Nutrition and Weight Loss Ideas

Nutrition, Weight Loss and Working Out

Yesterday we talked about how to get your walking done inside if the weather is against your getting outside. As an important part of your nutrition and weight loss program, it is vital that you get in some form of exercise as often as you can. I believe that ideally it should be done every day — but at the very least, 3 or 4 days every week.

Today let’s take our walk outside — and since it’s still early spring and it’s likely not to be deliciously warm in every part of the country — let’s focus on walking when it’s cool — or even cold.

Even though walking in cold temps can be a bit of an adventure, it can be done if you prepare for it. If you take the right steps and dress properly from head to toe you will find a new peacefulness to walks in the colder temps. One thing is for sure, you won’t have to worry about too many people to get in your way. Even the neighborhood dogs are reluctant to be out barking at you.

One reminder — when you’re walking, especially in the cold, be sure that you take a friend with you. You should do that anyway, regardless of the weather because if you have company while you walk you will stay motivated, you’ll tend to walk further and more often, and you’ll have a great time with a friend.

Here are some tips to help you stay warm on those cold walks. The object here is to keep your body warm. What you want, though, is not to be sweating because you have too many clothes on. If you break a sweat you want it to be because of the activity, not the clothes.

Dress in layers — Wearing a few thin layers is better than one thick layer. The object is to be able to add or remove layers in order to make adjustments to your body temperature. Any clothing that you wear next to your skin must be able to wick away moisture from you body — it must be able to dry quickly — and it must be able to breathe and feel comfortable against your skin. No matter what weather condition or activity you face, this is the most critical layer for comfort and performance. Fleece has revolutionized thermal insulation clothing and accessories, so you should be able to find something that performs well and looks great!

While cold weather walking can be beautiful and peaceful, the weather can change on you without a lot of warning. So, the clothing you choose should have fabrics that will protect you from wind and water while still maintaining breathability. All insulation fabrics operate by trapping warm air pockets and holding them next to your body. The more “loft” a fabric possesses, the more air it will trap.

Here are a few more clothing tips:

* Remember a hat and mittens. Mittens can be warmer than gloves. Give them a try. And since your head holds most of your body heat, keep your head warm and the rest of your body will feel warm.

* Cover your mouth. Taking a breath of cold air can give you the chills. Instead, use a scarf to cover your mouth to help protect your lungs from freezing cold air.

* Choose shoes and socks wisely. Walking shoes or sneakers can be slippery and get wet easily if there is snow or ice in spots near your walk. Choose a light hiking shoe that has a good tread for safe walking. And avoid thick, wool socks that make your feet to sweat. Instead pick warm, thermal socks.

I know, I should have written this article in the dead of winter! I happen to live where the weather is different every day this time of year. Sometimes it’s warm — and other times it’s very cold. And, I also realize that not everyone lives where I do — there are places where the readers are in the dead of winter.

The point is — if you are serious about your nutrition and weight loss program, then making a walking year-round is an important part of that program.

I’ll be back tomorrow with some more walking tips for you.

Also, I would love to hear from you. One of the advantages of using a blog to communicate is the fact that it’s not a one-way medium. At the end of each article there is a place where you can comment about what you’ve read. It’s a great way to exchange thoughts and ideas. So, let me hear from you.

Until then, remember to follow a good-fat — good-carb diet and stay with your regular exercise. I hope that wlaking will be one of those forms of exercise.

Here is some information about the nutritional supplements I add to my nutrition and weight loss program. These have helped me more than I would have ever imagined. I’m not kidding. Click on the links in the box below — you won’t be sorry!

Have a great day. I’ll be back tomorrow with some more nutrition and weight loss thoughts for you.

And give the South Beach Diet a try. That’s what I follow. Here’s where to go to learn more:

Shanti,

Ron
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