Those daring breezes have crept their way back (you know, the disruptive ones that make you lose balance). And while the warm sun decides to vanish for a fair few months, we now must resort to A) fake tans, B) tanning beds or perhaps option C) remain ghostly, as our natural tanning technique takes a back seat.
The weather and time of year really seems to take its toll on our bodies and what we inhale into them. That's right, as we wrap up warmly, complain about the temperature and prepare ourselves for the most festive season of the year that is Christmas, we seem to damage our waistlines (unintentionally, of course) along the way.
So why is it, that the cold seasons make us put on a pound or two?
or three.
or four!???? (she says in a childish rebel-like tone).
So for most, the bikinis and trunks have been cast aside, to perhaps the bottom of the underwear drawer, or back into that box, labelled 'Summer wear' in big, bold marker pen. Apart from the exceptional few, the all year round body confident beings who enjoy swimming, for fun. (Crazy individuals). It's incredibly hard to keep up that physique! Our metabolisms are no longer identical to our 10 year old selves. And we definitely aren't as physically active as our hyper, playful 10 year old selves. (eventhough our inner child might be).
As we generously find ourselves layering our clothing and covering our goose bumps with warm baggy jumpers, we escape the likelihood of the world seeing our 3 belly rolls and even perhaps our 3 neck rolls. (We have scarves for that, multi-purpose, who would have thought).
It's often hard to control your weight when the cold, dark days of Winter make outdoor exercise less appealing and even the journey to your local gym less appealing. We also start to crave those real comfort foods. (Great Gran's old treacle sponge pudding). I'm genuinely licking my lips.
It's not a surprise that our fitness plans go down the drain, when we are faced with such delicious wholesome and satisfying foods around Autumn and Winter. You only have to pass a cake shop, a pastry shop, to be tempted by not only the smell of the enticing foods but the thought of entering such a warm location. (Together they really do make a convincing team).
Fattening foods of Winter:
STARBUCKS HOT CHOCOLATE: 290 cals (and that's without the whipped cream & marshmallows.
HOMEMADE MAC & CHEESE: average serving 420 cals
MINCE PIES: 477 cals (apparently a single mince pie takes a 4 mile walk to burn off).
APPLE CRUMBLE: 345 cals per serving. Crumbs!
ROAST DINNER and all the trimmings: 812 cals per plate. Ouch.
Of course portions all vary and calories will vary accordingly.
'My eyes are bigger than my stomach'
and I don't know when to stop.
So whether you call it the annoying baby pouch, the food baby, or maybe the Kris Kringle tummy, don't worry yourselves too much. We're all in the same boat. Having a few extra treats or a few less work out sessions might be naughty, but hey, we won't make Santa's naughty list for it.
Here are a quick few tips to help stay in shape this Winter and keep those body blues at bay.
- Go ice-skating: It burns calories and it's great fun! (Especially when it's outdoors), just make sure to wrap up warm!
- Move more indoors: Take the stairs, with the cold weather making outdoor activities less appealing, be active indoors. Walk the stairs instead of taking the lift or buy a fitness DVD to exercise in the comfort of your own home. (There really are no excuses).
- Make home-made hearty soups: The produce that's naturally in season in Winter is your secret weapon for keeping off the pounds. Soups are so yummy and healthy too. Bonus!
- Lastly, my favourite. Eat a salad to indulge later: Eating healthy meals during the day compensate for that late night stretch into the cookie jar. (I think so, anyway). A balanced diet is a healthy diet and it means you can eat those well earned and craved treats and not worry.
And if you really feel like having a break for a couple of months, then battle the bulge in January. Isn't it everyone's favourite New Year's resolution?
I'm excited to indulge so I know it'll be mine!
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is a fat bank account and a skinny body. Let's try not to get the two mixed up like last time.
Love Yaz x
(I've been good, I promise).
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