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Cristy “Code Red ” Nickel
Instagram: @cristycodered | coderedlifestyle.com
As you prepare yourself for the short days and the long, cold nights, you want to be ready. Too often, I hear people complaining in the spring about the weight they put on in the winter. Save yourself the trouble and take care of your mind and body this winter by implementing these simple steps. You can do it! In addition to drinking a gallon of water every day and getting a good seven hours of sleep every night, here are a few strategies:
1. Carb-free comfort
If you’re like most people, uncomfortable weather calls for comforting food, right? No sweat! You can still have comfort food, just swap out the potatoes and pasta with vegetables:
• Mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes.
• Baked cauliflower instead of baked ziti.
• Zucchini noodles instead of wheat pasta.
• Sliced eggplant in your lasagna instead of noodles.
Trust me: enough seasoning and garlic, and you won’t miss the carbs.
2. Find a tea
Have you been into a tea shop lately? There are thousands of options to choose from! Instead of that caramel mochaccino or hot chocolate, try one of the countless artisan teas available on the market these days. There’s so much flavor in herbal teas, you won’t need the empty calories that most hot beverages are packed with.
3. Get out of the house
If you sit around the house, you’re going to want to raid the fridge; it’s just how we are. Don’t sit at home with nothing to do. Here are some ideas:
• Hit the spa.
• Check out a museum.
• Try a new class.
• Go ice-skating.
• Go to yoga or SoulCycle.
Do whatever you have to do, but make it an experience, and don’t go out hungry!
4. Hygge
What, Cristy? It’s pronounced “hyoo-guh,” and it’s the Danish art of being cozy. When the cold nights roll in, here’s what you do: Get in some comfy clothes, make a cup of coffee or tea, light some candles and curl up with a good book. If you’re relaxed, you’re less likely to eat out of boredom or anxiety. Make yourself comfortable this winter without junk food! Avoid the sugar and simple carbs. Sit back and relax; you’ll never gain those winter pounds.
Cristy “Code Red” Nickel is the author of The Code Red Revolution, which details her seven simple rules for losing all the weight you want without pills and diet foods. She is also a speaker and celebrity nutritionist. Since 1994, she has helped thousands lose weight by eating real food.
