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Beating the Winter Weight Gain, Part 1

We are more than halfway through the winter season, and along with the wind chills, comes the ever-dreaded winter weight gain. It’s all too easy to unconsciously gain unwanted pounds during the winter.

After all, we’re likely to spend most of our time indoors taking part in sedentary activities and eating comfort foods. Wouldn’t you like to shed that winter weight gain before the warm weather returns?

Rather than choosing the latest diet of the week, you could, instead, implement some sound strategies that have been proven to be effective in losing weight and keeping it off. The best way to put a stop to winter weight gain is to combat its effects before it even begins.

Exercise is a great way to stop winter weight gain in its tracks. Try these tips:

• Work out indoors. Staying indoors more during the winter doesn’t mean you need to be less active! Whether you purchase yoga DVD’s, or an elliptical machine, get moving each and every day throughout the winter. Make it a couple’s event. Pop in a salsa DVD each morning and work out with your partner. It’s fun, flirty, and the perfect way for couples to spend quality time together every day. Take 15 to 30 minutes out of your morning to exercise.
• Begin slowly. Don’t overdo it when it comes to exercise, you’ll only strain your muscles.
• Enjoy variety. Doing the same exercise over and over again is a good way to fail before you begin. Include an assortment of exercises in your plan. Make it fun!

Invest in a good pair of walking shoes, and begin by walking for fifteen minutes per day. When you feel your body adjusting to the fifteen minutes, walk longer. Do this with any exercise, inside or out, to build a healthy, strong, and slimmer body.

Another example is to combine yoga with strength training. If you don’t have strength training equipment, use canned foods, water bottles, or other items as your weights.

• Enlist a friend. The easiest way to keep up with your exercise routine is to have someone by your side who also wants to lose weight. Remind each other how important your weight loss goals are.
• Set goals and keep track of them. Get a diary or notebook and write down your goals. Keep track of how much weight you’re losing and what types of exercises you’re doing.

And remember: Any activity that gets you moving is an exercise! Play actively with your pets, children, or grandchildren. Put on some music and dance while you cook or clean the house. Instead of sitting on the couch, ride an exercise bike while you watch TV, or take the stairs instead of the elevator.

How do YOU maintain your fitness routines during the winter months? Feel free to comment below!

In next week’s Jua Journal #18, we’ll feature Part 2 of Beating Winter Weight Gain: “How to Eat Well
Year-round.”

Have a GREAT week!