Staying active during the winter months can sometimes be difficult for families. Winter seasons are usually welcome mats to staying warm inside and watching a lot of television. During this time people usually gain between 5 to 10 pounds over the winter season – because their activities usually decrease. It is proven facts that if you stay active for at least 1-2 hours a day, eat healthier foods and leaner meats you won’t gain but a few pounds. Check out tips that are guaranteed to keep the pounds off for the whole family.

Winter activities for the outdoors that will keep the family active are skiing, sledding, ice skating, tobogganing, and snowball fights. All of these activities make winter pass time worthwhile for all families. After all, who doesn’t like a good snowball fight? And not to mention they allow families to shed major pounds while having a lot of fun.

Winter activities for the indoors are a little more creative and require families to really work together. Some activities can include turning on the radio and getting those bodies moving. Other activities can include board games, card games, and video games. My favorite is cleaning the house with a twist. You can add music or a special move while cleaning which would increase your calorie loss. You can let everyone know that whoever cleans the fastest will be rewarded with an item or experience of choice. (Laser tag, a book/magazine, or even a point which can be combined for a later choice)

Eating habits during the winter season can be a little tricky so you have to be creative. Prepare healthy snacks and less dessert. Encourage the whole family to take advantage of staying active during the winter season. Be creative by putting up themes for the week for each indoor or outdoor winter activity. Also, let your daughter come up with the fruit or vegetable of choice each day to encourage her involvement. And while you are encouraging healthy food choices try a few sugar free items such as sugar free coco; sugar free syrup; sugar free candy and sugar free cakes and pies.

So embrace the winter season as a good time to focus on opportunities for fitness and health. The winter season can also be looked at as a great opportunity for families to bond. Enjoy your winter season and enjoy the opportunity to be creative as a family.

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