How to Overcome Winter Weight Gain


 

Today, we’re taking a hard look at winter weight gain.  It’s a common problem—people tend to pack on a few pounds during the winter months.

But we want to fight back, and we hope you will join us.  Let’s get after this now, while winter is still in full force.  We’ll have less to deal with when the warm breezes start blowing!

The good, the bad…and the solution

Although winter weight gain varies from person to person, research shows the average gain to be five to seven pounds!  Some people gain this extra weight because they have Seasonal Affective Disorder—a type of winter depression.  But most of us can’t blame winter depression for our tendency to pick up extra weight during the winter months.

So, why does winter weight gain happen?  According to Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD, founder and director of the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center, it happens because we eat more and move less during the winter months1.

This is bad news and good news.  It is bad news because it would be kind of nice if we could blame our cold-weather corpulence on something exotic like the jet stream cycle and waddle off for another espresso.

But it is good news because we can do something about it.  We don’t have to greet spring with softer middles and tighter clothes.  So let’s celebrate leap year by tackling winter weight gain with our weapon of choice here at Fitness Revolution:  discipline.

Hour of decision

According to Merriam-Webster, discipline is a “rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity2.”  This is perfect.  In order to fight winter weight gain, we have to discipline ourselves to follow some rules. 

Here we go…

1.  Banned language: For the next several weeks, do not allow yourself to say, “Just this once.”  If you pay close attention, a ‘just this once’ situation comes up practically every day.  You go to a retirement party.  You take spouse out for a birthday dinner.  Someone brings a meal by your house because you’ve been sick.  Your co-worker brings in the leftover pizza from last night’s party.  Your child has leftover Valentine’s Day candy.  You have to say no every single time.  Otherwise, you will never get ahead.

Just grit your teeth, resist what others are having and make good food choices.  I’m not saying it is easy.  I am saying it is necessary.

2.  Plan your occasional splurge, and do not deviate from the plan. Unending deprivation is never a good idea, but you have to be intentional about the time, place and food that you let yourself splurge on. 

Love the hot wings at your favorite restaurant?  Then let’s make a deal.  Eat clean for ten days.  No cheating.  And then at the end of those ten days, go have the wings.  Guilt free.  Just enjoy them.  Then set the next goal.  But you are not allowed to deviate from your plan in the meantime.

If you do, you lose the wings. 

Don’t waste your fun calories on something that doesn’t compare to those wings!

3.  Keep moving.  Exercise is not an optional activity.  Now more than ever you have to get your body in motion.  Exercise is very effective at preventing weight gain—and that is what we’re after right now.  Don’t even worry so much about losing pounds; just work to keep the winter scale-creep from happening to you. Try to get some cardio in at least six days a week.

Remember:  spring is coming.  Let’s be ready for it, and leave winter weight gain behind.

 

 

Sources

1http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/5-tips-to-avoid-winter-weight-gain

2http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discipline


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Uncover the Energy Thief: Breaking Free from Daily Drains

Image
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's all too common to feel drained and fatigued. If you find yourself constantly running on empty, it's time to shine a light on the energy thieves that lurk in your daily routine. This blog is your guide to identify, confront, and conquer these culprits, paving the way for a life filled with sustained vitality. 1. The Culprit: Poor Sleep Habits Identifying the Thief: Irregular sleep patterns, insufficient rest, or poor sleep quality. Confronting the Culprit: Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a sleep-friendly environment, and prioritize quality rest. 2. The Culprit: Unbalanced Nutrition Identifying the Thief: Relying on sugary snacks, processed foods, or skipping meals. Confronting the Culprit: Embrace a balanced diet rich in whole foods, prioritize regular meals, and stay hydrated. 3. The Culprit: Sedentary Lifestyle Identifying the Thief: Prolonged periods of sitting or lack of physical activity. Confronting the Culprit: I...
Read more

Boost Your Productivity: Strategies for Enhancing Focus and Concentration

Image
In today's fast-paced world, staying focused and productive can feel like an uphill battle. With constant distractions vying for our attention, it's easy to find ourselves overwhelmed and unable to concentrate on the task at hand. However, by implementing the right strategies and techniques, you can enhance your focus and concentration, boosting your productivity and achieving your goals more efficiently. In this blog, we'll explore effective strategies to help you sharpen your focus and maximize your productivity. 1. Prioritize Your Tasks One of the keys to maintaining focus and productivity is prioritizing your tasks effectively. Start each day by identifying the most important tasks that need to be completed and focus your energy on tackling them first. By prioritizing your tasks, you'll ensure that you're dedicating your time and attention to the activities that will have the greatest impact on your goals. 2. Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks Large, daunting ta...
Read more

The Journey of Self-Improvement: Continuously Working on Yourself

Image
  In the pursuit of personal growth and positive change, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the ongoing commitment to self-improvement. Making changes in life isn't just about achieving a specific goal; it's about embracing a journey of continual growth and development. Here's why continuing to work on yourself is essential for long-term success and fulfillment: 1. Embracing Adaptability: Life is unpredictable, and circumstances are constantly evolving. By committing to ongoing self-improvement, you cultivate adaptability and resilience. You learn to navigate challenges with grace and flexibility, adjusting your approach as needed to overcome obstacles and seize new opportunities. 2. Cultivating Self-Awareness: Self-improvement isn't just about acquiring new skills or achieving external success; it's also about deepening your understanding of yourself. Through introspection and self-reflection, you gain insight into your strengths, weaknesses, values, and aspira...
Read more