How to Stay Motivated to Keep Healthy During Winter

The Diet Bet has started and when it comes to winter, many of us would feel much better simply staying indoors, snuggled up in bed with a cup of hot chocolate and binge watching our favourite shows.

That’s okay on occasion, but not appropriate for your everyday lifestyle. Being active throughout the year is the best way to improve your health and boost your immune system.

You too can stay motivated and stay on track with your fitness and healthy lifestyle despite being deep in the heart of winter.

Read on to learn how to stay motivated during winter and help succeed at Diet Bet.

 1. Up your fibre content

Fibre has always played a huge role when it comes to losing weight and staying energised and healthy.

Fibre provides the support your digestive system and its need to process foods properly and to easily get rid of unwanted waste.

To add more fibre into your diet you can have a bowl of bran cereal, or munch down on crunchy fruits and foods such as seeds and nuts.

Fibre also reduces inflammation, which is essential for a healthy immune system and reduces aches and pains within the joints.

So the next time you are craving something sweet and unhealthy, reach for a fruit or crunchy vegetable instead.

2. “Spice up your life”

Fresh spices are very important in your diet because they offer a variety of essentials that your body needs to stay healthy.

Add spices to your winter eating recipes. Garlic and ginger help strengthen your immune system and fights inflammation as well. Turmeric is also great for fighting inflammation and is good for people suffering from health conditions. Don’t forget the cinnamon which may help people suffering from diabetes by helping to regulate insulin levels.

3. Don’t like the gym? Do your workout from the comfort of your home

Many people find that exercise is their biggest challenge, which is why we’re showing you how to stay motivated during winter when it’s even more difficult to exercise.

One of the reasons some people avoid the gym is because it can be intimidating to see people who are already sporting “ripped” bodies.

Also, the effort of commuting to the gym if you live further away is another damper on that motivation. Not to mention, being in the heart of the freezing cold winter will definitely put a stop in some folks tracks from heading out and continuing their exercise regimen.

If that sounds like your situation, then why not exercise at home? There are countless YouTube exercise instructors that you can check to help you start your yoga or Pilates exercise.

You could also hire a trainer to help stay motivated as they will push you to perform at your best. They can also guide you with a workout program that will work for you.

4. Stay warm

It’s cold during the winter and the fastest way to be put off from exercise and healthy eating is to feel cold. With that said, you should consider dressing warmly if you’re going out for a run or walk.

You should also dress warmly if you’re going to exercise at home or at the gym. A few stretches will help to regulate your body temperature and reduce the chances of muscle cramps.

5. Do some meal prep

When the hunger kicks in, it’s easy to reach into the cupboard for something quick and convenient to eat.

Processed foods are full of additives and preservatives which are not good for your health and vitality.

To stay strong and flu-free, you will want to ensure you are eating nutritious foods as often as possible.

To keep healthy during winter, rather prepare or buy some healthy snacks beforehand such as:

Roasted butternut and/or sweet potato

Boiled quinoa

Brown rice cakes and unsweetened peanut butter

Raw, unsalted nuts like almonds

Fresh fruit especially berries which are high in antioxidants

Biltong and boiled eggs for a light protein snack

Another great tip on how to stay motivated during winter: be sure to drink enough water!

We often don’t feel as thirsty during the cold winter months, but thirst can easily be mistaken for hunger.

6. Reduce the carbs

As mentioned before, winter often means a craving for more comfort foods laden with carbs. These may include but are not limited to mashed potatoes, cottage or Shepherd’s pie, pasta and more.

Excessive carbohydrate intake can add to weight gain as the body simply stores the converted carbohydrates for energy reserves.

You can cut the feeling of being super hungry by adding more protein and healthy fats to your diet. Healthy fats and proteins keep your body feeling fuller for longer.

7. Get a partner to join

One of the best ways to stay motivated during winter is to have your partner or a friend join you.

You can share eating plans, recipe ideas and workout goals. Your “exercise buddy” can join you at the gym and for every workout session, it really beats going solo.

Use this as your winter motivation to stay connected to your loved ones and on track of your healthy lifestyle despite the cold temperatures.

8. Stay safe

One of the most important things to remember when exercising and being active in winter is to stay safe. If you do enjoy the snow as well as rain and venture off into colder climates, then make sure that your outdoor activities are never done by yourself.

Remember that safety in numbers is crucial. Hiking can be dangerous in winter and you need to take extra care if this is what you plan to do for your activities during the colder seasons.

The body also takes longer to warm up so ensure that you follow a proper warm up and cool down sequence with every workout. This will help prevent pulled muscles and injuries.

https://www.thehealthcode.co.za/how-to-stay-motivated-to-keep-healthy-during-winter/