Do you dread winter because you know you are just going to gain weight? Do you finish every winter with inches to lose? Do you expect your bikini to be too small each and every spring? Is a diet at the end of winter a lifelong pattern for you? Well, it is possible to keep the pounds at bay during the colder months. Better still, it is even possible to experience weight loss in winter. Read on for some handy winter diet tips.
Get some exercise.
Many experts blame the dramatic reduction in working out over the winter months as the number one cause for winter weight gain.
We all know how much more pleasant it is to exercise when the sun is out and there are more daylight hours to play with. (Not to mention the thought of the bikini hanging over your head to motivate you.) Winter is a great time to invest in a membership at a health club. You will be able to go there before or after work and not have to worry about it being too dark outside to go for a walk or a jog. Alternatively, invest or hire an exercise bike for home. No need to even get in the car and drive when the weather is really bad or you are snowed in. No excuse at all not to exercise.
Get some sunlight.
No, we are not talking about tanning beds, or a nice vacation in Florida or the Caribbean. However, studies have shown that total deprivation of sunlight triggers Seasonal Adjustment Disorder in some folk, leading to depression, overeating, and cravings for carbs. If this sounds like you then you need to try and get some light somehow. Try for a walk at lunch time, or winter outdoor sports such as skating, snow boarding, or ski-ing to expose yourself to some daylight. Alternatively, rug up on a sheltered porch and read the paper or a book in some spare moments.
Get some protein.
Yes you really really want hot toast piled with butter, or a large serve of hot pudding with cream and ice cream. This however, is not such a great idea when you are counting calories, carbs, or fat grams. Instead, try adding a little extra lean protein to your meals and snacks to feel fuller for longer. This will also prevent the sugar highs and lows that many of us experience in the afternoons which can lead to total diet sabotage.
Hot soup.
Not only is hot soup warm and comforting, but it can make for a very tasty and nutritious diet meal. Skip the sour cream, and buttered bread to accompany it. When it turns really cold it can be a primitive instinct to want to eat hot food. Hot soup is a much better selection than hot chips, creamy pastas, or pies.
Conclusion. Weight gain in winter is avoidable. In fact you can even lose weight with some simple strategies including keeping up the exercise, replacing carbs with protein and aiming for a little sunlight.