Winter Weather
I am not sure where you live, but in the Western New York area, we are gearing up for our first major snow storm of the winter season. The National Weather Service is encouraging everyone to stock up on food and supplies and potentially spend the next 24 to 48 hours indoors.
I may be one of the few that is not looking forward to being cooped up. My reasons have nothing to do with being bored at home, as there is lots to keep me busy, but I am worried about having my workout routine interrupted.
Being Comforted
When the weather is cold and treacherous, do you find yourself heading to your bed to and under your comforter? That is what I do. It is extremely difficult to be productive when it is cold and dreary outside.
I also find that when I am home and feeling cold, it is an excuse to eat comfort food. There is a reason why you see the ads for the higher fat foods during this time. The cooking shows on the Food Network and the Cooking Channel also seem to make the rich foods by reiterating that everyone wants to be comfortable during this time of year.
When exactly did we decide that food was supposed to make us comfortable?
I certainly understand the concept, but it is something that I really try to avoid. It feels as if we are encouraged to eat food that is not necessarily good for us. Is cold weather really a reason for us to eat poorly?
What Can Be Done
If you find yourself eating more in the winter and not feeling encouraged to exercise, try to do some self-assessment and determine why that is. For me, the lack of sunlight during the winter months causes Seasonal Depression. I have developed methods for dealing with this depression, so that it is not consuming my life for the next four (maybe five) months.
Last year’s never-ending winter brought me to some of my lowest moments, but I did not gain a pound. That is because I stuck to my workout routine, ate relatively nutritionally, and did exercises outdoors.
Despite living in Western New York, I don’t particularly enjoy the snow and I don’t know how to ski, but I was able to do other activities outdoors that kept the blood flowing and kept me on track with my nutritional goals.
Like anything, comfort food can be good in small doses. The important thing is not to let the winter weather derail you from your journey to be the healthiest person you can be. Get out there and try to enjoy the winter. I’ll see you outside (with my parka on).
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