Winter can be a tough time especially if you are trying to stick to a new, healthier lifestyle.
Heading to work and coming home in the dark and the cold weather can all mean we are more tempted to stay inside and hibernate than head out, get active and eat healthier foods.
When it’s dark all the time, it can be harder to stay active and is it just us, or does your appetite seem to double too in the colder weather?
Did you know that nearly 50% of all new year resolutions we make are based around eating better or exercising more, but statistics show that only 8% of people stick to their resolutions within the first few weeks of January!
But how can we stay motivated in winter and ensure we keep on track until spring arrives to liven our spirits again?
Keep a Food Diary
A food diary allows you to keep track of everything that you put into your mouth. If you’re looking to keep some balance across your meals, make sure that 1/3 of your plate is carbohydrates, 1/3 is fruits and vegetables, and the other 1/3 is proteins.
By keeping a food diary, you can monitor what you’re eating and when and pick up on where your downfalls might be.
A diary buddy can also help make the journey easier too! Sharing with a friend will prompt you to be more disciplined. You could even go an extra mile and include a calorie counter to help you track your calorie consumption!
Get an Exercise or Diet Buddy
Having an exercise or diet buddy is more exciting than doing it all alone. The trick is to find someone who has comparable goals so that you can start the journey together.
Studies show that working out with a friend makes you push yourself harder and will help to keep each other accountable for doing activity or exercise.
Consider using an exercise tracker to log your daily exercise routine. Instead of an after-work drink with friends, join a dance or yoga class. Before you know it, winter will have come and gone, leaving you feeling good about yourself!
Compare Yourself to YOU
Everyone’s weight loss journey is unique and different so comparing yourself to others is natural but can be very unhelpful.
Instead, find motivation by looking back and appreciating how far you have come. Dig out old photos and see the difference in yourself, there may be things that you’ve not noticed changing about yourself, for the better!
It could be your BMI has decreased, you’re in different sized clothes, or perhaps you’ve found your cheek bones!
Praise yourself for the work you have done already and remember why you started your healthy lifestyle in the first place.
Reward Yourself
Weight loss can be pretty tough both physically and mentally, and you deserve to reward yourself for all of your hard work.
Whilst we don’t encourage you to tuck into a tub of ice cream or bottle of wine, you can set yourself non-edible rewards!
Maybe a spa treatments, or a haircut or perhaps a trip that you’ve always wanted to take.
Set small achievable milestones and celebrate when you achieve them with your unique rewards!
We know that the gloomy winter weather can easily tempt you to remain indoors and have a little too much to eat sometimes. And sometimes, that is exactly what we need to feel a little better.
However, if you find that comforting yourself with unhealthy habits becomes a frequent thing for you and you need a boost in motivation, let The Slimming Clinic give you a hand.
With our wonderful team of weight loss experts and doctors, we are on hand whenever you need us.
If its support, advice or more direct help you need, we can help with it all.