Monday, November 10, 2008

Lose your Tummy - How to stay in Shape this Fall/Winter

By Teresa Brown

Autumn is a beautiful season that comes with the cool nip in the air that reminds us of the long winter that is to come. Unfortunately fall usually finds us being less active and being more of a homebody, which can do more harm than good especially if you are on a mission to lose your tummy. Here are some health tips to get the most out of autumn and keep you motivated to losing the baby fat.

1. Trick or Treat

When summer turns to fall our local fruit and vegetable selection become sparse. The harvest calendar brings to the table sweet potatoes and other starchy veggies keeping us properly fed during the winter. Instead of piling on the mash potatoes due to the lack of fresh garden salads try some soups! The trick with Turkey Noodle, Minestrone or any hearty soup is that they contain all the nutrients, proteins and fats we need in one warm meal. Cook a big pot at the start of the week and enjoy the treat of a quick and healthy fall dinner that helps with losing your tummy.

2. Fall TV

We all look forward to the new fall line-up on the major TV networks and sooner or later we end up hooked on a new series or "picking up" from the last season with an old one. Put your "must-see" TV to use by working out as you watch your favorite show or sitcom. It's a smart and fun way to lose your tummy. The time zooms by and before you know it, you have burned calories and didn't even notice.

3. Fall and Winter Activities

Be a sport and get outside and burn the baby fat this fall and winter to lose your tummy. Hiking in the fall has its advantages one of them being the crisp air, the beautiful foliage and it gets your muscles burning fat. Snow shoeing in the winter also gets your heart rate up to burn the baby fat and keep your cheeks rosy. Ice-skating with the family can also brighten up those winter days with some fun and exercise.

4. Join a Fitness class

Community Centers are the perfect place to perk up your fitness routine and get you out of the house for a fun hour of exercise. Finding and exploring the many different types of fitness classes will peak your interest and keep up the momentum to lose your tummy going strong. New mothers can feel better in body and mind by taking a Post natal Yoga or Pilates class where they can rejuvenate and tone their post pregnancy bodies.

Autumn is the prefect season to renew your commitment to lose your tummy and find yourself again. Spice up your meals with healthy fall recipes that will nourish your body and help you lose the pregnancy weight. Make use of being indoors with a workout with the TV or go outdoors and soak up the beauty of autumn with a bike ride or brisk walk with the baby in the park. Healthy living is a way of life not just a diet or a dress size. Keep these tips in mind and enjoy life. - 16463

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