There are many great things about winter: a warm bed, steaming hot cups of tea, cosy woollen jumpers and skiing. Gaining weight is a real problem for many people. Despite their best efforts, a lot of people inevitably gain several pounds each winter.

Most of us tend to associate winter with eating larger meals and stodgy food for warmth and comfort. It is possible to eat warm and filling meals without gaining weight though. It just requires a little planning and effort. Gaining a few pounds may not seem significant now, but in spring you’ll be glad you made the effort.

Here are 6 tips that should help you avoid winter weight gain

  1. You don’t have to exercise each day, but try to get some movement most days. The days are shorter and it’s often cold and dark outside, but it’s still possible to keep active. Even just a 15 minute walk would be great. If you don’t have the time to exercise in the mornings or evenings, how about going for a walk during your lunch break? Getting some natural sunlight will also help to lift your mood. Low vitamin D triggers winter depression for many people. You could also exercise in the warmth and comfort of your living room with a pilates or yoga DVD.
  2. Be careful with your drinks. Most people drink less soda during winter and that’s wonderful for your weight and overall health. Just be careful of sugar-rich hot chocolate, or mugs of tea or coffee with sugar in them. Try stevia as a natural sweetener instead or our Nature Sweet Sugar Substitute.
  3. Don’t wear too many loose and baggy clothes. It’s easy to get into this habit during winter when you just want to be warm and comfortable. The danger is when spring arrives you may be shocked to discover your jeans no longer fit. It will be easier to notice weight gain and nip it in the bud if you aren’t wearing baggy clothing all the time.
  4. Spare a thought for your hard working liver. The sugar, alcohol, artificial additives and excess calories you may consume have to go somewhere, and it’s your poor liver that ends up with the task of breaking down and trying to excrete these toxins. If your liver is overworked you may feel tired, bloated, unmotivated and sluggish. Feeling like that usually encourages people to eat unhealthy food and grab sugary snacks. Making the effort to prepare nutritious food can just seem too overwhelming if you feel exhausted. That is completely understandable if you are battling with fatigue. Why don’t you try my liver tonic Livatone Plus and see if it gives you more energy.
  5. Fill up on protein and good fats. Movie nights spent at home on the sofa can lead to the consumption of too much food that’s high in sugar, carbs and unhealthy fats: crisps, pretzels, cookies and pie are all typical examples. It doesn’t have to be that way. There are lots of healthy snacks that can be just as delicious and won’t leave you with regrets the next day. Examples include olives, good quality smoked ham off the bone, devilled eggs, fresh vegetable sticks with healthy dips like hummus, baba ganoush or guacamole; roasted chicken wings or shrimp.
  6. Make sure your meals are not plain and boring. Sometimes while trying to lose weight we can attempt to be perfect with our diet, and in the process eat plain, boring and monotonous meals. Your meals should be full of flavor and you’re supposed to enjoy your food. Otherwise your diet plan will feel like a chore and you won’t stick with it for long. You can still eat your very favorite comfort food, but keep the portion small and don’t have it more than once a week.
    Did you know that your body type determines where on your body excess fat accumulates, and how difficult it is to lose? Knowing your body type can make weight loss a much easier process.

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.