When summer is long behind us and warm sunny days have passed, we usually tend to stop caring about our body and start to enjoy delicious, calorie-packed holiday food. Yeah, soon we’ll start wearing tons of sweaters, scarfs and winter coats so no one will notice a couple of kilos more on us, right? Well that may be true, but you shouldn’t eat healthy and work out just for the good looks and comments of other people, there’s much more than just that. You’ll be much healthier, happier and proud of yourself if you succeed in maintaining or even improving your summer body during the winter. It will be far from easy, but with this few tips it won’t be that hard to avoid getting fat over the holidays.
Stay active!
It is very important that you don’t stop working out in winter. It may be too cold outside for a morning run, but you can do yoga or some really effective exercises at home. Of course, gym is always great option, especially for winter. Treadmill and stationary gym bikes combined with weights and other gym machines will definitely make you proud of your body. Remember, you just need to stay active!
Don’t forget to drink water!
Staying hydrated in winter is just as important as it is during summer, but somehow we usually forget to drink enough fluids. Drinking at least 1.5 litres of water a day should have great impact on your metabolism.
Dieting
Diet alone probably won’t work, and even if it does, you’ll look much better with exercise and you’ll feel healthier. However, combining physical activity with good, balanced diet is a perfect weapon in fighting holiday weight gain. Try increasing your protein intake (eggs, fish, chicken, nuts and seeds, tofu…) - it should be around 20% of your daily diet. Protein takes longer to digest, it makes your muscles stronger and it boosts metabolism so it’s really important in your diet. Carbohydrates are also very important, but they must not play the main role in your dish. Depending on how much exercise and training you do, 25% - 40% of a meal should be carbs. And of course veggies! Even
though it’s hard to find fresh vegetables in winter, it’s not impossible and you need to include veggies in each of your meals.
Tip: Try planning ahead for your next meals so you don’t have to face empty fridge and then order some take away junk food.
Consistency is key
Don’t set yourself unreal goals and then at some point give up on everything. Try being realistic and enjoy your meals and trainings. That way you won’t give up, you’ll be consistent, and soon you’ll see the results!
All of this being said, you shouldn’t bail on holiday family dinner just because you are on a diet and working out. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Treat yourself, enjoy delicious grandma’s cuisine, drink wine, eat a desert, just do it in moderation. You should eliminate take away pizzas, burgers, junk food, instant foods, coke and sodas, sitting in front of the TV or computer all day – those things make us fat, not family gatherings and treats from time to time!