6 healthy ways to shed weight during winter

Follow these tips to lose those extra kilos and kick start the new year

Winter can be the season where many of us can put up some extra weight. It's also easier to stay in a rug up when it's cold outside, rather than find motivation to work out like in spring and summer.

As temperatures drop, we also feel more hungry and can often be tempted to eat food high in carbs. Combine sweating less, less outdoor activities and eating more than usual to equal piling more calories than we burn, thus backfiring a healthy body weight regime.

Fret not. Weight loss can be challenging during the winter months but not impossible. As compiled by Pinkvilla, Here are some ways to lose unwanted kilos and kick start the new year in an energetic and healthy way.

Ditch the processed foods

PHOTO: FILE

During winter we often feel lazy and naturally crave for fatty foods. Skip the processed food items, packaged food items that are loaded with extra sodium and preservative and opt for fresh winter fruits and vegetables instead. Try slow cooking winter vegetables such as eggplant, pumpkin, zucchini in a pot for a warm, healthy and tasty winter dish or make a filling pumpkin soup.

Herbal tea over hot chocolate 

PHOTO: FILE

It is easy to get dehydrated during winter due to drinking less water than what we normally would. Being thirsty can often get confused with hunger, so make sure to stay hydrated all the time for a faster metabolism to keep that extra weight at bay. If you can't drink cool water, try herbal teas instead of hot chocolate. Think green tea, black tea, chamomile tea and oolong tea for re hydration and warmth. This can also help curb unwanted cravings.

Eat low-calorie soups before main meals

PHOTO: FILE

Eating a low-calorie soup before a meal will stop you from overeating during main meal, according to a Penn State University study. Overeating leads to more calories piling up in our system which are not burned as easily by exercise and sweating. The research showed that participants who ate soup before lunch reduced their total calorie intake by around 20 percent in comparison to those who didn't consume soup. Opt for easy, low-calorie soups or broths before lunch and dinner.

5 fat-burning vitamins and minerals to help boost weight loss

Protein-rich food items for the win

PHOTO: FILE

Include more protein in your winter diet as it helps to boost metabolism, keep us fuller for longer and also regulates blood sugar levels.  Good fats in the body is also essential for the body to absorb the ideal amount of nutrients. Think eggs, salmon, spinach and walnuts.

Good fats to shed the fat

PHOTO: FILE

Make sure you incorporate monounsaturated, polyunsaturated based fats in your diet. This can be found in foods such as olives, almonds, avocados, walnuts, flax seeds, hemp seeds, grass-fed butter, and unrefined coconut oil, among others.

Indoor exercise and a sound sleep 

PHOTO: FILE

Aside from these diet tips, make sure you take out some time for an indoor workout.  Dedicate 20-30 minutes of your day for a rigorous session of yoga, dance, or pilates. One should have sound sleep during winters as it helps to keep mood stable and will stop you from unwanted midnight snacking and next day cravings.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.