Health Smart Mom

During the winter, it’s pretty common to pack on the pounds. There are a lot of factors that help contribute to this weight gain. By knowing what they are, you can also figure how to combat them and stay trim all the way to spring.

One of the biggest causes of winter weight gain comes in the beginning of winter: the holidays. Our holiday season is packed with all kinds of goodies that often help us pile on the pounds. It seems everywhere you turn there are cookies, cakes, and other wonderful snacks that aren’t so wonderful for you diet. Remember that you can enjoy the foods you like as long as you do it in moderation. If you’re constantly being surrounded by bad foods, try keeping healthy snacks with you to munch on when your sweet tooth starts calling.

Many people pack on the pounds during the winter because they don’t get as much exercise. In fact, many of us stop exercising altogether during the winter months. You may feel like just curling up on the couch with a hot cocoa, but you don’t have to do crazy things to get some exercise. You can go for a walk at a store or mall, go for a walk outside, join a nearby gym, or even do a quick daily workout in your own living room.

Winter exercise doesn’t have to be boring either. You can work up a sweat building snowmen, ice skating, playing football, or doing anything else that’s fun and gets you moving. It’s a great way to fight fat and spend time with your friends and family.

Remember that just because you’re not working out really hard, doesn’t mean you’re not getting a good workout. It’s best to exercise to a moderate level in the winter, especially if you are outside when it’s very cold. Just be sure to get your heart rate up for at least 20 minutes a day, at least 3 times a week, if not more.

While you may have the best intentions when it comes to watching your eating and exercising, often your plans are sidetracked by winter depression. If you’re feeling down, you are more likely to grab for high-fat comfort foods and less likely to want to get up and exercise. While it may be difficult, the easiest way to help combat the depression is to stick with the plan. Exercise and healthy eating will often be enough to help you push those sad feelings away.

If you’re still having trouble with mood, talk to your doctor about your issues. They can help recommend a treatment that is right for you.

By watching what you eat, getting some exercise, and fighting the winter blues, you can keep yourself trim this winter.