Here are five tips that will help you keep your weight loss program on track during a severe winter storm.
1. Plan ahead — have healthy foods and drinks on hand.
If the roads are still safe, make a special trip to the grocery with the main goal of stocking up mainly on your healthy go-to meal and beverage items needed for the week. If you have the right foods at hand, you are set!
2. The snow and cold offers different ways to exercise.
If you lose power or your gym is closed, there are a plethora of ways to exercise!
- Get out and play — run, jump and toss a few snowballs. Remember why snow can be fun!
- Shovel your driveway (or help a neighbor shovel theirs). This can be a great form of exercise. (If you are over age 40 and/or have heart problems, consult with your physician before attempting to shovel snow.)
- Take a walk in heavy winter boots for an excellent cardio work-out.
- Go sledding or make a snowman with your kids.
- Go ice skating. Find a nearby ice rink and get an inexpensive pair of ice skates from a local sporting goods store, or rent a pair.
3. If you’re stuck inside, discover some new health recipes to try.
Make good use of the day/s that work and school is closed. Enjoy a big mug of green tea and go through cookbooks or check online (assuming you have power) and find some new ways to prepare and enjoy protein, fruits and vegetables.
4. Get inspired by other bariatric weight loss success stories.
Whether you are thinking about a surgical weight loss solution, pre-op, post-op or you’ve achieved your goal weight, a little inspiration never hurts. I’m a big fan of ObesityHelp.com as an objective and reliable resource for information, support, questions and sharing stories.
5. Make a special “Winter Storm” food journal.
If you’re working with a nutritionist or dietitian, chronicle everything you eat and drink during the storm. Add in your daily exercise and how many 8 ounce glasses of water you drink per day. Knowing you are going to show it to your doctor or nutritionist can keep you on track.
Final thoughts…
During any major snowstorm, first and foremost be safe and secure. Secondly, use the unusual “downtime” to think about your obesity battle (or success) and strategize what’s working and what you’d like to improve.
Make the best out of the short-term challenge so that by the time it passes, you’re feeling strong, powerful and in charge of your weight loss goal.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
Dr. Seun is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery.
To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002