When the weather is hot, it’s easy to remember to eat right and exercise. The results of your fitness program are on display almost every day. But when the weather turns cold and you are bundled up in layers, the evidence can stay buried while you keep warm on the couch. Don’t lose your momentum and pack on the winter weight; there are plenty of tricks for staying fit in the colder months.
Go easy on the comfort foods
Our natural instincts still tell us to eat heavier foods to add an insulating layer of fat when it gets cold, even though we have plenty of modern ways to stay warm. Denying your cravings completely is difficult and can backfire, so if you crave macaroni and cheese or a hearty stew, have some. Just watch your portion size and consider it a treat. You can also find recipes for healthier versions of your favorite winter dishes, and a lot of produce is available now year-round to help keep your meals light.
Gear up for the cold outside
Cold weather doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying a winter workout, but heading out in freezing weather can be dangerous without the proper equipment. Dress in layers, protect your extremities with a hat, gloves, and heavy socks, and know the warning signs of frostbite (numbness or stinging on your fingers, toes, nose, cheeks, or ears). If you are walking or running in snowy or icy conditions, consider buying shoes specifically for those conditions.
Pop in a DVD
Instead of slacking off and watching the latest movie release with a bowl of buttered popcorn, get on your feet and workout with one of the hundreds of workout DVDs available. Whether you enjoy cardio or strength training, dance or boxing, fashionable equipment or old-school technique, there is a workout video for you. For far less than the cost of a gym membership, you can stock up a library of DVDs for whenever the weather keeps you inside.
Go old school
Is your budget too tight to even buy a few DVDs? You can still stay fit indoors by thinking back in time to gym class. Pull on your old sweats and sneakers, and power through alternating sets of jumping jacks, push-ups, sit ups, lunges, and burpees. Find the jump rope buried in the junk drawer and some heavy bags or cans from the pantry to use as weights. Even jogging and marching in place in front of the TV can help you burn calories.
The light at the end of the tunnel
It can be difficult to find the motivation to stay fit when it’s dark and cold, and no one will see your jiggly arms, anyway. But it can be hard losing weight you gain over the winter as you get older. So remind yourself that in a few short months your bad habits will come back to bite you. Keep your bathing suit hanging in plain sight all winter. Stick pictures of your favorite beach or park on the refrigerator. Start a contest at work or amongst your family so there are other people you are accountable to.
Staying fit in the colder months is a worthwhile challenge for anyone trying to attain a healthy lifestyle. Don’t let your good habits and hard work disappear with the nice weather. A year-round fitness plan is possible with these tips and a little motivation.
