There’s no excuse for porking up. Stay slim with these hot tips
With the weather cooling down, it’s easy to reach for comfort foods such as creamy pastas and stodgy roasts.
Sydney-based company Eat Fit Food, which helped actor Brandon Routh stay in shape for the made-in-Oz movie Superman Returns, has great ideas for keeping on track with your diet in the winter chill.
“It’s vital you have a nourishing diet and stay away from the typical winter comfort food,” says Eat Fit Food owner Bianca Monley.
“In season this winter are loads of vegies such as baby carrots, leeks, pumpkin, garlic, Asian greens, beetroot, broccoli and silverbeet. These are all great for you and provide essential vitamins and minerals for good health through winter.”
If you think there is no good fruit around in winter, we’ve got news for you.
“Crisp Pink Lady apples, avocados and citrus fruits like oranges, mandarins and lemons are also in season,” Bianca says.
“Winter is the ideal time to make the most of these types of produce, to create delicious and healthy meals that will help you avoid weight gain.”
Eat Fit Food’s top five suggestions for keeping fit during the cooler months …
- Stay hydrated
Spending time inside during winter means more exposure to climate-controlled environments. Dehydration can cause fatigue and it’s easy to confuse thirst for hunger and start snacking. Keep a bottle of water with you and aim to drink eight large glasses a day.
- Embrace exercise
Sure, it’s darker and colder outside, but that doesn’t have to end your exercise routine! Regular exercise will improve your mood and help keep your weight stable. If you don’t have a gym membership, there are always heated indoor pools or simply go for a brisk walk three times a week. Just think how good you’ll look and feel when summer returns.
- Steer clear of hot drinks
There is nothing like a creamy coffee or hot chocolate on a cold winter morning, but that large (480ml) full-cream latte contains 14g of fat and 1130kJ. A small latte (220ml) has half the fat and kilojoules and swap full-cream for skim milk. Another option is black or green tea. Tea has antioxidants and is low in kilojoules.
- Don’t overeat
It’s common to overeat when the weather is cool and combined with a more sedentary lifestyle, it’s easy to put on weight. To avoid overeating later in the day, begin with a high-fibre, balanced brekkie such as porridge with a pear
- Beat fatigue
Winter can leave you feeling lethargic. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegies, at least two and five serves respectively per day. Fruit and veg are low in kilojoules and full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to keep you slim and healthy.
Fit for a king
Try these scrumptious, nutritious meal ideas from the Eat Fit Food winter menu.
Morning meal
Scrambled free-range eggs with smoked salmon and avocado.
Warming winter lunch
Sesame-crusted chicken breast with roast pumpkin and snow peas.
Evening meal
Char-grilled salmon fillet on egg noodles with sesame spinach and lemon.
For more information, go to www.eatfitfood.com.au
