HOW CAN I MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT DURING THE WINTER?

(NC)-Maintaining a healthy weight during the winter is always a challenge because Canadians tend to spend greater time indoors which often means eating more and moving around less.

But there are ways to enjoy good food during the winter and avoid gaining weight. Here are a few general tips to keep in mind:

• Try to keep your routine as consistent as possible, including eating regular meals around the same time and setting aside some time for exercise. More time inside can contribute to overeating and less physical activity, so be aware of patterns in your routine;
• Try not to skip meals which can lead to lowering your metabolism, resulting in weight gain. Trying to make up for indulgences by skipping meals will also deprive you of the essential nutrients and minerals your body needs for energy;
• Try to limit your portions. Sticking to a handful of each type of food will prevent you from indulging in one that may be too high in carbohydrates or fat. An extra 100 calories a day can lead to a weight gain of 8 unwanted pounds a year;
• When snacking, try to fill up first on low fat options such as fruit and vegetables, which leaves less room for the higher fat options such as desserts, chocolates and rich dips;
• Have healthy snacks readily available at home or to take to work, to avoid filling up on cookies, chips and fast-food lunches. More nutritious options to have on-hand include: a salad, fruit, yogurt and nuts;
• Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol can add significant calories to your day and contribute to unwanted weight gain.

Because our lifestyles change during the winter months, so do our eating habits. Therefore, it is important to ensure your body is still receiving all the essential vitamins and minerals required. If you are worried that you are not always able to consume nutrient dense foods, like fruit and vegetables, consider taking a multivitamin supplement like Centrum as insurance to provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs on a daily basis.

To learn more about vitamins and minerals and healthy lifestyles, visit http://www.centrumvitamins.ca.