As snow begins to pile up and the temperature drops it gets easier and easier to avoid working out and staying active. Add in a few family gatherings and holiday parties filled with baked goods and treats, and it seems impossible to stay on track! While it might take a little extra work a few months out of the year, it’s definitely not impossible to stay on top of your fitness goals during the winter months. Here are 5 tips to keep you and your family healthy and active during the cold months!
- Work out with your family
Sledding can make for a fun work out so head to a local sledding hill if there’s snow on the ground. Everyday Health notes that Sledding requires the use of multiple muscle groups to steer your sled and don’t forget about the walk back up that mighty hill. Walking up and down a hill of medium-height for just 30 minutes will allow you to burn about 240 calories. Ice hockey, ice skating and ski tubing are also great ways to have fun with the family while burning a few calories.
- Portion control your treats
Eliminating all your favorite sweets and treats can be difficult around the holidays. Try dividing your goodies into individual plastic bags or containers after they are baked. This will allow you to have instant control over your cravings when they come around, and they can be a great gift to give away to family and visitors.
- Prepare healthier alternatives to your favorite dishes
Use whole wheat flour instead of traditional white flour in your baking. Applesauce and Greek yogurt make great substitutes for oil and eggs in baked goods as well. You can also skip the pasta and opt for much healthier vegetable noodles. Ground turkey can also be used in place of red meat. According to the American Heart Association, reducing your consumption of red meat is a serious step in reducing your chances of heart diseases.
- Stay hydrated
Often we can confuse the signals that let us know we are hungry or thirsty, says Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, clinical assistant professor of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. A large glass of water before a meal can help decrease the amount of food you consume. Plus, staying hydrated has a list of benefits all its own. Drinking enough water can increase your energy levels, boost your immune system and it keeps your skin and muscles functioning at their best.
- Avoid the all or nothing mentality
One bad meal, or even one bad day shouldn’t derail your plans for a healthy and happy winter. Don’t beat yourself up if you make a mistake and don’t give up completely if you’ve recently committed to a healthier lifestyle. Each meal is an opportunity to make healthy decisions. We all get off track once in a while so it’s important to be aware of our eating habits and be prepared to bounce back!
