01 Feb Five tips to keep off winter weight

Winter is a time when many people gain 1-2 extra pounds, and some even pack on 10 or more. As we get older, unfortunately that winter weight gain often becomes permanent.
It’s OK to reach for warm, filling comfort foods such as creamy soup, chili, or mac and cheese in moderation, but if those become your staple foods your belly is likely to bulge.
To stay healthier in the winter, try to eat less fattening foods whenever possible. Here are five tips to keep off extra winter weight:

1. Eat your vegetables – Load up your plate with vegetables, mixing ones high in carbs or starches and a quarter with protein.
2. Avoid soda and alcohol – Extra sugars from your soda and alcohol drinks will add to the waist line. Drink water and fruit juice instead.
3. Space out your meals – Don’t eat 1 or 2 real big meals. Instead, space out 3-5 smaller meals throughout the day.
4. Get regular exercise – Since it’s harder to get as much physical activity if you’re snowed in, schedule time to exercise at least three times a week for 30-60 minutes.
5. Plan weekly meal schedule – If you plan meals at home and cook them there, you’re less likely to go through a drive-thru window for high-fat food.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com