calories without sweating.

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34. Stop and Smell the Fruit

You should keep fresh fruit around at all times. Why? Well, for many reasons such as having healthy snacks at hand when you get a craving. However, in this case, there is another reason that apple, pear, or banana might do your body good. Studies reveal that smelling fresh fruit can actually curb your appetite and make those tempting sugary desserts less appealing.

Chelsea Mancini

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How is this possible? Science suggests that produce makes you think about healthier choices, even subconsciously. You can try to break bad eating habits by keeping it around, smelling the delicious appeal, and eventually enjoying the healthy nature of these naturally-sweet snacks. Keep reading for more ways to burn calories without sweating.

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33. Stick to Lunchtime

Stick to breakfast, lunch, and dinner routines. Even if work gets in the way sometimes or you are on vacation, try not to mess up your eating patterns. You can even set an alarm until you commit to the changes. Does this seem silly to you? It shouldn’t! According to International Jounal of Obesity, a study reveals that obese ladies who at lunch after 3pm lost less weight than those who at earlier in the day. It was an astounding 25 pounds difference!

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Plus, the early-bird diners lost five pounds more than those who ate later in the evening when it came to lunch. Both groups ate the same foods to consume the same calories, but the time of day changed everything. If you push lunch too late, to the point where you are starving, you may succumb to cravings for more food later in the day.

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32. Take the Stairs Instead

You should always take the stairs instead of the elevator. You might think: how many calories will I burn from climbing the stairs? Well, within 30 minutes of stair-climbing, you will burn a whopping 500 calories. Now, you won’t reach this time limit all at once. If you are staying at a hotel for the weekend, you can certainly take some steps in this way. You can burn calories from ascending stairs, and descending them, although the first one is more beneficial.

Robert Harding

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If you end up at the top of the flight of stairs panting a bit, that’s okay. Your heart, thighs, booty, and hamstrings will pulsate with gratitude. Did you know that when you climb the stairs, you can burn twice the fat in half the time? The stairs aren’t going anywhere, but you are! So get going.

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31. Carry a Basket Instead of Pushing a Cart

The next time you go shopping for groceries or anything, really, grab a basket. You can burn calories from carrying it around at the store. Unless you are buying heavy canned goods or a full month’s worth of groceries, opt for a basket instead of pushing a cart. You add a little weight to the basket as you tote it around for a few minutes.

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It won’t seem like a lot, but if for some reason you are browsing for 30 minutes, you can burn 100 calories this way. You can burn extra calories without sweating and tone your arms at the same time. Plus, you can help control your budget by having less space for goodies you didn’t really need.

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30. Just Do Stretches

You can burn 100 calories in 20 minutes just from stretching. Not saying you shouldn’t work out afterward, but you certainly don’t have to if you don’t want to sweat! You might think you don’t have 20 minutes to sit and pull your arm and touch your toes, er, try to… If you listen to a podcast, sit and stretch at the same time. Or, the next time you have your favorite Netflix show on, do some stretches.

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Heck, even if you are waiting for the pizza delivery, which can take more than 20 minutes sometimes. Not only will you burn calories without sweating, but you can relieve tension in your muscles while lowering your stress and increasing your energy. That’s what we call a win-win-win (win?). Try some basic yoga moves with it, too, to burn even more.

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29. Take Vitamin D

According to a study in the British Journal of Nutrition, women who were deficient in vitamin D lost weight slower than others. Stephen Gullo is a weight-loss expert and the author of The Thin Commandments. He recommends taking 2,000 milligrams of vitamin D daily.

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Taking enough vitamin D can also help your body in other ways. It’s important to have enough vitamins and minerals to have a peak performance instead of feeling sluggish, tired, and depressed all of the time. Keep reading for more ways to burn calories and even lose weight without breaking a sweat.

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28. Skip Automated Stuff and Do It By Hand

Although technology seems like a good thing most of the time, there are some drawbacks. With the advancements in the kitchen, we can cook healthier meals that still taste fried. That’s just great. However, that vacuum robot is taking away your chance to burn calories without sweating. The same goes for appliances like the dishwasher.

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Other automation that stops people from doing a little extra work includes the car wash. Whether it’s drive-thru food or pharmacy, it stops you from having to get out of your car and walk for a couple of extra minutes. Try to avoid using too many automated tools if you want to burn a few extra calories.

