There is a reason why they call it the “winter blues”. NOT my favorite season, unless I’m out enjoying a beautiful SUNNY view of snow.
Where do you go when its cold… inside, right?
And then its “reach for comfort foods” season. Next thing you know, you’ve gained 10 or MORE pounds. What happened to that New Year’s resolution? Up in smoke with the fire you built to sit by as you drink your hot chocolate?
Winter weight gain is driven by biology and fueled by mood.
Despite our best efforts, it’s not unusual for most of us to gain a few pounds during the winter months. Fear not! You can remain slim and trim and get skinny for spring.
The No.1 suspect-COLD!
Our metabolisms slow down during the cold winter months and we forgo low calorie foods for high-fat goodies. Sometimes, honestly, I think it is biology trying to add an extra layer of fat to keep our bodies warm, forgetting that we DO have heaters and warmer clothes that the cavemen did not have. After all, fat is a good insulator.
Freezing to death, for most of us, is not a real problem.
In an interview with Prevention Magazine, Dr. Lawrence Cheskin, founder of the John Hopkins Weight Management Center in Baltimore, said that our bodies “may be working against you to hang on to it so you stay warm. So why are our bodies determined to undermine us?
We lack enough sunlight to stay skinny in the winter.
Even for people without seasonal depression, that can make us feel down and out…not ourselves. So we crave carbohydrates to help elevate our mood. So now what…
Get sunlight!
Even if its a cloudy gray day. Get bundled up, go out, and let your eyes get some natural light. Good excuse to sneak in a little cardio, too. Start by committing to a walk in the sunlight every day. Even if it is only around the block. Its a good start. It will put you in a much better mood, and you will find that you don’t have the carb cravings you had before.
STAY ACTIVE!
Little movements matter. Just keep doing lots of little movements till you feel warmed up enough to do bigger more active movements. Use those big muscles through weight training and you will feel your metabolism revving up. Feel the heat!
I have two dogs that I rescued a year ago, and believe me, they have to go out every day, or they will drive me nuts. So I have gotten in the habit of walking every day, and it has lowered my stress.
Stress will cause you to gain weight.
Especially in your mid section. Stress produces a hormone that directly affects the midriff area. Ah, so THAT’s why they always recommend exercise to lose weight. Its not just for burning calories.
Try a winter sport.
Winter sports will get you outside. Why not get some friends together and have a blast trying something new like cross country skiing. Its not expensive and will really burn calories and tone up your legs, arms, hips and butt. Ever tried snow-shoes? Have a snow shoe party. Most cities have an ice skating rink around somewhere, you could try that by yourself if no one else is motivated. Set the example and next time you go, I bet your friends will want to go too.
Health spas and gyms may also have an indoor heated pool.
Nothing like the feeling that you are cheating the cold by swimming. Its actually one of the best exercises you can do because it burns more calories than other activities. You can do this alone or with a partner. There is definitely a calming experience when you are rhythmically breathing and stroking. Sure helps your stress reduction because it forces you to think of the rhythm of your action, not your worries.
Good eats!
Winter food does not have to be fat food.
Did you know that most winter crops are low in fat? Pick out squash, onions, artichokes, Brussels sprouts and cancer-fighting cauliflower. Try skipping sodas for winter and have herbal tea. They come in many different flavors, and you could cut down 250 to 500 calories a day if you avoid sodas. That way if you want to have a special winter treat like a sliver of pie, or a cookie, you can without feeling guilty. At parties go for the protein and low carb vegies. If you fill up on that first, then you won’t miss the potato chips and other fattening carbs.
Buzz off the Booze.
You can’t have your cake and eat it too if you are guzzling down wine, beer and hot malted alcoholic drinks. Why would you? They contain empty calories, slow your metabolism and make your body puff up. Have one or two a week, if you can’t resist, and make sure you drink a glass of water between.
Skinny has its limits
Did you know that immune function can be boosted by weight gain? How? Fat reserves can provide energy to attack micro-organisms. So don’t go crazy with getting skinny, your body just might need some of that extra fat to stay healthy during cold winter months. Just don’t use that as an excuse to eat whatever you want.
