Do you gain weight during the winter? If so, you’re not alone. Researchers have found that it’s extremely common to gain five to seven pounds during winter months. There are many reasons why the pounds sneak on when it’s cold outside. As a matter of fact—the cold—is a reason. Many people who exercise outdoors stop when the temperature drops.
Another reason—Hanukkah and Hanukkah parties. Hopefully you didn’t eat too many potato latkes and donuts.
More reasons we gain weight: comfort foods, office treats, summer fruits are out of season, and big sweaters hide winter weight.
Here’s what you can do about the lack of exercise, comfort foods, office treats, etc.
If you want to stay active, ask someone to exercise with you—even if you just go for a walk a few times each week. It’s hard to get motivated to get bundled up to walk, especially when there’s snow on the ground, but it’s not as difficult when you have a friend to walk with
When the temperature falls, we tend to say goodbye to light meals and hello to comfort foods like hardy stews and big bowls of pasta. You don’t have to give up these foods, if you prepare them with low calorie and low fat ingredients and control your portion size. If you add a bunch of vegetables to your stew, it will be a thick, chunky, and healthy meal.
Often, in the winter, associates and employers send cookies and candy to the office. These treats can be hard to resist, especially around three in the afternoon. One thing you can do to help you stay away from them is have a healthy snack around two, so when three o’clock rolls around, you won’t be thinking about food. If, however, you must eat something fattening, have a bite or two.
While summer fruits are delicious, there are many great winter fruits, too, like oranges, apples, and pears. You may be surprised by how much you like them. They make great snacks.
If you follow these little tips, you won’t gain weight this winter. Of course, you can still wear big, cozy sweaters, and you’ll be happy that they’re not hiding extra pounds.