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27. Eat the Right Foods, Including Peels

This tip is a no-brainer if you are trying to lose weight. However, if you want to lose weight without sweating, then that is another story. Low-carb, high-fiber food is healthy for you, but it also takes your body more time to digest than other options. You will feel fuller for longer. That means less snacking in between meals.

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Try spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and cauliflower to get the job done. Another fiber-rich food you can eat is the peels of fruits and vegetables. Like the others, it takes your body more energy to break down, which means burning more calories without even trying.

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26. Say Goodbye to Sugar (and Get Salmon)

Jorge Cruise is the author of the Belly Fat Cure and if you want to lose weight without sweating, you should beware of sugar. When you consume sugar, it doesn’t do much for you in terms of health. However, it also triggers the body to release insulin. That either transplants sugar to your cells as energy or gets stored as fat.

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Aside from cutting back on sugar, you should up your intake of salmon. Why? Because eating salmon helps you lose weight. According to a study, salmon eaters lost more weight than beef eaters even though they ate the same amount of calories. Keep reading for more ways to burn calories without sweating.

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25. Eating Celery

We all lead such busy lives, so we’re all for it if we can find a no-sweat way to burn calories! One of these ways includes eating raw celery, can you believe it? Celery is a well-known healthy snack item. However, you probably didn’t know that it can help you shed those calories like you would in the gym. Raw celery contains 53 calories, but you can burn about 72 calories when eating it. That’s right; you’re burning more calories digesting the food than it actually contains!

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How does this even happen? Well, it’s known as a negative calorie food. Negative calorie food helps your body to burn fat and lose weight. This type of food helps boost the rate at which your body burns calories, so it’s a win-win situation. Another bonus of eating celery is that it is a food you’ll feel full after eating, which means that you won’t be as hungry after this snack. Essentially, you’ll need to eat less, and what you do eat will help you burn calories and feel super healthy.

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24. Watching Horror Films

If you’re someone who enjoys watching horror films, you’ll love this way to burn some extra calories, and you’ve probably been burning loads already! When watching a scary movie, researchers at the University of Westminster have discovered that you’ll burn the calorific equivalent of a small chocolate bar. If you observe a 90-minute horror movie, if you can stand to keep your eyes open through all the scary parts, you’re likely to burn up to 113 calories! This is similar to what you’d burn in a half-hour walk. They also researched to find out which were the best films to help you burn calories.

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Research has shown that horror films with frequent “jump-scare” moments are best at helping the viewer burn the calories. These moments will get your heart racing, which helps burn calories. Consider watching The Shining to burn 184 calories or The Exorcist, which can help you burn 158 calories from beginning to end. Specific movies will also cause your body to experience a surge in adrenaline. As a result, it will lower your appetite and increase your metabolic rate. These are all useful in the pursuit of burning calories. Which horror movie do you think will increase your heart rate the most?

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23. Brushing Your Teeth

It’s something you do every day, twice a day. At least it’s what you should be doing every day! While no one will get their summer body brushing their teeth, it can actually make a difference in your calorie loss over time. Some estimates show that brushing your teeth for at least two minutes or more can burn up to six calories. This may not be a lot per brush. However, depending on how often you brush your teeth, this amount will increase over time. If you brush three times a day for two minutes, you can burn over 3500 calories in a year!

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If you want to go the extra mile when brushing your teeth to burn more than the estimated six calories, you can incorporate strength exercises into this routine. When you’re busy brushing your teeth, try doing squats for the duration of your teeth brushing, this will really get your muscles burning! If you don’t like squats, what about lunges? This obviously depends on the size of your bathroom! A great exercise to do while brushing your teeth is calf raises. These require a simple, almost static movement so that you won’t get toothpaste residue everywhere. Doing these exercises in the morning when cleaning your teeth will set your metabolism on a good bath for the rest of the day.

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22. Dressing Up

What you wear could help you burn extra calories! We don’t mean wearing a trash bag like Bradley Cooper in the Silver Linings Playbook, and no, we’re talking about actual clothes you already have in your wardrobe. A study took 53 healthy men and women and dressed them in professional work attire one day and jeans the next. This process went on for two weeks until they had a look at the results. Can you tell which one helped burn the most calories during the day?

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The winner was jeans! It’s not that the jeans themselves help shed the calories but rather the behavior when wearing them. They discovered that when the study participants wore jeans, they burned an additional 25 calories than when wearing formal wear. How? Since they walked 8% more steps than on professional attire days, there was a difference. It could be because work clothes feel constrictive whereas casual garments make you feel freer in your movements. Jeans are also a fitted pair of pants, so when you eat a bit more, you certainly want to open up that top button, which makes people more aware of what they are consuming.

