Winter’s Stay Healthy Guide

During the winter, I often feel like a bear going into hibernation—putting on the extra pounds of fat so I can make it through. The cold weather makes me want to hide my walking shoes in the back of the closet. And the big sweaters make me feel like I can hide anything. But there are some ways to make it through winter without the flab that often ensues. Try these simple steps.

1. Seize that first moment of the day. It’s true. How we spend our first moments usually sets the standard for the rest of the day. Set you alarm and don’t curl back up in bed! (I know, it’s tempting). Make it a conscious effort to throw off the covers and say (or shout), “What a wonderful day! Thank you! Thank you!” This small step of gratitude will put your heart in the right place. No more mumbling and grumbling when we put on our clothes to go exercise. And exercise should occur in the morning as well. Get it done and out of the way.

2. Look for opportunities to tone. We don’t often have to set aside a whole hour to tone our bodies. Look for ways to get in shape during the day. Take the kids on a nature hike. Do some arm toning exercises while you watch your favorite sho.When you empty the dishwasher, put in a set of squats. When you’re playing on the floor, go for twenty crunches. Find ways to sneak it in.

3. Enjoy some hot beverages. Winter seems the perfect season to curl up in a cozy chair and munch on something. Unfortunately, we don’t always jump up and burn it off. Go ahead and enjoy the coziness of the season, but look for ways to reduce the calorie consumption. Instead of a calorie-packing latte, go for some lo-calorie hot cocoa. Instead of hot cocoa, opt for herbal tea. Instead of sweetening with sugar, try some stevia. There are always ways to cut calories here and there but still keep the warmth of the season. Try some.

4.Stock up on fresh veggies. Winter conjures up images of warm soups and rich casseroles. We don’t often get enough raw veggies in this season of comfort food. Stock up your fridge and make it a point to eat at least five servings of raw veggies and fruits every day. Slice some up for your kids, too; and give them some tasty dipping choices. After all, I’m not at all beyond bribery to get my kids to eat raw food. It works for mom, too.

5. Take a multivitamin. Winter is not a season to take a break from a balanced diet. But, try as we may, it often happens. Combat these effects by taking a multivitamin every day, especially one with B-complex to make sure you have enough energy.

6. Get some sunlight. This is not a time to hide away in a dark, lonely cave. Research shows that limited exposure to light can create depression, anxiety, and illness. Even on extremely cold days, bundle up and get some fresh air and sunlight. Shoot for at least fifteen minutes every day. Exposure to sunlight can also help regulate your sleeping patterns. So, if you suffer from sleep difficulties, get out and get some sun! It also helps to use full spectrum light bulbs in your home during the winter. This light mimics the sun and can lift your spirits a little.

7. Be happy. Don’t wait until spring comes, or you reach that goal weight, or you get enough money, or the baby potty trains. Happiness and health is a choice you have to make every moment of every day. Don’t wait on things to make you happy. Choose happiness now, and those things will inevitably follow along.