Each season can pose challenges—especially the winter months. As the temperature drops and the weather changes, it can cause us to crave high-calorie comfort foods and can impact our outdoor activity and motivation to exercise. This can cause us to burn less calories and increase our calorie intake potentially causing unwanted weight gain. In addition, the winter holidays can add challenges to our health goals. It seems like each year the holidays begin earlier and earlier, and many food-related gatherings begin as early as October—thus making it more difficult to continue to turn down those temptation foods during celebrations. Keep in mind during the holiday season you don’t have to be perfect! It is important to still enjoy the holidays and the end of the year celebrations, while staying mindful of personal health and wellness goals. Below are a few tips to review as you set manageable goals through the winter months:

1. Plan ahead to avoid overeating at gatherings

2. Move your physical-activity routine indoors

3. Turn celebrations or gatherings into movement

4. Practice mindful eating

5. Limit liquid calories

6. Track calories or foods that you say “no” to or limit to small quantities

7. Don’t put off your exercise goals until the spring

8. Stay consistent with sleep

9. Modify recipes with healthier ingredient swaps

10. Manage stress by saying no

Join OSU Health Coaches Bonnie and Jessica for the four-week Group Health Coaching series “Avoiding Winter Weight Gain” starting on November 24 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will discuss ways to navigate winter barriers to overcome and avoid the seasonal weight gain as well as take a more in-depth look at some of these tips and more. Click here to sign up today.

Explore Additional Weight Management Resources. The OSU Health Plan (OSUHP) is here to help you improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Weight management resources are available on the OSUHP website that will help you improve your overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Learn what weight management is, gain an overview of how to calculate your body mass index, learn the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, have the ability to connect with the OSUHP Wellness Team, and more. View resources here.

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