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21. Playing Video Games

If you’re a gamer, you’ll want to read this following no-sweat way to burn calories! We know that professional gamers participate in e-sports, but don’t sports usually include being active and burning calories? It turns out that video games can actually burn a lot of calories. Research has shown that male gamers can burn about 420 calories during a two-hour session and female gamers burn around 472 calories. This was actually discovered when gamers were outfitted with heart rate monitors and calorie monitors while playing two games: Warzone and FIFA. It works in a similar way to watching horror movies. Our heart rate increases, and you may even break a sweat. However, this is brought on by competitiveness.

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Their hypothesis was correct, and it definitely did burn a lot of calories — a surprising amount, in fact! So, you don’t need to feel bad about skipping the gym to play games instead. A “typical” man who plays FIFA can burn about 210 calories per hour which is more than what the average 155-pound person would burn when doing 30 minutes of weight lifting. It’s interesting to see all the daily activities we already participate in and how they can impact our health positively or negatively. A fun video game sounds more enticing than a sweat-drenching workout class.

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20. Reading a Book

Do your friends love to get outdoors or be in the gym while you prefer to read your book? Reading a book is definitely a form of mental exercise, but what does it do for our bodies, and does it help us burn calories? You’ll burn about 95 calories in one hour when reading a book. However, it might not be enough to help you lose weight if that’s your goal. Dieticians and researchers agree that you burn calories when you read, though! You actually burn calories just to be alive, breathing, and existing burns calories for you.

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So, you can sit down and read your new top book pick for about an hour and a half. As a result, you’ll burn somewhere around the 150-calorie mark. Nevertheless, what if you want to take this up a notch and incorporate physical exercise into your reading time? Take your book for a walk, and burn even more calories! Instead of listening to a podcast on the treadmill, take your book with you and enjoy. The minutes will pass by so quickly because you’ll focus on your book’s world instead of the intense incline of your walk.

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19. Eating Spicy Food

If you like your food more on the spicy side, you’ll be delighted to read about the weight loss benefits of this flavorsome food. Spicy food actually helps to boost your metabolism. It does this by increasing your heart rate and producing heat in the body. All of this combined allows you to burn more calories. Metabolism is essential in the process of burning calories. The faster your metabolism, the more calories you burn. Let’s go further in-depth into the benefits of spice. The spicy chemical compound capsaicin is in certain chili peppers, including cayenne, habanero, and jalapeno.

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A study was conducted in 2021 and found that capsaicin helped the body burn an extra 50 calories each day. The researchers concluded that this could result in significant weight loss over a couple of years if you were on a weight management program. Not only that, but capsaicin also acts as an appetite suppressant. In turn, it helps you to consume fewer calories overall and also aids in weight loss efforts. So, next time you order Indian or Mexican cuisine, see how spicy you can handle it if you’re trying to shed those extra pounds.

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18. Maintaining Good Posture

It’s time to check your posture because maintaining a good posture while working is a way to burn calories without a sweat. When you sit properly with good posture, you are working the muscles in your upper body as well as your shoulders and back. This small change in the way you sit can have fantastic health benefits because it will strengthen your core and burn additional calories with your effort to keep your body in this upright position. Holding this posture when standing is also beneficial as it engages similar muscles.

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When you maintain this posture, your body requires a certain degree of muscle tone and the isometric contraction of the all-important stabilization muscles. When you increase your effort to engage these muscles and keep this good posture, you use more energy and burn more calories. Perfect posture is about tightening your abs and pulling your neck and shoulders into a more relaxed position. Think about it as though you had a string attached to the top of your head, and you’re being pulled up. You could also introduce an exercise ball to your desk and really see some good results.

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17. Talking a Lot

Hey chatterbox, you are burning many calories with all that tongue-wagging you’re doing. If you have a higher weight, you’re actually burning a lot more calories because of the greater body mass. You can burn about 53 calories per hour of easy conversation, so this is great news for people who talk for a living: actors, politicians, teachers, and professional speakers. You should all be in great shape with the daily talking you do! It’s excellent when daily activities and standard parts of life help us to stay in good condition.

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If you’re a young chatterbox, you’re really winning in this category because younger people have a much faster metabolism. Age has a natural effect on caloric burn when talking, and younger people will burn a lot more calories than older people when they are talking. A young man of about 18 years old will burn 57 calories per hour of talking, while a much older gentleman of about 80 years old will burn 43 calories for the same conversation length. At least older people have great stories to share, so they have a lot more reason to chat for a long time to share their knowledge and wisdom with the younglings.

