| Bears do it. Squirrels and chipmunks do it. Even | | | | those winter chores to the kids or spouse - snow |
| bees, lizards and snakes do it. Unfortunately, we | | | | shoveling, chopping wood, and carrying wood into |
| humans don't. What is it? It's winter hibernation. | | | | the house are all activities that will burn calories |
| Many animals spend the fall and early winter | | | | and keep you warm. And don't forget that your |
| storing food and building up body fat to live off | | | | dog still needs exercise! Consider your dog as an |
| when the cold settles in. The ironic thing is many | | | | "exercise machine with hair" and get in that walk. |
| humans put on extra fat in the winter months as | | | | Just be sure to wear appropriate clothing, including |
| well without a need for it! | | | | shoes with good traction if it's icy outside. Note: |
| You can make it through the cold winter time | | | | Please always be sure to check with your doctor |
| without gaining weight that you frantically try to | | | | if you haven't been exercising before taking on |
| lose at the first hint of warm weather | | | | any kind of vigorous activity. |
| approaching. Here are some weight-maintaining | | | | |
| tips to help you avoid the panic: | | | | 3. If you choose to exercise, you have many |
| 1. One major reason for weight gain during the | | | | winter options. A great strategy for maintaining |
| winter months is a decrease in activity. Motivation | | | | your motivation is to have home exercise |
| to move isn't that easy to find when it's cold, | | | | activities. This way you can still work out if it's |
| damp and gray outside. Many of us continue to | | | | too cold outside or you don't want to drive. |
| eat the same amount of food, despite burning | | | | Indoor options include exercise DVDs, step or |
| fewer calories. We eat because it's meal time, | | | | slide training, or even setting up your own circuit |
| we're bored, or at social events - but usually not | | | | training workout (stairs, weights, jogging in place, |
| because we are truly hungry. If you pay attention | | | | etc.). Check your local mall - many have walking |
| to your body and eat when you are hungry, and | | | | programs. Winter activities are a great way to |
| stop eating when you are satisfied, you will avoid | | | | challenge your body with something new. Try |
| eating extra calories. Your body is smart and if | | | | cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, or ice skating. |
| you are using less calories every day it will ask | | | | If you are exercising at a higher elevation, be |
| for less food - but you need to pay attention to | | | | sure to take it slow and give yourself some time |
| what your body wants (or doesn't want). | | | | to get acclimated. If you have asthma or other |
| | | | breathing problems, be sure to check with your |
| 2. Another way to prevent winter weight gain is | | | | doctor. She may recommend a long warm up, |
| to make a conscious effort to move more. This | | | | carrying your inhaler and wearing a scarf over |
| isn't just exercise, it's all activity. A great way to | | | | your nose and mouth to warm the air before it |
| warm up in the cold morning is to spend a few | | | | gets to your lungs. |
| minutes moving. Try a treadmill, a brisk walk | | | | You don't have to settle for winter weight gain. |
| around the house, or go up and down the stairs a | | | | Use these tips and you may feel so good that |
| few times. Movement will make you warmer and | | | | hibernation doesn't even cross your mind! |
| give your metabolism a nice kick start. Don't leave | | | | |