Winter can be a tough time of year; the warm, sunny days are behind us and it can be harder to stay motivated. Our eating and activity habits can be drastically different season to season, but it’s still possible to meet your goals- whether you want to lose or maintain your weight.

Find ways to stay active indoors. I already miss the days of going for a quick walk outside or taking my daughter to the park, but now that the cold air has taken over, it may take a little more creativity to keep activity up! If it’s a TV night in at home, try doing something every 30 minutes: go up and down the stairs, jumping jacks, push-ups, tricep dips on a chair, or even just walk around. Need to get out of the house? Take some laps around the mall or be brave and bundle up for a quick walk.

Look for in-season fruit and vegetable options. Some of the favorite summertime fruits aren’t always available- or now too pricey. Embrace the produce that is in-season and still tasty and - good for you- apples, bananas, oranges, pears are perfect fruits for a quick, easy snack. Butternut squash and Brussel sprouts are great options for your side dishes. Try mixing chopped Brussel sprouts with 1 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp balsalmic vinegar, and ground pepper. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Try frozen fruits and vegetables. Frozen produce is just as healthy as fresh. Look for your favorites that aren’t in season anymore like berries or mango. Frozen fruits are great for smoothies or thaw them to throw in yogurt or oatmeal. Any frozen vegetable can be used to mix in your favorite recipe or as a quick and easy side dish.

Make smart choices at holiday parties. Some events may seem like overeating is inevitable, but if you go into it with a plan, it won’t be disastrous to your healthy eating habits. Avoid going to parties too hungry, as this almost always leads to overeating. Look for options high in protein or that include vegetables. If you want a “splurge” option, just have a moderate portion size. Listen to what your body is telling you and stop eating when you are satisfied, not too full. Make sure to enjoy your food, but also keep the focus on socializing.

Don’t wait for New Year’s to commit to a healthy lifestyle! Stay committed to a healthy lifestyle every day to feel your best and avoiding the detrimental affects of yo-yoing your weight. The cold weather presents its challenges but you still can keep a healthy lifestyle and save your New Year’s resolution for something else!