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16. Shopping

If you’re a shop-a-holic, this might not be good for your bank account, but it is suitable for a no-sweat way to burn away those extra calories. Shopping is a great way to burn calories and have a good time while doing it. Shopping in a mall (not online) involves a lot of walking, which means that you will be getting in a decent amount of steps. If you have a smartwatch, you should track how many steps you do and think about things like taking the stairs instead of the escalator. There are other ways to burn calories while shopping, including while you’re in line!

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We know that waiting in line is the absolute worst, but you can get in a quick ab workout while you wait. Work on building a stable core by pulling your belly button towards your back and holding this for a count of 10, then release and repeat. Thanks to your heavy shopping bags, you can also work on your biceps. While you’re walking around, throw in a bicep curl here and there with your shopping. You can also do shoulder shrugs with your bags, with your arms fully extended downwards and simply lifting your shoulders repeatedly.

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15. Wearing High Heels

Have you ever noticed that you’re feeling muscles you’ve never felt before when walking around in heels? When we wear heels, we actually use different muscles. In turn, we are burning more calories than when we wear sneakers. Unless you’re out on the run, of course, but then you’d be breaking a sweat! Don’t go finding your highest pair of heels now to live your life in; you need to find a good balance of comfortable heels and ones that have a decent elevation to help you burn those unwanted calories as you go about your day.

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It turns out that women who wear heels will burn 10% more calories than women wearing flats. You can burn about five calories per minute from wearing your heels. You’ll probably notice that you’ll have more toned calves and maybe even your derriere with frequent heel wearing! It’s great when we discover things to help us burn calories without really having to put too much time or effort into it. It also gives you a reason to dress up whenever you’d like and not just to a fancy dinner.

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14. Hugging

We know all the general benefits of hugging, such as releasing happy hormones and, of course, creating a connection with the other person involved in your hug. However, you may not know that hugging people and your loved ones will help you to burn calories without sweating. Unless you go in for a full-on run and jump hug or a bear hug, that is. That could cause you to break a bit of a sweat, but it would definitely be worth it. When you hug someone, you actually burn a ridiculous 12 calories!

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This means you should be dishing out hugs left, right, and center, and you’ll soon be at your calorie goal for the day. This is a simple action that requires minimal effort from our bodies but helps to increase our heart rate and releases happy hormones. This combination helps burn those extra calories, and you’ll get enjoyment from the hug. You may have seen people online offering free hugs; maybe they’re not so crazy. Why? Because they’re probably in excellent shape after all the free hugs they’ve given out to strangers and their loved ones.

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13. Sleeping — Yes!

We all know how important sleep is to our overall health but have you ever stopped to think if you burn calories while sleeping? Research shows that we do! The brain uses about 20% of your body’s calorie intake each day, and it continues to use this even when you’re asleep in dreamland. Rest is vital to help you burn calories, and interestingly, oversleeping isn’t doing your metabolism any favors. In fact, it’s slowing it down! Sleep is undoubtedly the perfect way to burn calories without even sweating. That is unless you have a terrifying nightmare!

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Further proving the point that we burn calories when we sleep is that too little sleep has been linked not only to poor health but obesity as well. When we aren’t getting proper sleep, we harm our metabolism. While too little sleep isn’t good, neither is too much sleep. There is also a correlation between that and increased appetite when you oversleep, which won’t be doing your calorie intake any favors. So, make sure you’re getting the right amount of sleep, and you’ll be setting yourself up well.

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12. Kissing

Kissing is undoubtedly an activity that gets our heart rate up, releasing hormones and burning calories. This sounds like a fun way to burn calories and a great way to show affection to the one we love. Is there a difference between the number of calories some casual kissing and a steamy make-out session will burn? Let’s break it down for you. Casual kissing on a couch can burn around two calories each minute. When things get a little more passionate, you can burn more calories. Kissing is considered to be in a similar range to other low-impact exercises.

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Casual kisses aren’t just good for your relationship, and they’re clearly great for your weight too! However, if you want to turn things up a notch and engage in some very passionate kissing, you can burn up to 150 per make-out session. Keep things interesting in your relationships, and keep yourself feeling your best with some extra kisses and make-out sessions with your partner. This is one of the best ways to burn extra calories without sweating. That is, at least without sweating too much! Calorie burning doesn’t always have to be a chore. It can actually be a lot of fun.

