Eating healthy and staying in shape can be tough, especially during the cold holiday season. Don’t know about you, but I am a total baby when it comes to the cold. The second the temperature dips below 50 degrees and the leaves begin to fall, I go into hibernation mode.

Between rich foods, holiday parties, and the natural instinct to pack on the blubber, it's no surprise then that even the most disciplined people can see their waistline expand. I’d be a hypocrite if I told you that I don't indulge in some holiday binge eating myself. I’m no stranger to the secret midnight meeting with a pumpkin pie (gluten free of course) - but I am always trying to be my healthiest self. Here are some tips that help me stay fit during the winter months.

1. Exercise Early - Plans always change and the holiday schedule can get hectic. Get your workouts in early so nothing will get in the way. I like to take a 6:30 yoga or spin class to get going. It really makes me feel more awake and energized for the rest of the day.

2. Look For A Holiday Fun Run - There’s always some sort of Santa or Christmas Run that you can sign up for. Having a goal like this will keep you active, so that you’re always working toward something specific.

3. Find Winter Activities You Enjoy - ice skating, skiing, shoveling snow or climbing up the sled hill AGAIN AND AGAIN while pulling your toddler.

4. Keep Moving - Try to avoid sitting for too long. Get up every hour and walk around your office or home. I find joining Fitbit challenges really helps me. (I might be a little competitive.) I also put a treadmill in my living room and walk instead of sit when I’m winding down and watching TV.

5. Get A Membership - Sign up for a membership for whatever indoor activity you like. If you pay for it up front, you’ll be more likely to go. If you want to know where I go, my two favorite places are Providence Power Yoga and Salt Cycle.

6. Grab A Workout Buddy - If you're having a hard time making it to a class or workout, sign up with a friend. Going with a friends always keeps me motivated and accountable.

7. At Home Workouts - Sometimes bad weather can ruin our schedules. But now you can stream so many workout videos from home that there really isn’t an excuse. (Here is one workout app.)

8. Try Something New - There are always some great deals going on. Sign up for a 30-day pass somewhere new. Last winter, I tried rock climbing and found a Groupon for it!

Elizabeth

 About The Author

Elizabeth Stone, MBA is an entrepreneur and business strategist. Her latest project is a Montessori-inspired cook book Pepper and Parsley in the Kitchen. Through her work as the co-founder of BioSci Labs and other start-ups, she has commercialized technology originating from Universities within RI and raised multiple rounds of funding.

*This post has been revised from one that appeared previously on the site.