Heart Smart Minute
October is here…bringing with it for most of the country, the start of frigid temperatures and comfort eating. If you manage to avoid weight gain during the holidays, you still are faced with the uphill battle of avoiding the warm comfort foods in the cold gray months ahead of you.
Outdoor fitness is difficult with temperatures forcing you to stay inside and boredom coupled with lack of activity is the perfect storm for binge eating. Before you know it, the winter months can put a 10lb weight gain on you! The average American, living in the winter climate gains anywhere between 3 and 8 pounds per winter season.
Now that winter season is here, use these Heart Smart Minute Nutrition and Fitness tips to make sure you’re not packing on the weight this holiday season.
FIght the Winter Weight Gain the Heart Smart Minute Way…
Stay Moving: Fitness is the #1 way to avoid the winter weight. Burning calories, speeds up your metabolism and reduces the sugar cravings. The more you’re active the less bored you become and therefore you’re not snacking as a “sport.” If it’s too cold to get outside, consider buying a seasonal gym membership, most gyms will sell winter passes at half the cost of a yearly membership.
Sunny but Cold: Get outside as much as possible in the summer, even if it’s freezing. If it’s sunny force yourself to go for a walk around the block. The sun recharges the mind, and combats the winter depression many people develop.
Eat Proper Nutrition: The holidays are NOT an excuse to gain weight and let a year’s worth of discipline and hard work go down the drain. Look for winter season fruits and veggies and find great recipes to make healthy, warm, comfort food.
Lay of the Alcohol: Nothing and I do mean nothing, puts weight on faster than alcohol. The holiday season can be a very stressful time for many of us but that doesn’t mean you should go crazy with eggnog, wine, and brandy. Empty calories lower your will power and make you likely to eat excessively. Limit your drinking to three per week, and plan in advance. If you know you have a holiday party coming up, lay off the booze a few days before!
