Top 5 Tips to Conquer the Cold

Helpful tips to stay on track with your winter weight management goals…

While winter undoubtedly offers a charm all its own, the colder months can often see motivation and energy levels drop even faster than the temperature. Staying active can feel like a chore when faced with the chilly winds and shorter days, and the temptation to indulge in comfort food surges as other activities take a break until the warmer weather returns.

However, by changing things up just a little, you’ll be thriving, not just surviving, and be well on your way to your winter weight management goals.

1. Change up the routine

The first hurdle to overcome is the lack of enthusiasm for your regular outdoor exercise when the temperature dips or the daylight hours become too short.

Try switching up the routine – if you work 9-5, instead of wasting your precious time queuing up for your lunch down the street, go for a quick walk, then enjoy a pre-prepared lunch (or a tasty meal replacement shake or soup). This will not only get your blood pumping, but also allows you to soak up the limited midday sunshine, energising you for the afternoon and breaking up the long workday. For those who prefer a gym environment, consider joining a group fitness class or testing out a personal trainer. The camaraderie and accountability provided by group classes or a trainer can be a great motivator, and of course they come with a lot of expertise to keep things interesting, effective, and personalised just for you.

2. Combating Comfort Cravings:

Sometimes it doesn’t seem like there’s enough time in the day to do the things we love during winter. That’s when the urge to indulge in comfort food can become overwhelming. However, reaching for sugary delights or unhealthy snacks only provides a temporary mood boost and can sabotage your health goals.

The key lies in understanding the root cause of your cravings. Comfort eating is often triggered by feelings of stress, boredom, or loneliness that are exacerbated by the colder weather and limited social interaction.

Try sticking a list to the fridge with a few alternatives to snacking that are a better way to lift your mood. Then the next time you find yourself reaching for a treat, pause and ask yourself if you’re truly hungry or seeking emotional comfort. If it’s the latter, try one of your alternate activities instead. We suggest things like a quick phone call to a friend to say hello, reading a couple of chapters of your book, or taking a nice warm bath.

3. Embrace the online

If there’s one positive that came out of the pandemic era, it was the explosion of online alternatives to everyday activities. There are countless online exercise programs, both paid and free, for all ages and abilities, from light exercise and joint strengthening, all the way through to a high intensity workout. The best part is, you can do it all right in the comfort of your nice warm living room… get the blood pumping and you might even switch off the heater for a little while and save a few dollars!

4. Healthy Swaps for Winter Snacking

Even with mindful munching, genuine hunger pangs can strike. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious and healthy snack options to keep you satisfied during the cold months. Stock your pantry and fridge with filling and nutritious foods that are going to help fill you up without adding to too much to your daily energy intake.

Soups are a convenient solution, perfect for a cold winter’s day. Homemade is great, but there are also some good store-bought options. The “Dari” range of soups, available in most supermarkets, are an easy option to have on hand. Of course, there’s our range of KicStart meal replacement soups and shakes that are delicious, healthy and convenient. If going the homemade route, you can find some delicious recipe suggestions on our Free Foods page for soups, snacks and more.

5. Stay Connected

Don’t underestimate the importance of social interaction in lifting your mood, overcoming cravings, and flooding your system with all sorts of wonderful chemicals with benefits reaching far beyond weight management.

It can be more difficult when the weather’s not cooperative or there’s not enough daylight hours, but finding time to catch up with family or friends is hugely important and should never be overlooked.

Bonus Tip:

Staying hydrated is crucial, so keep reusable water bottles filled throughout the day to avoid confusing thirst with hunger pangs.

Always Remember…

Winter doesn’t have to be a time for hibernation. A few simple adjustments to your routine can do wonders during the colder months.

Embrace the season as an opportunity to embrace cosy indoor activities, try new recipes, and prioritise self-care. Remember, consistency is key. Start small, celebrate your successes, and focus on making gradual changes that become sustainable habits for the long haul.