Winter weight gain? Yes, winter is high risk time to gain weight . The temperature starts to dip, there is the holiday and festive spirit all around us and the nipping cold weather makes us naturally turn to rich fall foods. The holiday season is the time when we tend to shovel in loads of high fat food curled up beside cozy fireside, glued to the TV ,watching football games. It is easy to become a lethargic couch potato during the chilly weather .After tucking in every morsel and savouring every mouthful –the guilt pangs of indulgence over-powers us! This is also the season when many suffer from the melancholy condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) due to less sunlight, and end up eating more carbohydrates and high-fat comfort foods to overcome those feelings!

Winter weight gain is not a myth , but an unavoidable biological reaction to the cold temperature. However, don't panic! With a little effort and a wee bit of will power, you can combat and avoid winter weight gain. However, the first step you have to do is to condition yourself that it is not the winter season that makes you to gain weight but a way of life and thinking .

You can avoid winter weight gain in 2 easy ways-

1. Eat wisely:

• Don't deny or deprive yourself of all the holiday food around you, as it will make you crave for more.

• Eat something of everything. Always have merely a few to satisfy your yearnings.

• Fill your plate with vegetables and lean protein foods and have just a portion of high-fat, high-calorie food .

• Limit alcohol consumption.

Besides, if you're exercising, the extra calories won't make much of a difference.

2. Stay active:

• Avoid sedentary lifestyle by staying active in the house . You can buy an exercise equipment, if you have a spacious house .

• If your place is cramped you can do a bit of yoga and stretch exercises with hand-held weights!

• Have a partner to work out with, it is more fun .

• Soak in some sun by taking a walk during your lunch hour.

• Indulge in winter sports like ice skating, cross-country skiing , snowshoeing and swimming in heated indoor pools.

• Pedal your stationary bike or do push-ups, sit-ups, or jumping jacks during halftime or commercials, while watching TV.

Here is a simple holiday season survival guide:

• Plan ahead. Go on a diet before winter and lose a few pounds to compensate for the holiday season weight gain.

• Never go to a party hungry but snack on a fruit, or have a glass of skim milk. You will not be able to overeat.

• Remember never to eat while talking or watching a movie. Enjoy and concentrate on the food. You will not hog mechanically.
• Put the gift of goodies and candy bowls out of sight .The best option is to keep a few and give away the rest

• Limit alcohol consumption .

Therefore, moderation is the key to weight maintenance! Motivation must come from within and by eating a little less and exercising a little more you will be able to keep winter weight gain at bay!