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Many people see the holidays as a time where healthy habits and exercise go to die. It’s no wonder that the number one resolution every New Year is to get back on track with exercise and healthy eating in order to lose the few pounds you might’ve picked up over the holiday season.

Though this seems like a vicious and never ending cycle, it’s actually not your fault. In fact, it’s the body’s natural inclination to put on weight during the winter months. Biologically, when the weather gets cold, humans and animals tend to slow down by eating and sleeping more. This is done to store weight for the winter for two reasons: one, so you won’t starve, and two, so you won’t freeze and in science is known as an acclamatory response.

The body is not aware of indoor heating, winter clothing, or other manmade solutions to the problem of these long, cold months, which is why it’s your job to help it along. Luckily, there is a simple solution to avoid holiday weight gain:

EXCERCISE

   ►  Why You Should Keep Exercising

It’s never easy to jump back on the horse after a setback, especially when it comes to weight loss. Make things easier on yourself by keeping up with your healthy eating habits throughout the toughest time of the year.

This doesn’t mean you have to forego pumpkin pie, turkey, roasts, and a host of other delicious holiday meals, it simply means that you practice self-control, eating in moderation, and of course, regular exercise. Also, working out will make it less likely for you to overeat because you will not want to completely undo the workout and the effort that you put in.

When staying on top of this part of your life, you don’t have to worry about the headache that comes when the holidays are over. Many individuals have found that by keeping up with their exercise routine year-round, they are able to effectively maintain a consistent, healthy weight and avoid the struggle that comes with starting a new diet.

   ►  The Difference Exercise Makes

By simply increasing the amount of exercise you do during the holidays, you can enjoy some home-cooked meals, sweets, and other treats without having to worry about gaining ten pounds or a going up a pant size or two. This can be done with little effort as well.

You can increase your physical activity by going on daily walks, taking the stairs instead of the elevator while shopping, spending time playing sports outdoors, or even practicing low impact exercises like Yoga and Pilates while at home.

These few small changes can help keep the weight down, your body fit, and you feeling great in the midst of all the rich, delicious foods the holidays bring.

When you keep your body in consistent motion, your metabolism will adjust itself to the amount of activity you get on a regular basis. Your metabolism is the main mechanism in charge of regulating weight gain and distribution.

When you have a healthy metabolism, it can help keep you naturally lean and fit. As long as you keep up with your daily or even weekly exercise, you can rest assured that weight gain during the holidays is one less thing to worry about.

   ►  Your Waist Line Will Thank You

Though it is common for the average waist line to expand in the wintertime, you don’t have to let this happen to you. Regular activity is enough to keep your weight in check. With this in mind, you can take the stress out of the holidays in a healthy, effective way.

Before you worry about what foods to give up this holiday season, remember that increasing the amount of exercise you get is enough for you to have your cake and eat it too.

There are many fun ways to get active throughout the fall and winter season,
so grab some friends and family and get active.