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NOTICE: You should check out the diet that compliments the exercise! Click on the link.
www.bodyfatlosstoday.com
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Top Tips on Preventing Winter Weight Gain
Even though summer may seem like a distant dream right now, taking steps today to keep your
weight in check will make the warmer months better because you will have a body you will want to
show off! It happens every year: The weather is starting to warm up and you begin taking out your
spring clothes, including the bathing suit you put away in September. You start trying on your
warm-weather clothes and somehow theyre a little snugger than you remember. What happened?
No, the magic clothes-shrinking fairy didnt go to town on your wardrobe over the winter. Stop and
think: You remember how. All those tasty holiday cookies, the workouts you skipped, all those
candy dishes at work. Right now its easy to hide under bulky winter sweaters and baggy flannel
pants, but it wont be for long!
Winter weight gain is easy for many of us to let happen, between the shortened daylight hours,
colder weather, and endless indulgent holiday treats. Even the most motivated people become
side-tracked during the colder months. But with a little motivation and willpower you can get
through the winter victoriously.
Below are some tips to help you overcome the most common winter weight gain pitfalls.
Form a Game Plan
Be realistic. The holidays dont end on January 2; you still have to face Super Bowl Sunday,
Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and Easter before summer rolls around. Jumping headfirst into
the holiday season without a game plan on how you are going to handle all the feasts and treats is
a recipe for weight gain. Avoid the "all-or-nothing" mentality with holiday treats since this typically
leads to binge eating and regret. Write down your absolute favorites and allow yourself to savor
small amounts. Remember to be mindful of your food while you eat and savor the moment instead
of mindlessly scarfing it down. At parties focus on the company and conversation instead of the
food; after all, that's what the holidays are really about.
Seasonal Drinks
High-calorie seasonal drinks like hot chocolate, spiced lattes and warm apple cider take over
coffee shops from October through February. It is easy to submit to their temptation with their cute
festive names and tantalizing whipped cream toppings. But watch out; these festive delights are
full of fat, sugar and calories. Some of these adorable medium-sized drinks can clock in at 500
caloriesor more! Be diligent about your diet and avoid these as often as you can to alleviate the
impact to your waistline. Instead opt for a healthier alternative, like hot tea or plain coffee.
Fitness: Keep it part of your routine
Its easy to let fitness drop to the bottom of your priority list during the winter. But keeping it a
regular part of your life throughout the year will not only keep off the pounds, but it will also get
your brain circulating feel-good endorphins. Many studies have shown that getting your heart rate
2. during the sparse winter sunlight will help reduce seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Need more
reasons? Feeling down or depressed may also lessen your motivation to eat well or exercise,
making weight gain a vicious winter cycle. If getting to the gym is difficult for you to do, switch up
your workouts and enjoy winter sports like skiing and snow-shoeing. Participating in these events
is a great way to keep fit and even bond with friends and loved ones.
Comfort Foods
From your grandmothers famous mashed potatoes to freshly baked cookies, indulging on good
old-fashioned comfort food warms your body and soul. Sadly these comfort foods are not as
friendly to your waistline.
Stop and think: whats driving you to these foods in the first place? Is the weather making you stir-
crazy? Instead of hibernating on your couch with cookies, do something active with a friend and
get some calories burned instead. If youre feeling cold, avoid the calories in comfort drinks and
warm up with a cup of hot tea. It is much easier to make healthier choices once you understand
your triggers.
One way to keep yourself accountable during the winter is to try on a few of your warm-weather
clothes every few weeks to ensure they still fit. No one likes surprises when spring hits! How do
they fit? During the winter we lounge at home more often in comfy sweatpants and chunky
sweaters, layering to keep warm. While this is functional, is also hides changes in your body
weight. During the warmer months we tend to notice these changes more since we are typically
wearing thinner layers or sporting a bathing suit on a regular basis.
If you arent ready to give up on your favorite comfort foods altogether, use the principles of
moderation and smart substitutions to stay on track with your healthy efforts. Give yourself
permission to enjoy a small serving and remind yourself that theres no need to eat the entire plate
of cookies in one sitting! Remember, spring IS coming!
Listen to Your Body
It is easy to lose track of your personal health in the shuffle of food-centric parties and dealing with
bad weather, but its important to notice when you get off track. Here are a few simple things you
can do to keep yourself accountable during the winter months.
When stress begins to overtake you, instead of turning to unhealthy habits, stop what youre doing
for a few minutes and evaluate. Sometimes youll find that you may think youre hungry, but are
actually dehydrated due to the dry weather. Or, you may realize that your body is craving
movement more than that cookie. You will be more mindful about sticking to a healthy diet when
you are in tune with yourself.
Another way your body signals you're off-track is the scale needle moving up. While the scale
does not define you, it can serve as a great motivational tool. Weigh yourself about once a week to
track and keep an eye before your weight spirals out of control.
Social Eating Traps
Social gatherings in the winter tend to center around sedentary activity and lots of food (think
Sunday night football with chicken wings and chips with dip). You are far more likely to indulge if
your friends are eating high-calorie winter fare while lounging in front of the tube. Studies show
that people tend to mimic the eating habits of their peers and social groups. It can be awkward to
sit and watch someone else indulge without joining in since eating together is also a bonding
experience. In these group situations you may feel indirect pressure to eat, even if its food you
wouldnt normally choose to eat, regardless of your true hunger level or weight goals.
3. If your friends want to eat something that doesnt fit in with your meal plan, choose a restaurant
that can accommodate everyones needs. When eating socially, constantly keep your goals in
mind and make them clear to those around you. It also helps to eat a snack before you are in
social eating situations because you are less likely to indulge.
Stop the Boredom Binges
You may find yourself cooped up in the house more often during the winter and turning to food for
stimulation when you are bored. However, eating is not be the most favorable winter pastime for
you if you want your swimsuit to fit this summer. Try some of these ideas instead to distract you
from the pantry this winter:
* Join a book club. You are less likely to eat while reading and it is a good alternative to watching
television. Plus, it will get you out of the house when the book club meets!
* Make an inspiration board to remind you of your goals. Cut pictures and quotes from magazines
and put them on a piece of poster board and hang in a place where youll see it every day. You
could also make an ongoing motivational scrapbook to help you focus on your goals and keep
your hands busy whenever you feel like mindlessly snacking.
* Create a scrapbook of your holiday or vacation photos.
* Knitting is another great way to pass the time and keep your hands busy. If you knit mittens and
scarfs it's practical too!
This time of year is tough, but with these tips, your battle of the seasonal bulge will be much more
manageable.
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NOTICE: You should check out the diet that compliments the exercise! Click on the link.
www.bodyfatlosstoday.com
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