For me, winter means hibernation, comfy clothes and comfort food! It's cold and the days are shorter, putting a drain on our drive and energy. This can easily translate to putting on some extra pounds during winter, but it doesn't have to. Instead, look to your diet as a way to create more energy to counter the typical winter weight gain. Here are my top tips for getting more energy during the winter months.

Always Eat Breakfast

My first tip is to eat breakfast. Of course this is nothing new, but it helps to reiterate how important breakfast really is. Overnight is basically a long fast, and your body is running on fumes when you wake up, therefore it’s important to get fuel first thing in the morning, ideally between 60 and 90 minutes of waking up. And if you're not typically a breakfast person, try getting in a granola bar at least, or drink your breakfast in the form of milk or smoothie.

Avoid Those Sweets

Be careful with your sweet tooth. Many of the winter calories are due to the high intake of sugar during the holidays. These calories add up super fast. Instead of reaching for the cookies though, aim for fruit instead. Although it might not seem like it would fulfill a craving, it can really help. Focus on how it makes you feel afterwards too, which can be a great motivator. Keep fruit handy and in your line of sight. Those who display their fruit actually eat more of it. Here are healthy work snacks to consider!

Try a 10 Minute Workout

Give it 10 before you act. Although working out might seem like the very last thing you want to do on a cold winter night, working out can actually bring you lots of energy to start or finish your day. Just give it 10 minutes to start, and if you feel like quitting after 10 minutes allow yourself that. It's likely though that you will start to feel good after the heart starts pumping, and you will go on to get a good workout in.

Drink More Water

Drink more water! Dehydration is often confused as fatigue. Dehydration reduces blood flow to your organs, leaving you sluggish. Plus being indoors in dry air all day doesn't help the situation. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, more if you are working out. Hot herbal tea is an enjoyable way to get some fluids in during those cold days and nights also.

When the weather has you drained of energy this winter, just remember a few of these helpful tips to get you out of your rut. You will be glad you did!

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