The winter months bring bitter cold, harsh temperatures, and debilitating snow. In some areas of the world, people are stranded in their homes for several days following a severe snow storm. This causes feelings of isolation, depression, and can kill any motivation you’ve had to diet and exercise. But the saying goes, “summer bodies are made in the winter”, which means despite the cold weather outdoors, it’s important to state focused on your health and fitness all year long. But how can you do it? Read on to find out.
1. Get Creative in the Kitchen
When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than a warm, homemade meal. What better time to flex your cooking muscles than when you’re stuck indoors with nothing else to do? Search up some healthy, hearty, and delicious recipes online. Soups and crock pot meals are perfect for a cold, winter day. You can choose recipes packed with delicious vegetables and lean proteins. Freeze the leftovers and you’re already halfway to your food prep for the week! Staying on track with your diet when stuck inside is extremely important but also extremely difficult. Avoid wearing oversized clothing or sweatpants with an elastic band. Sometimes, it takes your stomach pressing uncomfortably against your pants for you to realize you’ve been hitting the snacks too hard.If you know a snowstorm is coming, stock your fridge and cabinets with healthy and fun options like air-popped popcorn, vegetables, fruit, and mixed nuts. These items are easy to grab and will leave you feeling full and satisfied. If you like following a meal-plan, there are countless diets available that will detail exactly what you should and shouldn’t eat. Mr. Keto is a perfect example of this!
2. Create an At-Home Gym
If you can’t get to the gym, bring the gym to you! This is actually must easier than you might think. If you don’t have light weights or a weight bench at home, that’s ok. You can use soup cans, bottled water, and other household items to replace hand weights. Resistance bands are another great option. Not sure what types of exercises to do? There are countless workout videos online that guide you through a routine focused on your target areas. Simply type in “best workouts to tone my arms” or “best ab exercises” and bam! The search results page will be filled with a variety of exercises and routines to follow. Yoga is another easy and convenient activity to do indoors. You can use a soft carpet if you don’t have a yoga mat and, once more, turn to the internet for ideas and pictures of how to perform each pose. When possible, workout at home at the same time you would normally hit the gym. This will help keep you on track with your normal schedule.
3. Display Your Goals
All too often people lose sight of their health and fitness goals. Once you leave the gym and no longer have the direct support of friends or workout buddies or you plateau in your weight loss journey, you may forget why you started. Stop this from happening before it does! Choose a board, wall space, mirror, or other area of your home to display your goals. Hang up inspirational pictures, quotes, or other words and images that will help motivate you and keep you on track. Ask yourself why you started this journey and make that the focus of your goal “wall”. This is especially helpful during the winter months when you aren’t outdoors, seeing those who inspire you most, or finding motivation in friends at the gym. If no one is there to push or motivate you, you need to be your own cheerleader. Hold yourself accountable and check-in with your goals every morning. When you feel like skipping a workout or indulging in high-fat foods, remember what you’re working for and what you must do to get there.
There are countless excuses people use for giving up on their health and fitness goals including lack of time or lack of money for a gym membership. Remember, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Don’t let the winter months stand in the way of your health goals! Get creative with your diet and exercise and you’ll have that summer body in no time.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
