Combating Winter Fitness | My Must Haves

Wow, is it almost January already? I can’t believe this year has flew by so fast! I blinked, and it was gone. This past year has been met with wonderful opportunities, and challenges, wonderful changes, and amazing growth. Has it been easy? Some yes, some no. Being diagnosed this past year with diabetes, and high blood pressure, has had it’s challenges. Thank goodness, I wasn’t one of the ones who gave up and crawled home. I combated my diabetes, reset me A1c, and have been lucky to live without medications and other restrictions. A Big part of that is exercise, and a healthy diet. I have done Weight Watchers now on and off for 8 years, and I really feel in a lot of ways it has saved me and my body. If people only read their food labels, wow what they would discover. I love my body, everything that it does, how it carries me in this world. And so, I want to take as much care of it as I can.

So, with winter looming up before us, comes snow, frigidness, and …. Ugh, the cold…. that’s right THE COLD.

With that comes, exercise, and hopefully not too many excuses to get outside. I do have a treadmill at home, a yoga mat, exercise balls and weights. But, nothing in this world is quiet like getting outside for a nice walk. I do get chapped, omg do I get chapped. If I don’t properly prepare my skin before I go walking, and at night. Being diabetic, I must take care for my body, and that means my skin too.

With the stream of goals, and promises we will make to ourselves this January first, fitness and health being one of those, I hope that I can help prep you for getting outside, starting slow, and gearing you up in small ways for your winter routine, whatever it may be.

I also wanted to share a couple of things I have used in the past and will continue with this January, that fuel my life and health in a big way.

1.Weight Watchers.

Weight Watchers has been a huge part of my life. I have done it on and off for the last 8 years to get off weight with no problems! If you are thinking about considering this method, don't hesitate. It’s worth it. You really learn how to limit yourself in real life, with real life eating. I really love it because it teaches moderation, and it teaches you what is REALLY healthy, and not just a waist of your time. What you should eat in the real world, and not a fad diet. Real eating, every day.

2.Fitbit.

You don’t need anything more serious in this life, than a Fitbit flex 2. You don’t need a $500 apple watch or anything like it to succeed in pushing you towards a goal or being more active

"are you coming?"

"no, I just hit my steps" - Lorelei Gilmore

3.Old Navy Activewear

I’m in love with my Go Warm Old Navy Activewear. It holds in the heat, while still keeping me comfortable during exercise. I also wear a Henley thermal long sleeve top underneath, gloves, a hat, and a big blanket scarf for those super cold days. It keeps me warm, and comfortable without too many layers on my body.

4. Burt’s Bees – ANYTHING

Literally in love with Burt’s Bees, and below are some of my favorite products. These are especially used during the winter when my hands, face, and skin get chapped. I lotion after my bath, and also before going outside for a walk. I avoid being wind burnt, and getting dry skin. Burt’s Bees also is all natural if you didn’t know, and has the most aesthetically pleasing packaging with recycled materials.

5. Aveeno – Daily Active Lotion

Yes, Aveeno lotion. Need I say more? I’ve been an Aveeno lotion girl for a long time and not just because Rachel from “Friends” swears by it, although, …. no, but really. Want something that really protects your skin, offers long lasting moister, absorbs quickly, but doesn’t leave you feeling greasy? Aveeno baby. Put this on your skin, after you shower and shave and your golden. Keep a bottle by the sink to combat dry hands. It smells amazing too.