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 When it's rainy, windy and cold, the last thing you want to do is go outside for a walk...
This combined with evenings of comfort food on the couch often lead to unwanted winter weight gain. Here’s how to get through winter without gaining unwanted pounds.
1: Choose Healthier Comfort Foods
Many of the traditional winter comfort foods that we enjoy in the cooler weather are high in fat and energy. However, the good news is that many of these can be made healthier.
 LasagneTraditionally a high fat dish, make it healthier by using lean beef or chicken mince. Reduce the cheese in the sauce, and flavour with Parmesan cheese which has a stronger flavour. The Traditional Roast These two steps will make your roast much healthier. Roast your meat on a rack, so the fat drips to the bottom. Roast your vegetables in a separate dish and instead of roasting in the meat fat, spray with a little olive oil fat. Creamy Pasta Dishes Replace high fat cream for light evaporated milk. You’ll dramatically reduce fat content, but still get the same great creamy taste. Other Low fat comfort food options also include vegetable soups and casseroles made with lean meat. .jpg) 2: ExerciseOK, so when it’s wet, outdoor activities are out of the picture for most of us. But there is plenty you can do indoors to ensure to push play for at least 30 minutes a day. Skipping It is probably a better activity for the garage, or a room where you won’t hit anyone with your rope. Skipping is one of the best exercises to get fit. Because it is high intensity, start off slow and build your time up as you get fitter.
 SwimmingVisit your local indoor pool for an all over body workout. Swimming works your legs, stomach, arm and back muscles so is a perfect exercise to keep you fit and healthy. Workout DVDs Check out your local bookstore, Fishpond, or Trade Me for a DVD to suit your preference. Whether you want kickboxing, hip hop or Pilates, there is a DVD for you. Much cheaper than a gym membership plus you can workout whenever you feel like it! 3: Watch portion sizes Our appetites can increase during the cooler months, so be sure to watch your portion sizes. Remember that your meat portion should be no larger than the size of your palm, and carbohydrate portions the size of your fist. But you are free to load up on vegetables! Follow these three steps and avoid too many “treat” foods over winter and you’ll come into summer feeling and looking great! Nicola Graham, Nutritionist Love keeping fit and active? A career in the New Zealand Army could be just the thing for you! Army life is a lot different to what you probably think it is – say hello to being paid to keep in shape, work in a job you love, travel and keep your social life! Click here to find out more…
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