Winter Weight Basics
Did you gain weight over the winter months? It is easy to gain weight during the winter months for various reasons.
Reasons we gain weight during Winter months include:
- Increased Hunger
- Decreased Activity
- Over-indulgence in food
Temperatures start to fall, the days get shorter, and people put on weight. The reason is that when the weather gets colder, the blood vessels in the skin contract, and as the extremities cool, blood moves to the center of the body. There it stimulates internal organs like the digestive tract, and their activity increases. When the digestive tract grows more active, appetite increases, and when appetite increases, weight increases. This change is entirely natural.
Weather also plays a role in Winter weight gain. Studies show that most people are less likely to work out on cold, rainy days with little or no sun. People tend to be more sedentary during the Winter months parking closer to the door when its cold and raining as opposed to a warm, sunny day.
It's holiday season --Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. People tend to eat more of the wrong things around holidays. Foods such as cakes, pies, candy, cookies are usually the food of choice over fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
It's sports season! It's always sports season somewhere -- football, Nascar, basketball and hockey to name a few. Avid sports fans would rather sit in front of the tv than go to the gym or work out at home. With the game comes beer, potato chips, buffalo wings, pizza, and soda.
How to Overcome Winter Weight Gain
1. Exercise outdoors: Outdoor exercise is a sure cure for the winter blues. And it increases energy, which can be sapped by gloomy weather. Exercise also bolsters your immune system — studies show that moderate exercisers get 20 to 30 percent fewer colds than non-exercisers do. And, you won't have to scramble to get in shape for swimsuit season. For safe winter outdoor exercising, make sure you (1) dress in layers; (2) keep your skin covered; (3) wear tennis with good transaction; (4) warm up your muscles; and (5) drink plenty of fluids.
2. Eat the right foods: Focus on foods that are better for your body. Skip the simple carbohydrates --junk food, candy, chips, soda, fast food, etc. Choose foods that are healthier for your body -- fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables in season in the winter include (partial list):
* Oranges
* Cranberries
* Bananas
* Grapefruits
* Red grapes
* Broccoli
* Snow peas
* Carrots
* Beets
* Winter Squash
* Potatoes
* Sweet Potatoes
* Yams
* Kale
* Brussels sprouts
* Collard Greens
* Cabbage
3. Move more: Participate in activities that require more movement. See a listing of indoor workout alternatives below.
a. Dancing - Dance to your favorite tunes for 15 to 30 minutes. Dancing is a great way to keep moving and have fun too.
b. Stair climbing - Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Every opportunity to burn fat counts.
c. Household Chores - Organize and declutter your closet or garage. You will feel much better afterward plus you might be able to help your local charity.
d. Yoga - Do some yoga and meditation for 15 to 30 minutes
e. Indoor swimming
f. Mall walking - when walking outside is not an option
You get the point. Although your body is naturally made to store more fat during the winter months, you can maintain your weight by burning more fat than you take in just be making good food choices and staying active.