Winter is usually a season closely linked to hibernating for mammals. This includes hoarding copious amounts of food and guilt-free binging to pack onto those layers of fat that we need in order to help keep warm.
For human beings this often takes the form of stocking up on all those yummy carbs from chips to cakes and hot chocolate while propped up in front of the television binge watching our favourite series. People usually shy away from staying active during the colder months in a bid to keep warm because it takes a lot to brave the dry-ice-cold chill in the air. However there are a few brave men and women who persevere in their efforts toward health and fitness goals but transitioning from winter to summer or spring isn’t always as easy as it seems even though it can be.
Here are some ways you can transition some winter habits, both good and bad into healthful habits for spring.
1. From Soup to Smoothies
Soups are a winter favourite for most people, it’s not only a yummy way to sneak vegetables into our diet, but also something that warms the body from the inside out. As the city starts to heat up, it’s going to be quite challenging to keep having soup for lunch and dinner but smoothies can serve as an alternate solution. Blending together a drink which is actually a meal comprising of fruits and vegetables is not only delicious but also refreshing and very easy to make, so you don’t have to spend ours slaving away at the stove.
2. From doing the least to doing the most
During winter, we tend to slow down quite a bit. Instead of opting for a vigorous intense workout, we tend to go for energy conserving, less draining, gentler and most importantly, activities that are less work! Transitioning from doing absolutely nothing can be made easier by slowly easing into things. This can be achieved by doing the least with activities such as traditional hatha yoga and pilates, and then taking your routine to the next level with power yoga, cardio and high intensity interval training.
3. From hot chocolate to herbal teas and juices
In winter it’s easy to indulge in sweet drinks like hot chocolate, for spring, the healthier option would be to stay hydrated with plain old H2O, refreshing herbal teas that are infused with mint, lemon or watermelon or hop onto the juicing trend.
4. From under the sheets toward the great outdoors
Like a happy bear taking refuge in the heat of the cave, during winter, we cling to our blankets and take refuge in our beds, taking long naps and our sweet time to get out of bed. Now that the warmth of spring is settling in, the sun is shining brighter and the flowers are starting to bloom. The great outdoors are calling and we should all be responding to the call. Taking daily walks, going for regular hikes in our mountainous city, just stepping outside to breathe in the fresh air and appreciate nature can do the mind and body tons of good.
5. From bad carbs to greens and other healthy things
Not all carbs (carbohydrates) are created as equals, unprocessed carbs like brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole fruit and legumes are healthier than refined carbs like white bread, pasties and yes, cue tears and blood curling screams, french fries. Instead of completely cutting out your favourites, rather reduce your intake and get creative by making things like French fries and potato chips using sweet potato and making small changes in your diet like swapping out the bad carbs for the good ones.
How are you transitioning into the new season?
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