In winter, the deck is stacked against the average person trying to lose weight. In many areas, winter means less outdoor activity, and the cold weather is not an incentive to drive to the gym. There are also the Christmas holidays that give free license for over indulgence. People stay inside and eat more.
The latest fad diet is not the answer either, which often causes more harm than good. Common sense and a few changes to lifestyle are the answer to losing weight.
Resetting the Body
First, there are a few physiological issues to look at with regards to weight gain. In the winter it is common for the thyroid gland to be underactive. The thyroid controls among other things, the metabolism. Weight gain can sometimes be linked to hypothyroidism. Start with the Basal Metabolic Temperature test to make sure it is functioning okay. Often in winter a supplement of folic acid, kelp, and Omega 3s will be required to help the thyroid.
Hours of sunshine also affect weight gain. Carbohydrate craving due to lowered serotonin levels can be triggered by Seasonal Affected Disorder (S.A.D.).
Candida is a form of yeast that feasts on simple carbohydrates. One of the many side effects is increased weight gain due to water retention. Consider starting off the spring with a candida cleanse. Not only will it rapidly shed pounds, but the body will have more energy to pursue a fitness regime. Doing a 4 day Fast can also help reset the body in the spring and detoxify a sluggish system.
Foods to Avoid
Of course avoiding simple carbohydrates and fatty foods goes without question, but there are other foods that can impact the waistline.
Pop drinks have to be one of the biggest causes of obesity; eliminate them. Even diet drinks have negative effects on the body.
Eliminate raw cabbage from the diet. Foods like coleslaw are a goitrogen and slow down thyroid function.
Sodium causes water retention, and potassium eliminates water. Although sodium is needed by the body, make sure it is not factoring too highly in the diet. Offset sodium by potassium rich foods such as bananas, cheese, potatoes. Do not go to extremes and find common sense balance in the diet.
Avoid processed and fast foods. Make a habit of cooking foods that will give leftovers that will provide quick lunches and suppers when time is limited.
Water is very important to normal body functioning, but be careful of the source. Fluoride does interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid so a filtered source might be better.
Do not go on a starvation diet as this will lower metabolism and actually cause weight gain.
Include Fiber
A diet high in fiber will help the system clear itself better. Consider eating berries, pineapple, papaya after meals to help with digestion and bowel clearing. Include chia seeds in the diet.
Apple cider vinegar and horseradish are both dietary ways of reducing weight. As with everything use them in moderation.
Replace junk food in the house with healthy snacks such as fruits and raw veggies. Eliminate the temptations.
Instead of getting a gym membership right away, start by doing some mild exercise at home first. Find something that is easy to maintain and can be stepped up as momentum is gained. Make a point of turning off the TV and going for a walk everyday.
Most importantly, learn self acceptance. Yes it is nice to have a toned body but it only if it is part of a balanced healthy life. Remove the judgment of succeed/fail from the equation.
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