The holidays are gone, but winter is still here. Instead of focusing on a case of the holiday blues, focus on what January brings: a new year, a new start, and a new beginning. No matter if you followed your diet plan through the holidays or threw it out with the summer barbecue leftovers, there are easy ways to begin the new year with a weight loss goal in mind. Whether it be alone or alongside a medical weight loss doctor, start your year off by taking that first step.

Two Birds, One Stone

Remember those chores no one wants to do? Taking down Christmas decorations, shoveling snow out of the driveway, etc? These can actually be considered extremely effective bits of exercise to help burn off those holiday calories. Although not as good as a session in the gym, starting with the most immediate problem (aka cleaning) can kill two birds with one stone.

Staying Sunny In Winter

Because winter is still here, there’s the added opportunity to partake in winter sports. Snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating, and snowball fights are all bits of enjoyable outdoor activity that can help burn off those holiday eats. In fact, outdoor activity has multiple benefits during the winter months. Exposure to the sun increases our body’s natural production of vitamin D. Healthy levels of vitamin D have been linked to healthier sleep patterns and wakefulness during the daytime.

Even though this time of the year is known for the pervasive set of “holiday blues,” it is also quite literally the darkest time of the year. With our half of the globe leaning away from the sun, our days are shorter and nights much longer. Added to the tendency for people to seek warmth indoors, this can lead to a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is not only responsible for healthy body growth and replenishment as well as overall wellness.

No Snow? No Problem!

Unfortunately, since not all of us live far enough north to experience a white Christmas, there are additional opportunities to consider.

Winter cleaning: Unlike our northern neighbors, we southerners don’t need to wait for the snow to melt before opening our doors wide and airing out the house of last year’s dust. Cleaning during this time can also be beneficial because January serves as a nice break between major holidays, meaning that there is no additional expectations or traditions to follow.

Shopping: Yes, you read that right! Although those enticing Christmas sales are over, plenty of large retail stores have after-holiday sales to clear out their current inventory for the new year. So now is a good time to take that holiday gift money or gift card and pick up those items still on your Christmas wishlist.

Quench That Thirst

There are a few health tips that need to be observed during the winter months regardless of the holidays, but the most important involved hydration. Because it is so cold it can be easy to get dehydrated. Often times warm drinks like tea or coffee have just enough caffeine in them to burn out any helpful liquid intake they provide. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to drink water and other non-caffeinated beverages to keep your energy levels up this winter!

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