How To Avoid Winter Weight Gain

We all tend to gain a few pounds when the weather starts to turn colder and the days get darker so trying to avoid winter weight gain can be a bit of challenge. Here are 5 winter weight loss tips to help you manage your weight at this time of year.

1. Watch Out For Party Food.

Obviously, one of the key ways to avoid winter weight gain is to not over-eat lots of high-calorie, non-nutritious foods. Follow a rule of portion control and if you're at a buffet, don't eat next to the food table as you'll eat more. Take what you want and then going sit somewhere else. Eat some high-fiber fruits and vegetables like apples or carrots to fill up before going to a party to curb your desire for calorie-rich party foods.

2. Keep Your Exercise Routine Going.

When it's dark before and after work it can very tempting to miss your regular exercise routine. But sticking to your regular fitness routine is key to avoiding winter weight gain. If don't want to be out of doors for your activities, try some other forms of exercise. You could go swimming at your local indoor pool or trying some dance classes to keep you fit and healthy. There are also plenty of ways to exercise at home.

3. Drink Less Alcohol.

Alcohol is very high in calories and can cause you to collect fat especially around your stomach. It is often consumed in large amounts because it's liquid and makes you to feel hungrier, so you eat more. Have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink. This will slow down your alcohol consumption and help you to feel full. Get into the habit of drinking more water throughout the day to help you avoid winter weight gain as it has no preservatives, no sodium, and no calories.

4. Control Your Calories.

If you cut down your calorie intake by just 100 calories per day it will make a substantial effect on your weight over the period of the year. It is not too difficult to cut back by that amount and it is a very achievable target for most people. Don't try and restrict your calories intake too much as it will slow down your metabolism and make it more difficult to to reduce your weight over the long-term.

5. Don't Give Up.

It is more difficult to lose weight in winter than at any other time of the year. Studies show that the average person puts on between 2 to 3 kgs (approx 5 to 7 lbs) during the colder months. But if you're too restrictive and never allow yourself to eat the things you enjoy, it will make you unhappy and you'll be more likely to give up totally. You need to allow yourself a few treats now and then. If you do eat too much at one meal, just leave it at that and make the next meal better.