by SoniS

Created on: October 06, 2008   Last Updated: October 14, 2008

Apart from shoveling heaps of snow from the driveway before going to work and mulling over what to get the family for Christmas, there is another factor which makes us all feel less than happy - the unavoidable "winter weight gain". Not if you know how to avoid the common mistakes so that come spring, you are still trim and fit.

Focus on indoor exercise Yeah, yeah, we know that fresh air and exercise go hand in hand, but during winter, extreme cold and the flurries can also be the perfect excuse for putting off your daily jog or the trip to the local gym. So please invest in some indoor gym equipment or use the stairs for a dose of exercise. Don't forget to use your furniture as props while working out at home. Every little bit counts.

Eat right, not less At parties and dinners, make sure your plate has more of the salad greens and less of the dressing. Try the soups. And never ever go to bed right after a heavy meal. Comfort foods need not be skipped altogether, just make sure that it's not all you are eating.

Seasonal Must-Haves There is a reason why certain fruits and vegetables grow during certain months. Our body needs them to help fight seasonal symptoms like the "winter blues". It is a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and can make you feel lethargic and crave carbs. In order to keep yourself SAD-free, do splurge on apples, oranges, cranberries, turnips and artichokes, just to name a few. You wouldn't go without looking at the seasonal trend in footwear or the latest flat-screen to hit the market, so why leave out the latest in the produce section of your local supermarket?

Winter Sports Cheer your local ice-hockey team, go to a ski-resort, learn figure-skating, go snow-boarding or sledding. Just be involved in some sort of sporting activity, even cheering counts. Any sort of sporting activity will help keep those pounds in check and you will be surprised to see how active and happy you feel.

Don't fight cravings It is okay to give in to high-calorie cravings once in a while. Fighting your desires will make you over-indulge at some point, either when you are too happy or too low. Just make sure you complement the binge with some sort of physical activity. It is easier said than done, I know, but try and make it a habit. An active life is a happy life.

Shop without a Stop Yes, shopping helps burn calories. Walking from store to store while lugging those shopping bags is good for you. But what is not so good for you are the coffee breaks and lunch stops. If you are really hungry and your throat is parched from saying "sorry" and "excuse me" at crowded malls, choose a wiser option. Opt for salads and soups. Carry a small bag of your favorite nuts and maybe, a protein bar. Remember, you are at your most vulnerable when you have a shopping list and zillions of things on your mind which need to be done. Invariably, you will be drawn towards the aroma of a slice of cheesy pizza and embark on an eating binge without batting an eyelid. It will help if you put in that extra effort and stay away from greasy mall food on your various shopping sprees.
Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you avoid winter weight gain and you will be able to greet spring wearing last year's jeans with a smile on your face.

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