Shorter days, grayer skies, lower morale= all signs and symptoms of winter. If you live in the North of anywhere, you experience these things. Sometimes, these things depress us and make us lose the will to be active and motivated. People call it the “winter blues” or “seasonal depression.” Whatever it is, it contributes to weight gain. It’s a winter inevitability. Out of boredom or depression or habit, we eat more during this period because we can’t go outside as often without having to suit up in the necessary winter apparel.
That takes time–putting on the winter gloves, hats, coats, snow suits, etc– time we don’t want to give. Thus, we stay inside, out of the cold and in front of our televisions, computers, books, video games or other stimulating electronics. If not stimulated by some activity, some of us turn to eating, munching or snacking on whatever is available. I know that one of my favorite all-time snacks is goldfish crackers. With the Weight Watcher’s program, measuring calories, dietary fiber and grams of fat, I can have 58 goldfish crackers for 3 points. Sometimes it’s too difficult to count out 58 little fish, so I grab a handful and throw down in front of the television. November and February are “sweeps months” for television, so there will undoubtedly be great shows on. Then, I become lost in my snacking and lost in the great television. Then, I am not losing weight.
Pro tip: Eating in front of the television is not good. Psychologists say that one of the ways you can help yourself lose weight is to eat away from the television in another room, focusing on each bite of food you take. Focus on yourself chewing each bite of food and swallowing it. Picture it going down into your stomach and starting the digestion process. If you focus on each bite, you eat more slowly, thus giving your stomach a chance to let you know it’s full. Psychologically, that seems like good advice. If I’m think about the food I’m eating, and listening to my body telling me I’m full, I’m less likely to eat past my “full point.” Umm…what about if you think you can eat more and you have an addiction to food?
Pro tip: Find something to munch that is healthier. For me, cucumbers are amazing. There are less than 8 calories in one cup of cucumber. Wow! I guess you burn more than 8 calories walking to the fridge, cutting up the cucumber and tossing it in your face. So, I will eat an entire cucumber, sliced, chopped, or straight. It’s easier to eat sliced though…Cha Ching! I feel satisfied and even a little good… because I just ate a vegetable and I feel kind of full now. Sure, goldfish are tasty and salty, but throw a little salt on your cucumber and you have a crunchy salty snack. (I don’t use salt).
Let’s be serious, we eat because it gives us something to do while cooped up inside. Even with all the video games, books, board games and other things to do inside (FitTV for those of us with cable), we still turn to old faithful (food) for stimulation. Winter sports are not so bad. The extra time it takes you to suit up in your winter gear actually helps you burn calories. Then, even a walk in the snow takes more effort; burns more calories. Too cold outside? Jump in your vehicle or public transportation and go to the YMCA or get a cheap gym membership. I love Wii Fit Plus. I’m grateful to have a Nintendo Wii game system. I don’t have to leave the house, but I can do Yoga, Aerobics, stretching, calisthenics, boxing and other games. It keeps track of my calories burnt and weight gain or loss. It tracks my overall activity. How awesome is that?
Go bowling. Many bowling alleys have free bowling time. Go ice skating–same with free skate. And, don’t forget–spring is just around “the corner.” By corner, I mean a few weeks. The days will get longer, the sun will be out occasionally, and people will start to pep up in anticipation. The spring anticipation. Think of what you used to look forward to growing up. In elementary school, spring was time for field trips, and the impending end to the school year. It even smelled better as spring approached. Use fond memories to keep you trucking through winter. Don’t listen to Pucksatawny Phil, either. Winter is long and arduous and it’s going to suck. But, winter inevitability can be avoided. It’s tough to perk up, but don’t substitute happiness with food. Easier said than done, but take some of these suggestions to heart and using your time for these things will burn calories and “inevitably” lend to your weight loss.
Turkey Sausage Omelets for 2
- half-pound of turkey sausage, crumbled
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 c. 1 % milk
- one chopped green pepper
- 1/4 c. chopped yellow onion
- 1 c. cheddar cheese
- 1 T. Old Bay Seasoning
- pinch of Salt and Pepper if necessary
- Optional: Any other vegetables you might like with your omelet like tomatoes, cucumbers, red peppers
*Chop your vegetables and grate your cheese in advance.
Sprinkle olive oil around the bottom of a saucepan or skillet and crumble turkey sausage inside saucepan to brown. Watch very closely, as this sausage is lean and will cook quickly. Do not let it burn. Drain turkey sausage on several paper towels. In separate bowl, mix eggs and milk with a whisk. Pour egg mixture into heated skillet over medium heat. Let the eggs cover the bottom of the skillet and cook for about two minutes. When the edges start to brown, lift with spatula, but make sure some eggs still run over the top. Put in turkey sausage, cheese, onions, peppers, and sprinkle Old Bay Seasoning over all. With spatula, fold one half of omelet over the filling. Let heat and cook for two or three minutes. Only fill the omelet so that it’s not overflowing. Make sure omelet folds completely in half and cheese starts to seal the edges. Season the outside of the omelet with Old Bay or salt and pepper to taste. When the outside of the omelet is slightly brown or dark yellow, serve it onto a plate and enjoy! Watch closely as eggs will cook quickly if the skillet is preheated properly! Spread ingredients out for two omelets.
