Article: Getting Through the Tough Winter Months

The period between April and August can be the most challenging time in which to maintain your diet and exercise routine. The drop in temperature at this time each year launches many of us into serious hibernation mode. Early morning workouts are skipped in favour of extra snuggle time under the doona, light salads and smoothies are swapped for heavy casseroles, soups and warm desserts and evenings out on the town are dumped for nights at home with a DVD and a pizza.

While this does sound quite appealing, the extra four to five kilos many of us put on during this time is not, especially when the heat arrives back in town in September and the love handles and cellulite have to be exposed at the beach!

The best tip I can give you to help prevent this scenario arising is to make it an absolute priority to maintain your exercise program during the cooler Winter months. If you have been exercising in the morning during Summer, but you hate the cold, make the decision now to swap your sessions to the afternoon. Plan out your exercise week in advance and include your regular number of sessions at convenient times of the day.

Often we make exercise difficult for ourselves. We expect to fit in too much, we make ourselves do activities we really hate and at times that do not fit into our schedules. It is ridiculous. Instead look for options you enjoy, and aim for a feasible number to fit into your lifestyle. Most of us will need three to four, thirty to forty minute cardio sessions (eg bike, treadmill, running, aerobics, Spin) to prevent weight gain. You are likely to need slightly longer and at least four sessions if you are trying to lose body fat.

In terms of the food, keep it light! Unlike European countries, Australia simply does not have the huge climatic shifts that justify high fat eating at any time of the year. Stick to skim milks to hot drinks, filling soups and vegetable based casseroles, and avoid the extra toast, puddings and heavy sauces that creep in during this time of year. Look for portion-controlled treats such as single coat chocolate biscuits in individual sized packets, snack sized chocolates and small serves of fried food to stop the fat piling on. Come Spring, you will be glad that you did.

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