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Winter proves to be the most challenging time of the year when it comes to staying healthy and fit. As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, we find ourselves easing up on our commitments. We would rather be covered in blankets than covered in sweat; we would rather be heating up carbs than burning up calories. So how do we combat and counter our slacking and prevent post-winter aftershock?<\/p>\n
The first step in being healthy starts with a good, balanced diet. But if you find yourself with an excessive craving for carbs and fatty foods during the winter months, don\u2019t be alarmed. Many of us have had to deal with that extra little layer of fat around our bellies come September because of our increased appetites in winter. Craving carbohydrates like pastas and pastries is normal during winter. However, you can satisfy your cravings in a healthy way. The second step is to continue exercising, even, no \u2013 especially \u2013 when you don\u2019t feel like it. Here are 5 easy things you can do to remain healthy and fit during winter:<\/p>\n
\u201cGood carbs\u201d as we know \u2019em are high in fibre and takes longer to digest. Because of this, you feel fuller for longer \u2013 and this is excellent for weight control. Instead of stuffing your face with oh-so-delicious and delectable chocolate doughnuts, rather try some low-carb chocolate zucchini brownies.<\/p>\n
The winter cold prompts us to hot drinks like delicious teas, coffees and hot chocolate, and we may shiver at the thought of drinking 8 glasses of pure water a day. Though there\u2019s absolutely nothing wrong with indulging in some warm liquid love, you shouldn\u2019t neglect your 100% water intake. Water not only regulates our body temperature, but it helps with detoxifying our bodies and transporting nutrients and oxygen.<\/p>\n
If you have to drive 45 minutes to get to the gym every day, chances are that you\u2019ll more often than not feel \u201cvery tired\u201d or you might just find that there\u2019s a whole load of washing that you \u201cforgot\u201d to do . . . Rather find a club that\u2019s convenient for you. Check your membership and consider upgrading to superclub which allows you to attend any of the clubs near you. This definitely makes popping out to exercise so much easier and eliminates all other excuses!<\/p>\n
Many of us give winter mornings the cold shoulder, especially when it means getting up to exercise. Ivana Buchanan, group training specialist of Zone Fitness, recommends exercising later in the day. Exercising in the late afternoon doesn\u2019t just beat getting up early, but it has been proven to combat fatigue and to help improve sleeping patterns. Rather than completely staying away, consider going to the gym after work as opposed to early in the morning. Perhaps even try a simple and short workout at your gym, such as a CoreBurn class, a training class exclusive to Zone Fitness. This is a functional training class that aims to enhance your endurance, posture and muscle strength and all this is done in only 30 minutes. It\u2019s the perfect workout for when you\u2019re in a rush to get back under the covers.<\/p>\n
Finding a gym buddy will do wonders for your level of commitment. You\u2019ll be able to encourage and motivate each other to keep going. Find someone who is available the times that you have open and who are more or less into the same kinds of exercises that you are into. You can even include a fun aspect to your accountability: the one who bails has to pay a penalty in the form of money, coffee or 50 extra push-ups!<\/p>\n
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