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11. Sipping Green Tea

Sipping tea sounds like a great way to burn calories. However, is it possible? Well, it is with a specific type of tea: green tea! Green tea is frequently listed as an ingredient for weight loss and fat-burning supplements. Why is this? It has been linked to increased fat burning, especially when mixed with exercise. A study shows a man who had green tea extract before exercise burned 17% more fat than those who didn’t. So, maybe you should drink a cup of tea before doing any other activities on this list to burn those calories.

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The great thing is that your body is constantly burning calories, so if you drink a cup of green tea, even when you’re at rest, you’ll be more likely to be burning calories without having to lift a finger. We never give our bodies credit for all their work without us even knowing what is going on. It’s constantly using energy to keep us going, and if a cup of green tea can help things along, then why not? Start by replacing your morning coffee with a cup of green tea for a few weeks and see if you notice a difference.

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10. Drinking Cold Water

Thank goodness it’s summer because we could all do with a glass of cold water! When drinking cold water, our body has to work (and burn calories) to bring that cold water to body temperature. There’s even a fancy name for this process: thermogenesis. Drinking more cold water each day can help you shed a few extra calories and probably cool you down from any sweat you may be experiencing. You could burn 50 calories per 1.5 liters of water, and you should be drinking this plus more anyway!

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It’s thought that a third of the calories burned from drinking cold water is due to thermogenesis. If you want to use a water bottle, you’re looking at about 5 to 6 calories. How? It is due to the process of bringing the water to body temperature. You also burn calories with the energy used up by the body, working to balance salt, fluid, and sucrose levels once you’ve ingested the water. Whichever way you look at it, drinking water is vital for you to be healthy and if it helps you stay in better shape, get that water bottle filled right away.

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9. Fidgeting

Do you have a desk job where you fidget a lot? Well, fidgeting can help you burn tons of calories, so keep on moving! There have been various studies on the benefits of extra little movements, better known as fidgeting, and the habit has become associated with leaner people than others. People who are more overweight do not move as much, including small movements like fidgeting, as those with a slimmer body shape. You’ll be impressed that fidgeting can help you burn an extra 300-350 calories per day.

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Of course, this all depends on how frequently and how intensely you fidget throughout the day. Nevertheless, it’s a good thing to keep in the back of your mind. That goes double if you can’t make it to your actual sweat-inducing and calorie-burning workout that day. Through fidgeting, you’ll burn an immense amount of calories without having to do much and, better yet, not break a sweat. Let’s add the number of calories you would burn each year from fidgeting with this amount per day. You would burn 109,500 calories per year just from these small movements. If you aren’t a fidgeter, now may be the time to make this a new habit of yours!

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8. Eating Breakfast

We’ve heard it our whole lives. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Moreover, it could be the most important way to help you burn extra calories! Did you skip breakfast this morning? Did you rush out the door without taking something to eat when you get to work? New research shows that this wasn’t just an old wives’ tale. Making time for breakfast in the morning could be what your metabolism needs. Breakfast gives your metabolism a significant boost. When you eat a hearty breakfast that nourishes your body and gets it going for the day ahead, that goes double.

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The good news is that you don’t have to eat your breakfast first thing. Some people aren’t hungry at that time or are way too busy to sit down for a delicious breakfast every morning. You should make time to eat some good food at some point in the first portion of the day, and it could even replace your 15-minute coffee break. Instead of living on a caffeine diet, pack a breakfast for yourself the night before work so that you don’t have any excuses. This will give your metabolism the best chance at burning calories throughout the day. Plus, you’ll get a delicious meal out of it too.

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7. Singing

Do you love to sing in the shower? Or what about singing along while you’re cooking dinner and playing some music? This is one of the most fun ways to burn calories without sweating — unless you’re a pop star performing on stage. A study reveals the benefits of singing, and it even extends beyond burning calories. It’s good for the health of your heart. So, they’re not joking when they say, “sing your heart out.”

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Singing actually exerts a fair bit of energy as you’re using a few of the muscles in your body. When you sing, you need to engage your abdominal muscles to support your voice. If you like to sing opera, you’ll be burning the most calories as this type of singing requires a lot of breath work and a lot of stamina to keep up with the singing. You can burn about 135 calories per hour of singing. This is great for road trips and nights out when you will be singing a lot without your neighbors wanting to call the cops on you for disturbing the peace.

