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By Marc Grabisch

With snow upon us, the holiday feasts behind us and New Year’s resolutions in front of us, we should take this time to reflect upon the habits that led us to where we are.  At the top of most people’s lists for the New Year is to make more healthful lifestyle changes such as starting a weight loss program or renewing a commitment to previous healthy habits such as an exercise program.  While it is good to make the realization that more healthful choices should be made, with that realization should come a consideration of why it is that we may end up in the same position making the same resolutions year after year.

I would suggest that to a certain extent, our behaviors during this time of year mimic those of other more fortunate mammals who by nature need to engorge themselves with food to then have adequate stores of energy to last either a winter hibernation or food shortage.  I say “more fortunate” because who does not like to have a valid excuse for indulging in the great abundance of delicious food calling out to us during holiday meals?  They are more fortunate; however, because they get to do so instinctually knowing they will eventually burn off this stored energy to maintain their body heat and bodily functions during a long cold period of inactivity or inadequate food supply.  We on the other hand, with our artificially warm, cozy environments and abundant food supply just continue the storing process without the energy burning process.  Even though it may feel like we are hibernating by staying inside bundled in warm clothes, with a warm drink in front of the fireplace watching the snow fall outside, this environment is far from the energy burning conditions of these other mammals.   

            So, what can we do to prevent this unnatural cyclical behavior each winter?  For starters, we can stick to our guns during the spring from the resolutions we make in the desperation of winter.  More important however, is to recognize the cycle and be aware of it through the fall.  Most of us adhere to our exercise routines during the warm summer months by enjoying outdoor activity or indoor activity with the refreshing air conditioning.  But, we use the cold snowy weather as an excuse to hibernate, in essence, through the winter.  By commencing or continuing an indoor routine through the fall, you are much more likely to be able to maintain that routine through the winter.  It is also a good time to start a training program for some outdoor activities available during the winter months such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and even snow shoveling.  The winter in Rochester can be beautiful with the abundance of snow, evergreen trees, parks and trails.  Being able to participate in outdoor activities and even indoor programs can provide more excitement, energy and enthusiasm to offset the seasonal affective disorder you may experience during the cold, short winter days.

             Also, you should use the resources of the Center to help keep you going.  Talk to our staff about how you can develop a program for the winter activities mentioned above or even how to develop a home based program for those days you cannot make it to the Center.  If you are lacking enthusiasm, try new fitness classes to keep you excited or even talk to a staff member about how to change your current program to keep you more motivated.  Set small goals that you can feel good about accomplishing over a short period and use a big goal as an end product of these smaller goals.  Reward yourself for achieving the goals you set for yourself.

If the issues discussed here are not a problem for you, share your knowledge or enthusiasm with others to help them.  A great way to stay committed is to find a buddy that you can share these activities with and help each other stay motivated through the winter.  Register for a nutrition class to find the best ways to avoid bad food choices and develop healthy cooking and eating habits.  A great way to keep off some of the extra winter pounds is to curb your eating during holiday meals by drinking water or tea before the meal so that your stomach feels fuller before you even start eating, thus making it less likely that you will over indulge while eating.  Another tip would be to have more healthful snacks spaced out during the day so you are not as hungry or likely to over eat during that big meal.  Maria Justice, our nutrition expert, covers this and many more great tips for healthful eating habits. 

Though the holiday season is a time to enjoy experiences, largely at the dinner table, with your friends and family through a reprieve from your normal routine, developing more healthful habits will go a long way in keeping you happy in the long term after the holidays are over.  So please use this time not as an excuse for indulging in food and inactivity but rather as a source of motivation to indulge in healthful choices that will lead to a more active, more fulfilled and more rewarding lifestyle. 

…Oh, and one more thing, you will be able to cross this off your resolution list for next year!