CHP Magazines Winter 2019 #15 | Page 32

Slendier’s Tips on surviving the winter chill Winter is officially here – the days are shorter, it’s colder outside and the change in season often comes a lack in motivation too. A Good Food Day simply means you’ve made good choices with your meals and snacks – you’ve started the day with an egg instead of a waffle, swapped your wheat pasta for a Slendier alternative or swapped your wine for a sparkling mineral water with lemon. It’s easy to hide away and hibernate during the winter months but we’ve got some tips and tricks to ensure you stay fit and healthy despite the drop in temperature. 3. Any exercise helps Park the car a bit further from the supermarket. Catch up with a friend for a walk after work or book into that gym class you’ve been meaning to try! Whatever you have to do, just keep moving. Some exercise during the day will mean you don’t feel guilty when you snuggle up on the couch in front of the TV at night time. Here are a few simple tips to get you through to spring. 1. Set goals Winter is only (officially) three months long. Map out your exercise routine for June to August so it’s nice and clear what you want to achieve. Print out your plan and stick it on the fridge so you can refer to it daily. Make sure what you include is achievable – perhaps include a few more indoor activities like yoga and Pilates – and remember it doesn’t have to require a big commitment each day. Some days a 15-minute stretch session is all you might need. 2. Celebrate a ‘Good Food Day’ Pat yourself on the back for every ‘Good Food Day’ you get under your belt. Some people are able to live the majority of their days as Good Food Days, and others find they can manage maybe two. Both are fine, but don’t forget to pat yourself on the back. 32 Complete Health A little exercise is better than none at all – move whenever and however you can. 4. Meal prep Preparing healthy, nutritious meals is key. Cook up big batches of soup, stew and curry and freeze them in meal-sized portions. That way, it’s quick and easy to prepare a delicious dinner when you get home from a day at work and less tempting to order takeaway. Keep your healthy leftovers for lunch. 5. Focus on healthy options, not just what you should be avoiding Eggs, vegetables and small amounts of fruit are all good choices. Crudités with salsa, for example, are delicious so snack on something like this rather than the sugary treats that are possibly filling up your pantry. 6. Do your grocery shop on a full stomach Strolling through the supermarket on a full stomach will help you select healthier foods and not fill your trolley with processed, sugary options. Make sure you take a list and try to stick to it. Don’t forget to stock up on Slendier in the health food aisle!