This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Emerson chapter.
When you think of winter, what comes to mind? Cold weather, a warm sweater and comfortable socks, snow, comfort food, maybe a mug of hot chocolate? Maybe you stock up on some sweets like gingerbread or candy canes when you go home for the holidays? This is very common for the winter, but most people don’t think of the high possibility of weight gain during the cold months here in New England. People love to stay wrapped up in a blanket in their bed watching a Christmas movie when it’s below 30 degrees outside. With the weather, the desire for comfort food is high and the longing for exercise is low. But no fear! With the holidays and the cold season coming up, here are some simple ways to keep your weight steady during the snowy season.
- Exercise. You don’t even have to go for a run! Just head over to the gym, even if it is for 30 minutes, 4-times a week, pumping up your heart rate on the elliptical and doing some push-ups and sit-ups is a simple way to shed off those could pounds you added on during Christmas break. And remember, exercise reduces stress and anxiety, too.
- Everyone loves a fun holiday party. If it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines Day, or even just a movie party, make sure you never go there too hungry. Holiday parties usually serve food that isn’t the healthiest, so before eating those brownies and eggnog, eat a piece of fruit, or half of a sandwich, or even a small cup of soup before heading out. This way, you’re reducing the amount of calories you would be consuming at the party.
- Plan ahead. If you know you are going to a party, or out to dinner at a fun restaurant with some friends at night, and you know you may be having a couple drinks, some pasta and pizza, or that extra piece of pie, don’t splurge at breakfast and lunch. If you have some fruit and yogurt for breakfast, and a salad, or a half of a sandwich, and a cup of soup for lunch, then you’ll be able to treat yourself with that extra piece of pumpkin pie that was made from scratch!
- And of course, remember to get enough sleep every night, and drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. You should always be drinking enough water and sleeping enough every night, but for weight loss, these two are necessities.