How to stay healthy in winter

Cold weather, increased exposure to viruses, and winter eating habits can result in illness, time off work and weight gain.
So how do you include some winter friendly options during the cold weather and maintain your health, when all you feel like doing is hibernating?
Being a devoted exerciser for most of my life, I believe in restructuring my eating and exercise routine according to the seasons.
• Keep active indoors or outdoors: Early morning darkness and cold maybe all it takes to stop you from your regular exercise during the colder weather. With a little planning and lateral thinking, you can adjust your training to maintain your fitness and health over the winter months. If you usually run or walk outdoors, then give a try on a treadmill or a set of stairs. There is a smorgasbord of indoor group exercise classes at your gym or offered by your local city council.
• Have a back-up plan: When it’s cold, dark and wet outside, a plan b is essential for keeping you on track. A back up plan provides flexibility. If morning doesn’t work for exercise, then try lunchtimes or evenings. Keeping pre-prepared meals in the freezer and healthy snacks in your desk drawer can assist you when you are running short on time.
• Avoid dehydration: Cold air can be very drying, which means it can dehydrate the body. Keep drinking during and after exercise as well as throughout the day.
• Enjoy healthy warm foods: Overeating and an increase in comfort foods can easily lead to weight gain during colder months. Look for inspiriting in your favourite cook books for some healthy low fat meal options. Starting your day with ½ cup of oats with skim milk mixed with a sprinkle of nuts and grated apple will keep you going for hours.
• Get support: Staying on track is easier when you communicate to the others about what you are up to. This may also be a perfect time to enlist the experience of a Personal Trainer to hold you accountable. Consider getting a buddy to train and share the experience with.
If you are usually prone to a yearly dose of sickness, then think about getting a flu jab. It is essential to put together an eating plan and exercise routine that suits your lifestyle to greatly enhance your chances of good health over the winter months.
Enjoy fitness, enjoy life.
Chris Bakens
© Healthy Executives 2009