Find a fun winter sport.
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Explore winter snowy sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or ice-skating, suggests Lawrence Cheskin, MD, founder of the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center. Even a chore like shoveling the snow out of your driveway can burn around 200 calories.
Set motivational plans.
Plan an active spring vacation to get you through the cold winter months, such as a hiking excursion or a road trip to the coast, where you can do all sorts of outdoor activities. Or plan something motivational such as a half marathon, so you'll be forced to start training ASAP.
Choose healthy alternatives.
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It's hard to eat right when you don't have access to fresh fruits and veggies like you do in the summer. But that doesn't mean there aren't delicious alternatives—winter's low-cal gems such as oranges and acorn squash are delicious and filling, according to Cheskin. Try oatmeal and low-calorie soups as well. (Check out these 10 slimming soups that still satisfy.)
Don't stress.
Holidays come with stress—like overspending and hosting in-laws and family members—and in turn, stress comes with stress eating. When it comes to weight loss, stress reduction is extremely important, according to Pam Peeke, MD, MPH, author of The Hunger Fix. Peeke suggests making a plan: Be aware of the stress factors in your life (or ones you deal with during holidays), make note of them, and decide how you will handle them before they get the better of you. (Also keep these 10 guilt-free snacks every stress eater needs on hand.)
Stay entertained inside.
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Not thrilled that there's a foot of snow on the ground? Don't worry; there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy during winter. Take your family and friends bowling. Play with your pup, which helps emotionally, physically, and mentally, according to Marty Becker, DVM. Go to the mall for some retail therapy or simply some window-shopping, and you'll be walking laps without even realizing it.
Load up on zinc.
In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, scientists found that low levels of zinc were associated with a decrease in metabolic rate and less calorie burning. So try a variety of healthy foods full of zinc—you can find it in nuts, whole grains, and a lot of different kinds of fruits and vegetables.
