Don’t hibernate this winter
by PAUL PEROY
When it comes to exercise, keeping motivated over winter can be difficult.
It’s not always easy to face the elements for the sake of fitness and weight loss. Continual rain, snow or cold weather can be enough to make even the most positive person feel unmotivated.
The good news is that eating well and regular exercise can actually boost your mood. And by boosting your mood, exercise can help get you motivated enough to break through winter hibernation mode and get you into the gym long enough to re-create your body in time for summer.
When you exercise your body releases endorphins. Endorphins work within your body to reduce feelings of pain, control appetite, and produce euphoric feelings. A regular exercise program helps you produce more endorphins, and in turn plenty of good feelings.
Researchers have found that certain foods can also elevate your mood! Some of these happy foods are:
-¢ Foods high in iron keep your energy levels up and help defuse feelings of fatigue and lethargy
-¢ Low G.I. foods increase serotonin levels, keeping blood sugar levels steady and controlling your mood
-¢ Foods high in omega 3 are good for your brain and can lift your mood
-¢ Foods high in B vitamins prevent depression and keep energy levels high
Remember though, food, mood, and exercise will get you results. With a healthy balance of all three, you’ll feel motivated, positive, and successful -” even if there is a thunderstorm raging outside.
So if you want to re-create your body in time for summer or if you need that extra boost for the DIVA Awards and the long-weekend Sleaze Ball in October, the time is now.
We work hard and plan our careers, finances, outings and holidays, but don’t forget the most important thing to plan is you.
info: If you’re hungry for more articles on exercise, diet and weight loss please sign up to our monthly Lifestyle e-newsletter at www.lifestylefit.com.au.
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Did you know? In winter your body naturally burns more calories as it is trying to stay warm. Eating well and regular exercise in winter can boost your mood.
Paul Peroy is a personal trainer for Lifestyle Fitness.
