Winter has moved in on us here in Wisconsin, so now is the time for cozy layers, comfort foods, relaxation, and hibernation, right? Wrong! At least, not if you want to keep your summer body all winter long, that is. The temptation to kick back during the winter months comes easy, but do you really want to sabotage all the hard work you’ve been doing? We didn’t think so. That’s why we’ve compiled a quick list of things to keep in mind and do this winter to hang on to that summer body. If you keep up the hard work all winter, you won’t have any fear of that swimsuit come summer.
Never Focus on the Season
When you’re thinking about your health and fitness, disregard what season it is. All too often we focus on what our bodies will look like in the outfits we’ll be choosing. When summer is approaching, we’re working hard to get ready for shorts, sleeveless tops, and swimsuits. As the holidays roll around and the weather gets chilly, we tend to think (consciously or not) that we don’t have to put so much worry behind our physique because we’ll be covered in layers of clothing for the next six months anyway. This yo-yo training can wreak havoc on your body. Instead of focusing on a season, choose your lifestyle and stick with it year round.
Set Winter Goals
One of the reasons many of us gain weight during the winter months is because there are no immediate body image goals we’re trying to meet. By setting new goals for the winter, you’ll keep your healthy lifestyle on track and be on your path to keeping your summer body all winter long.
Avoid Refined Carbs
Refined carbs often lose their nutrients during processing, making them less healthful foods. When the nutrients are stripped from these foods, they are often replaced with problematic ingredients like fat, sugar, or salt. By cutting out refined carbs and choosing complex carbs, you will be nourishing your body with the best nutrients. For example, if you’re craving sweet candy, have a whole fruit, choose whole-wheat pasta over enriched pasta, choose whole-grain crackers over white crackers, etc.
Keep Hydrated with H2O
There are many, many reasons why keeping hydrated with water is good for us. In relation to keeping your summer body over winter, drinking lots of water scares off hunger. It also keeps your body operating smoothly. Drinking water in the winter sometimes gets overlooked, not necessarily on purpose, but it does nonetheless. Despite the fact that we aren’t working up a sweat just with a simple walk like we do during summer, our bodies still need a good amount of water. If you’re wanting a warmer beverage to hydrate with, try a tea.
Keep a Food Journal
Even when you’re eating healthy foods, if you consume too many calories, the result is weight gain. It’s common to be less active during the winter months, simply because the days are shorter and the chilly temps make our bodies crave heartier foods. By keeping a food journal or using a calorie tracker app on your smartphone, you’ll keep yourself accountable for your diet. You’ll be able to monitor exactly what you’re eating, and pinpoint where you may need to cut back.
By switching your thinking from seasonal to lifestyle, you will get yourself in the right mindset to keep that summer body for which you worked so hard. With a few other tips, you’ll be on your way to a healthier you all winter long.