Fun and Fitness: From turkey to Twix
After Thanksgiving we got Halloween on the reserve. It's almost time for little Oh Henry bars and Kit Kat breaks. Moving right along, Christmas is just around the corner. Just to add insult to injury, it's almost wintertime, which leaves many of us playing video games and lounging around more then we would normally like. We're all doomed.
People usually have small seasonal fluctuations in weight, but not major amounts. Although it's difficult to estimate, this may translate to about a three to four pound increase on average. Physical activity helps control weight gain and the majority of people are less physically active during winter, particularly we poor chaps here in the North Pole. Simply, weight gain is about energy in and energy out. We take in energy with our diet and expend energy through physical activity. Physical activity and diet should balance each other out; an imbalance can result in weight gain. So how can you prevent the pounds from packing on?
Look at how to build more activity into your winter days. Take small opportunities to increase physical activity; get into purposely making active choices such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or taking a walk around the office instead of emailing people. Or try one of my personal favorites; play your little nephew in a backyard game of one-on-one soccer. Be sure to beat him at least 15-0 and show no mercy, only tuff love. Right before he gets really upset and bursts into tears, quit and call it a workout.
The key is getting into the habit of being active without really knowing it. It's not about doing anything drastic; it's about adopting a mentality of simple steps. It only takes effort until it becomes habitual.