Lose Weight

Healthy Weight Loss in The Winter

Losing weight at any time of the year can be difficult, but even more so during the cold winter months. It is so much easier to skip any exercise routine during the cold of winter. Especially if one is using any kind of a walking program. But, with a simple change of attitude the winter can be an excellent time for healthy weight loss.

Most people would take a nice walk on a warm summer day as opposed to a walk in the cold of winter. And if you can make that simple change of attitude, winter can be the perfect time to walk off weight, even if you’re not a “snow bunny”. Sticking with your usual exercise routine is one of the best ways to boost your chances of starting the new year a size smaller. If you got used to walking outdoors throughout the summer months, switching to a different activity for cold weather in the winter can make your weight loss even more of a struggle, says John Jakicic, PhD, assistant professor in the weight control and diabetes research center at Brown University School of Medicine in Providence, RI.

One thing about the weight loss industry is that there is always some sort of research being done. Studies have shown that people who lose weight and keep it off do so by exercising the equivalent of walking 3 to 4 miles a day. No matter what the weather, they find a way–and you can too. We’ll show you how to easily transition from fall to winter so that you can slim down–even during the holidays. You’ll look fantastic come spring, your bones will stay strong, and your walking muscles won’t be screaming when you head out for your first warm-weather jaunt.

Just because the weather is cold does not mean one should give up exercising during the winter months. Healthy weight loss is a year long endeavor. Walking in the winter offers you a refreshing change of pace, says Alan Mikesky, PhD, director of the human performance and biomechanics laboratory at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. The invigorating cold air can clear your mind and reduce stress, which can be helpful for weight loss. Walking in the cold air may also encourage you to walk faster, raising your heart rate and therefore increasing your metabolism.

One of the best exercises for weight loss is walking. Getting outside during daylight hours also increases levels of serotonin, a hormone that helps calm cravings. Fresh air and sunlight are also good for your overall health not just your weight loss. However, when the weather is cold, why not treat yourself to a new, fleecy top. High-tech synthetic fabrics make a big difference to your comfort, so they’re worth the investment. You’ll be much happier and more energized if you’re warm and dry instead of sweaty and chilled, and therefore more likely to continue with your exercise regime. Allow at least 10 minutes to warm up, as when it’s cold, your heart and muscles need more time to get ready.

Being outside during the winter certainly doesn’t mean that you have to be cold. When you step outside, you should feel slightly chilled but not cold. During your workout, you want to feel warm, not hot and sweaty. That means you need to dress in layers so that you can take them off or put more on as needed. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and sunscreen!

An excellent piece of exercise equipment to invest in is a treadmill. If the weather’s bad or when it’s dark outside, you can hop on a treadmill anytime, even if you only have a few minutes. Plus, if your treadmill is in constant view, it serves as a visual reminder. We can always make excuses why we don’t do our daily exercise, but as soon as we recognize that they are just excuses, we can overcome our reticence and get to work on doing our bit towards our healthy weight loss campaign

Jan Whalen

Make Healthy Choices