Why is it so hard to achieve weight loss in winter? I have many
clients asking me this question. Is it because our bodies are programmed
to eat more foods in winter in order to stay warm? Or is it because we
are just lazy and don't want to expend the extra energy needed to work
those calories off? No one needs to feel guilty for these behaviors.
After all, our ancestors depended on these instincts for their very
survival during the cold, dark days of winter many, many years ago.
No one can argue that there may be some very real reasons why some people are less active in winter and tend to eat high carbohydrate foods. An example would be people who suffer from winter depression, caused by the shortened daylight hours. People affected this way may find themselves craving high carbohydrate foods such as chips and cookies in order to boost their energy and emotion levels. When emotions are low, energy levels tend to follow and the end result is a steady increase in weight gained.
The real problem is more calories are eaten than burned off. Part of the solution can be very simple. It's a matter of choosing the right type of high carbohydrate foods that will satisfy food cravings and still be healthy. Complex carbohydrates are the answer because they are low in fat and contain fiber that helps to keep us feeling full longer. Such foods include: potatoes, wholegrain breads, wholegrain rice and cereals, and fresh whole fruits and vegetables. The simple carbohydrate foods, such as candy and cake, are the ones to avoid because they are often high in fats and they spike blood sugar levels leaving us feeling hungry shortly after eating. And so the vicious cycle continues.
Of course exercise is always important to any weight loss regime. No one will ever lose weight without burning more calories than calories eaten. The cold of winter is no excuse for a decline in our physical activity. If you don't have a gym membership, check to see if your local indoor shopping mall has a walking club. Try to wear wrist and ankle weights while you are walking. Building muscle is a super way to boost your metabolism and burn calories.
With spring just around the corner you still have time to get in shape for summer. It's a matter of making wise food choices, such as eating foods from all the 4 food groups and avoiding simple carbohydrate foods. Don't skip the exercise. Start slowly and then build your exercise regime to at least 30 minutes a day. If you can adopt these simple lifestyle changes then winter weight loss is easy to achieve.
No one can argue that there may be some very real reasons why some people are less active in winter and tend to eat high carbohydrate foods. An example would be people who suffer from winter depression, caused by the shortened daylight hours. People affected this way may find themselves craving high carbohydrate foods such as chips and cookies in order to boost their energy and emotion levels. When emotions are low, energy levels tend to follow and the end result is a steady increase in weight gained.
The real problem is more calories are eaten than burned off. Part of the solution can be very simple. It's a matter of choosing the right type of high carbohydrate foods that will satisfy food cravings and still be healthy. Complex carbohydrates are the answer because they are low in fat and contain fiber that helps to keep us feeling full longer. Such foods include: potatoes, wholegrain breads, wholegrain rice and cereals, and fresh whole fruits and vegetables. The simple carbohydrate foods, such as candy and cake, are the ones to avoid because they are often high in fats and they spike blood sugar levels leaving us feeling hungry shortly after eating. And so the vicious cycle continues.
Of course exercise is always important to any weight loss regime. No one will ever lose weight without burning more calories than calories eaten. The cold of winter is no excuse for a decline in our physical activity. If you don't have a gym membership, check to see if your local indoor shopping mall has a walking club. Try to wear wrist and ankle weights while you are walking. Building muscle is a super way to boost your metabolism and burn calories.
With spring just around the corner you still have time to get in shape for summer. It's a matter of making wise food choices, such as eating foods from all the 4 food groups and avoiding simple carbohydrate foods. Don't skip the exercise. Start slowly and then build your exercise regime to at least 30 minutes a day. If you can adopt these simple lifestyle changes then winter weight loss is easy to achieve.
Donna Szczur is a personal weight loss coach for women who struggle to lose weight.
For more helpful advice and information, and to download a free copy of "The 10 Shocking Myths Women Believe about Weight Loss and How You Can Avoid the Same Mistakes" visit:
http://secretstogetslimnow.com/
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_SzczurFor more helpful advice and information, and to download a free copy of "The 10 Shocking Myths Women Believe about Weight Loss and How You Can Avoid the Same Mistakes" visit:
http://secretstogetslimnow.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment