As the weather starts to get colder and cloudier, it can be easy to fall into the warm and snuggly trap of a sedentary lifestyle. To help you keep up with your health goals, we at Northwest Vein Center have put together some useful tips to keep you feeling fit and fabulous through the entire year. Don’t let the end-of-summer blues keep you from enjoying healthy hobbies and positive habits. Sound Vascular will show you how easy it is to adapt your healthy lifestyle to all seasons.

1)Be Flexible- We’re not just talking about taking up yoga or remembering to stretch before bed, though those things are never a bad idea! We are talking about being flexible with your plans. In the summer, the weather is almost always perfect for a run in the park or a hike on your favorite trail. In the fall, we don’t have that luxury. If you are making plans, for yourself or with friends, to get out an enjoy some of the crisp fall weather remember to make an indoor backup plan as well. Unexpected rain shouldn’t ruin your aspirations of doing something healthy and fun.

2) Resist Those Little Extras- Yes, hot chocolate is delicious. No, you probably shouldn’t add it to your daily breakfast routine. While indulging in the flavors of the season is totally fine here and there, it’s important to exercise restraint in the rich foods that call to us as the weather gets colder. If you’re looking for something warm and wonderful for the early morning commute, try a hot tea. Cinnamon teas are especially fantastic for those cold and rainy days. There’s more varieties of tea than you could ever imagine, so start with a variety pack and figure out which types melt your heart.

3) Keep It Social- Don’t let the cold and rain keep you isolated indoors! There are lots of fun indoor activities that have high levels of fitness and friendship. An indoor gym class is great for friends and partners with the same gym membership, and there are plenty of classes offered in independent studios that are great for a single afternoon of enjoyment. Hula-hooping anyone? If you’re feeling extra ambitious, vintage aerobics videos make for a fun and funny workout party with friends. How about replacing Ladies Night with 80s Night? All it takes is some side ponytails and an old Richard Simmons video on Youtube. By making your workout social you bring positive mental associations to fitness, making it seem more like a vacation, and less like a chore.

4) Keep Up On Those Fruits and Veggies- Don’t skip out on the fiber and nutrients gained from eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables. While an ice-cold smoothie may not appeal to you as an afternoon snack, there are plenty of ways to prepare your favorite ingredients for cold weather consumption. Some fruits, like oranges, are actually in season during the cold winter months. Look for those and more at your local supermarket. Keep your food colorful and crisp to banish the wintertime weight gain. Your body will thank you!

Don’t let grey skies make you blue. Stay fit and social for an amazing fall and winter season. While hibernating like a bear certainly has its appeal, you’ll be amazed at the fun you can have indoors with your friends. Nothwest Vein Center wants to see all of our patients healthy and happy, and we believe that these cold-weather adjustments can help everyone stay on track with their health goals. Be warm and be well!