Yes the winter season that had its usual late entry in Pakistan, after lasting more than expected is finally taking its adieu, only to return back again down the year lane. It’s like that long awaited guest, who comes real late, and always leave early just to make his presence counted. But our season guest, winter has just a bit of more to his usualness. This guest is used to of coming with a lot of baggage (flus and chilly breeze), expects a warm welcome (preparations), and leaves with the same heavy bagging and post party mess. Confused what are we referring to as party mess? The cold weather can easily interrupt our workout routine all thanks to long staying in comforters and heavy blankets and shying away from sweat. Plus everyone wants that extra bite of mac and cheese, not to mention the mood roller coaster that can lead to overeating.
Admit it, for a moment you thought you had this new excuse for that hanging belly of yours. Well guess what, no it is not the weather for most of us. Not taking away the fact that a number of us may develop seasonal affective disorder, which can be due to clinical depressions as well leading to overeating. But have you ever thought why can’t you low-eat for the same depression when you are over eating.
Well for the remaining belly lot, winter weight is largely due to reduced exercises and skipping of gym. Research studies show that the ‘hibernation theory’ of winter overeating does not hold up for the vast majority of us who do not have seasonal affective disorder. While we might not have been prepared for the most part of the season, here are some last minutes remedies that can to some extent save the day.
- There are no excuses for exercise
Save the day by setting up a schedule, one that will help you steer your way through no matter how cruel the weather becomes. Believe us, this will be the key to your fighting off of winter. Start by doing simple follow ups, like rising and going to the track seven o’clock. An intense session will have your heart pumping and blood rushing keeping your body warm and your health in perfect form.
- Parties are for hanging out
Guess what – that one party invite you have received, that one mail hangout that is about to happen on weekend, or the bonfire you were so eagerly waiting for – it’s for hanging out and not for eating and dinning only. Remember fruits and vegetables are the real source for carbohydrates and not soft and brownies. Use high-fiber fruits and vegetables to fill up before a party. Date with baby carrots, big salads, even fruits and probably then a glass of cola. There is a lot of difference between dining at your home and dining out. Some studies say it is more than 40% calories that find way in our body when we dine out. Reason I guess is clear to all. How many courses can one expect at home, let’s say probably half a dozen. When it comes to dining out, the options on offer are way more than at home.
- Say no to Cola
Enough of those juices and soft drinks. Every single one of them is loaded with calories. We all know how much of juices and soft drinks are there on offer. You simply have to learn to ignore them or move your head the other way. Here is a trick that can help you even with your juices and soda consumption. Feel the urge? Have a glass of water and then proceed. This will help you with diluting of calories and hence some bit of less health disadvantage.
- Damage Control
Damage control is always good. To the least, you have that one last resort to look for once you have completely out thrown your diet. Let’s control the rage by some simple actions. This is not like saving you off from falling off the wagon but can make up by reducing calories. Take a brisk walk on your lunch break and after dinner. At work, use stairs rather than the elevator.
- Remember to have fun
The main reason you’re at a party is to see people and celebrate, not to eat a lot of high-calorie foods. So be aware of why you’re there and make that your focus.