Here's a tough study to get funded: Is it true that people who try eating popcorn with chopsticks will find new delight in their popcorn?

That's just what two researchers, one from Ohio State and the other from the University of Chicago, did. And what they found went further than chopsticks and popcorn.

They discovered that consuming familiar things — food, drink and videos — in new and different ways can "disrupt adaptation and revitalize enjoyment."

In layman’s terms, if you renew your experiences, you can power your desire to become healthier and happier. For instance:

• Bored with your regular gym workout? Take a new class; try new machines.

• Losing your interest in cooking? Experiment with new recipes.

Bringing a "first time" perspective to an experience can send boredom packing and increase your commitment to healthier, happier life choices.

You also can use this mantra to help you break bad habits, like hitting the drive-thru at a fast food restaurant.

Take time before you get there to plan ahead for a new experience. Read the healthy meal listings; decide to order a new taste treat, such as chicken salad with unsweetened iced tea.

Or if you're a couch potato, decide to turn off the TV and take a walk after dinner — then focus on finding three new things in your neighborhood you never noticed.

Before you know it, you'll be so committed to the walk that you'll want to change it up so it becomes renewed and more exciting.