Winter in Northern Michigan is often long, as many already know. As soon as daylight savings hits in the fall, the sun is out less and the days get shorter. This doesn’t make it easy to motivate one to get outside and stay as active as they normally would in the summer. How then do we motivate ourselves and others to get out and plunge into that fluffy white blanket of snow instead of bundling up in the threaded one in our living room? One should look for an activity that isn’t hard for beginners to keep them going with it, and make sure it’s not too expensive.
Snowshoeing may just be what you’re looking for. It can provide one with a simple introduction to the beauty of the many trails that cover Traverse City in the winter time. You don’t need to drive miles away to get to a neat trail, but can often just walk out the back door to the snow-shrouded woods that encompass many neighborhoods in the area. This can be a great way to stay active for anyone and for the whole family during the long winter season. And lessons often are not necessary anymore, since snowshoes sold today are being designed lighter, therefore making it easier for one to learn how to walk in them. It normally only takes a few times to get used to and then you are as good as gold.
For the holiday season, instead of wrapping up in your blanket and resorting straight to the television when the snow hits us hard, why not get the whole family out and about on the trails? There are several locations to explore; some of which include the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area (by the State Hospitals), the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve, Brown Bridge Quiet Area, plus many more.
The nice thing about snowshoeing is that it appeals to all ages and all levels. Kids in schools are doing it as part of their physical education activities in the winter time, whereas adults and elderly individuals can enjoy and feel comfortable with this activity as well. It also provides one with a great workout. Many at first may question the idea that snowshoeing gives you a really good workout. But it is true. A snowshoe workout builds both upper and lower body strength and endurance. In fact, it is a great way for those who often run in the summertime to keep up with their workout program and maintain their exercise endurance. Did you know that if one were to do a five mile run on snowshoes that it would be the same as doing a 10 mile road run? Overall, snowshoeing can be just the activity for a beginner or for the more advanced exerciser. And it can also be great for those who just want to take their time on the snowshoes and enjoy the outdoor nature in the cold season.
Bring a dish to pass. This is your opportunity to guarantee at least one healthy dish is available. Be advised — you may want to make double the recipe. While many people may bring standard calorie loving dishes, when the healthy one arrives it is usually the first to go!!
Ready to change up the traditional Thanksgiving dessert this year? Instead of pumpkin pie, why not shoot for something healthier this season! A Yogurt Parfait with almond crunch granola is a healthier alternative compared to most pies, which are often packed with calories and fat. With this dessert you’ll get a serving of dairy with calcium, potassium and various other vitamins. In the granola, there are almonds which are high in protein, heart healthy, and a filling treat. Wheaties are full of fiber and can help curb your appetite!
This year, before you sit down to a big meal on Thanksgiving, stand up for a nice long hike, or an early morning weight training workout. By being active before eating, some of the calories you consume will be used to replenish those that were burned off earlier. Also, if you still feel like you ate too much, rise up before everyone else the following day and do it again! I am not saying that by being active, you can indulge in anything you like this holiday, but you can at least justify a few treats. Because when it all comes down to it, it’s about moderation and creating a lifestyle!
The American Council on Exercise just named kettlebells as one of the top fitness trends of the year, and for good reason!
If you don’t have the time – choose healthier items on the fast food and restaurant menus. Go for a grilled chicken sandwich sans cheese and mayo. Instead, add lettuce and tomato to it with a side of apple slices. Subway is a great way to get a serving of veggies in for the day. Try a 6″ turkey sub on whole wheat and go crazy with the veggie toppings. Add a bit of oil and vinegar and you are good to go!
Practice being in the present
With 64% of Americans being overweight or obese, it’s no wonder that our children are following in our footsteps and becoming overweight, or workse, developing diseases commonly associated with obesity such as diabetes and heart disease. How do we gain control of this growing epidemic? Let’s start by re-evaluating our lifestyles and teaching children how to choose healthier behaviors. The following is a list that can help to encourage lifelong healthy habits.