Cold temperatures and short days make delicious comfort foods and lazy days all the more appealing.  It might take a little creativity, but your diet and workouts don’t need to suffer just because nature seems to be working against you.  Winter-proof your eating and workout habits with these tips so you can avoid adding some unwanted insulation.

Watch TV: Depending on where you live, cold weather may interfere with your walking or running schedule.  If you prefer exercising outdoors because you like your alone time or want an inexpensive gym alternative, you might enjoy a work out video.  Whatever type of movement you want — yoga, belly dancing, kick boxing, boot-camp classes – is just a click away. Streaming videos or rental DVDs are super affordable, and you can cycle through a bunch of different types to keep things interesting.

Eat for immunity: February is the middle of cold and flu season, and it can take weeks to recover and resume regular exercise after illnesses.  Getting sick can also cause you to crave more comfort foods and throw off your healthy eating routine.  Prevention is the best medicine, so take advantage of some great winter produce options that are packed with Vitamin C.  Dark greens, winter squash and citrus fruits are packed with this immunity booster, and buying in season makes them affordable additions to your diet.  Roasting the vegetables is a great option, and try topping them with Mini Babybels to help absorb fat-soluble vitamins – like Vitamins A and D!

Embrace the cold: You don’t have to do the polar bear plunge and jump into freezing cold water to enjoy some great winter exercise. Ice skating is a great seasonal activity for cardio, balance and a targeted workout for your thighs and glutes. You could also hit the slopes and get your cardio burn from skiing or snowboarding.  Snow shoeing is another fun workout and a beautiful way to enjoy the wonderful winter views of nature.  All these activities burn more than 500 calories per hour for a 150-pound person. So long as you keep warm and dry, winter weather can be a novel addition to your workout, even if you’re just digging out the driveway!

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