To some, the middle of September might seem a bit early to be thinking about cold weather. Those people definitely don’t live in Nebraska. We have terribly fickle weather, and September is one of the most unpredictable months of all. With temperatures ranging anywhere from 90 to 40, I must have clothes from all seasons ready at a moment’s notice this month. If you’re lucky enough to live in a more temperate location, kindly disregard this article. Or, you can read it and feel smug and superior that you don’t have to deal with snow and ice. I’ll let you decide. The rest of us have to figure out a way to stay active, even when things turn chilly.

I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather crawl into the fetal position and hibernate through winter than keep up a fitness routine while having to deal with snow and ice. Better yet, I’d like to curl up with a good book, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, and two dozen Christmas cookies! With a tad bit of exaggeration, that’s exactly what I did last year. This year, however, I’m determined not to let cold weather ruin my fitness goals, or yours either! Sure, winter makes us want to become lethargic and stuff our faces with comfort food, but we don’t have to give in to the temptation. Read the ideas below to learn how you can emerge next spring, with your fitness goals (and your waistline) intact.

Get Moving

It’s much harder to stay active during the winter, when you can’t just run outside and play with the kids. Harder, but not impossible. Find a way to get some exercise at least three times a week. Walk briskly in the mall or even at Wal-Mart! Rent some exercise DVDs (I highly recommend Tae Bo) or take an aerobics class. In a pinch, I have been known to turn on some music and pace my living room floor. It’s not much fun and my husband thinks I’m crazy, but I feel great about myself when the 30 minutes are over!

Let it Snow

How long has it been since you played in the snow? If you don’t remember the answer to that question, then it’s been far too long! Get outside and build a snowman with your kids. Build a snow fort and have a snowball fight. Go sledding. Shovel some sidewalks (as long as you don’t have pre-existing heart or back problems). All of these activities are wonderful workouts!

Healthy Comfort Food

Did you know that low-fat warm liquids like broth-based soups and hot cocoa made with skim milk help you feel full longer? Try it! Sadly, the same is not true for real whipped cream and cream-based soups!

Better Baking

If you possibly can, skip the baking of Christmas cookies this year. If you absolutely have to bake something, try whole grain breads or canned jams and jellies. They make wonderful gifts that are usually much more appreciated than the run-of-the mill cookie. Remember that other folks may be trying to stay healthy too. Your gift of two dozen sugar cookies just might throw Grandma off her diet for good!

How do you stay on track during the winter?

Andrea McMann is a freelance writer who lives in Northeast Nebraska with her husband and their children, ages five and two. She believes that mothers, like everyone, are at their best when they feel good about themselves. In the spring of 2007, (while in a fitting room, trying on a bathing suit!), she made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. She reached her weight-loss goal and (despite a Christmas cookie-related relapse) plans to keep the weight off. She struggles with temptation almost daily, but she takes life one day at a time, rewards herself for each small success, and tries not to give herself a guilt-trip when she lapses. Andrea is excited to join Peekaboo Picks and looks forward to sharing her stories of inspiration, success, setbacks, and self-esteem.  Read more of Andrea on her blog, Chocolate Fingerprints.