Simple Tips For An Active and Healthy Winter

12/14/07 Nutrition & Exercise

It’s cold, it gets dark early, and the bulky clothes are just so comfy. Staying active and healthy in the winter can be a challenge. As a snowbelt resident, I’ve discovered some simple strategies to stay on track during cold weather.

Think inside the box: Explore some exercise videos or DVDs. There are many to choose from, and this may be an opportunity to try something new like yoga, Pilates, or kickboxing. My new favorite “inside the box” activity is a video game called Dance Dance Revolution. Our whole family enjoys the game and thirty minutes goes by almost without notice. Encourage everyone to practice when others are taking their turn, so everybody stays involved and active.

Explore your town: Find out where you can walk indoors. Malls, museums, and sporting arenas often have indoor walking available.

Get out: So it's a bit nippy outside—dress in layers and get out there! The fresh air will make you feel better and help you fight off any lurking virus. Remember to cover your head and be aware of wind chills. Your body works harder when it is keeping you warm, so pay attention to your heart rate and exertion and don't overdo it.

Let Mother Nature help: Take advantage of outdoor chores, such as using the snow blower, sweeping the steps, or even scraping off your car. Use caution when shoveling snow if you are not a regular exerciser. Shoveling is a very intense activity—take it slow!

Try something new: Ice skating, cross country and downhill skiing, winter hiking, and snowboarding are all great ways to be active and have fun.

Make a splash: Most local pools have lap swimming and water exercise classes. Even better, many have a hot tub, steam room, or sauna to warm your core after the workout!

Play: A good old snowball fight or building a snow fort is great exercise and fun for all.

Stay Warm: When your body is chilled it thinks it needs more fuel and will kick your hunger into overdrive. Registered dietitian and wellness expert Jill Fleming suggests wearing long underwear to avoid weight gain in winter months. Just keeping warm will help with the dreaded extra pounds.

Stock up on fruits and vegetables: Colder weather can make you crave sweet and salty treats. Have plenty of healthy snack choices available. Explore some different varieties of citrus fruits such as clementines, pummelos, and minneolas. They are easy to transport and store. Or, warm a handful of almonds or walnuts in the microwave for thirty to forty-five seconds. This tasty and warm snack is satisfying and comforting.

Stay hydrated: Remember to drink at least five glasses of water per day. The drier winter air can rob your body of the moisture it needs. 

Reward yourself: Set a daily activity goal and reward yourself for meeting it. Treat yourself well for treating your body right!

For more Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Busy people visit Eliz’s blog at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.

Eliz Greene survived a heart attack at age thirty-five while seven-months pregnant with twins. She is a heart health educator, free lance writer, and speaker on a mission to help busy people lead healthier lives.