Winter Weight Gain: 7 Tips to Calorie Cutting

By Kreg Weiss, B HKin • December 20th, 2010 • 7093 Views

As the winter season sets in, people tend to hibernate more and find it more challenging to engage in activities that assist with healthy weight management.  By the end of winter, many discover that they have packed on a few (or many) extra pounds.  To add to the issues of reduced physical activity, the winter brings on holiday festivities that surrounds one with calorie-rich meals and treats.  With a little planning and discipline, you can avoid the onset of the winter weight gain.

1) Keep the calorie output flowing.

The simple rule to weight management is your calorie output (exercise and activities) must equal or be greater than your input (food).  As the weather gets cold, avoid the trap of settling in at home watching TV.  Make an effort to go for daily walks with family or friends.  Take up a winter sport like cross country skiing.  Make exercise a priority – put it in your day timer. 

2) Find ways to toss in extra calorie burning activities.

Every little bit counts.  Use the stairs when at work and when in a shopping center.  If watching TV, every commercial break, get up and do a set of exercise repetitions until the program returns (ie. simple squats/lunges, situps, plank on the elbows, cat/cow pose).   Do some winter re-organizing and cleaning – clean out the basement or garage.  Cleaning can shed a good amount of calories and is good for the soul.   Use work breaks to get in a quick workout or brisk walk (especially if your occupation has you sitting all day).

3) Create a home workout that is motivating.

Winter weather makes traveling to the gym or yoga studio less motivating.  Have a back up plan where you can easily exercise from home.  Even a small set of weights, bands and a yoga mat can provide a complete workout regimen.  Not sure what to do with your equipment or how to make an effective program?  Hire a personal trainer / private teacher for a few private sessions and make sure they provide you with a tailored program that is easy to do on your own.

4) Substitute calorie-rich food for nutrient dense items.

Replace the empty carbohydrates and calorie rich coffees with foods that promote health and help lower total calorie input.  Switch to more fruits and vegetables for snacks.  Shift to broth-based soups and hearty stews.  Curb cravings with healthy snacks like raw nuts and seeds.  Keep...

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Location:  Montreal, CA

Kreg is a certified Hatha Yoga Teacher and Kinesiologist (exercise science).  All of his classes integrate a purposeful, meditative quality to allow for an experience of connection and reflection while the body explores expansion and renewal. Kreg acquired...