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6. Donating Blood

Donating blood is very important to do, especially when many hospitals face blood shortages, which helps save lives every day. Nevertheless, you will be rewarded when donating blood. Furthermore, it is not just with the juice and cookie you’ll get afterward. When you donate blood, you can burn a significant amount of calories! So, not only are you helping between three to four people with each blood donation, but you’re also looking after your body.

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When you donate between 350ml-450ml, you burn about 650 calories. It might also factor in a few extra calories if you are anxious and scared of needles. That will certainly get your adrenaline pumping and increase your heart rate. Burning calories won’t always be fun. However, there are creative ways to do this, which helps other people too. We think that this way of burning calories is the best win-win we’ve seen on this list! When was the last time you donated blood?

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5. Laughing

Pretty much everything we do in life burns calories. When we laugh, our heart rate rises, which can actually rise by about 10-20 percent. When your heart rate rises, so does your metabolism! When your metabolism is performing well like this, you’ll burn calories not only when you’re laughing but also after the joke. Your body will just work all by itself to burn more and more calories. Laughter is not just good for the soul, but good for the body too!

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Laughter also is an excellent workout for your abdominal muscles, and you won’t even realize you’re “working out” because you’ll be enjoying yourself too much. Laughter isn’t a magic pill to lose a lot of weight, but it certainly will help you keep fit and happy. Aren’t those great things in life? Include laughter as part of your day and supplement this with some additional actual workouts to really see the benefits.

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4. Drinking Coffee

We discovered that green tea has incredible health benefits and is excellent for helping people burn those extra calories, but what about coffee? Coffee is everyone’s go-to drink throughout the day but are we benefiting from this drink? The good news is that you are! It has excellent benefits like green tea does in helping you shed those unwanted calories. These fat-burning qualities can help you in the long run.

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With one cup of coffee, you can boost your body’s calorie-burning by four percent over about two hours. Don’t get too excited because the best way to burn calories with coffee is to drink it black. This means saying goodbye to your sugars and creamers. Why? Because those are actually going to add calories, and then you’re just defeating the purpose of the coffee you’re drinking all day. Start slowly and cut back on your creamers and sugars. Soon, you’ll be drinking straight coffee and reaping the rewards in your body.

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3. Chewing Gum

Did you know that people have been chewing “gum” for thousands of years? It might not have been as delicious as the gum we know today. Nevertheless, it’s been around for a long time. With the introduction of sugarless gum to the shelves of stores, gum-chewers have been burning calories without needing to sacrifice their dental health. Researchers did studies on the number of calories you burn per hour when chewing gum, and the results weren’t too bad!

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When you chew gum, you are about to burn around 11 calories per hour. This is an impressive 19% more than a person who sits in a chair without chewing gum for the same amount of time. This simple action hardly exerts any effort, and it’s a great mindless activity to do. Researchers concluded that when chewing non-caloric gum, you could lose more than 11 pounds of body fat a year completing this habit. Furthermore, that is without any changes to your diet or activity level. However, beware of the sweetened gum, as you’ll only burn about five calories with that.

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2. Feeling Cold

Something that has become increasingly popular over the years is cold water therapy. It ranges from plunges into the arctic to simple things like cold showers. So, can feeling cold help you burn calories since it has many other health benefits? When you shiver, you exert a lot of energy, which obviously helps burn calories. It isn’t the most recommended way to lose weight, but you certainly won’t sweat!

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Depending on how low your body temperature goes when exposed to the cold, your energy expenditure can increase by 48 percent. That is a considerable amount. We aren’t saying go and do unsupervised polar plunges. However, it might not hurt to turn off your central heating every once in a while or enjoy a freezing shower. Let yourself feel the cold, and you might just see a few extra calories coming off your body in turn.

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1. Sitting on a Stability Ball

Do you have people sitting on stability balls in your office and making everyone else feel bad for their comfortable office chairs? Well, they might be onto something as this could be helping them burn calories without even trying too hard. This is actually a proven way to burn calories, especially while sitting. Try bouncing safely on the stability ball if you want to go the additional mile and burn a few extra, as this extra movement will definitely help.

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When an ordinary man of about 185 lbs sits at a regular work desk in a standard workplace chair, they burn roughly 156 calories naturally. When you add a stability ball into the mix, you up this calorie burn by 6%. This means they’ll be burning up to 165 calories per hour, and when you add it all up, they will have burned an extra 75 calories throughout the work day. In a year, this adds up to 19,500 calories. The great thing about stability balls is that they also help strengthen your core muscles, which will help you burn calories and tone your stomach area.

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