Are you hitting the snooze button on your early morning workouts more often these days? You’re not alone! Getting yourself into the gym or out for a run on chilly, dark mornings (and evenings!) takes a bit more motivation than it might have in those sunny, long summer days.

Instead of throwing in the towel, how about taking a different approach?

Keep reading for some great advice to help you stay healthy and fit as the weather gets frosty. And you’ll also find some fantastic vegan strategies that may surprise you.

1. Layering Logic

That winter power walk or run may take a little more forethought than in the summer months. But never fear, it just takes some layering logic. The Mayo Clinic cautions against dressing too warmly as exercise generates a considerable amount of heat – enough to make you feel like it’s a lot warmer than it is. But when that sweat evaporates it will pull heat from your body and leave you chilled. The solution is to dress in layers that you can remove as things heat up and replace when needed. Start with a thin layer of synthetic material, not cotton, which stays wet next to skin. Next, add a layer of fleece or wool, and if needed, a waterproof, breathable outer layer. And don’t forget to add a hat and gloves.

2. Mix it Up

Maybe it’s time to add a little spice to your exercise menu. Trying new activities can prevent boredom, and it can also give those overused muscles and joints, a chance to rest and recover. Grab a friend and hit that yoga class you’ve been wanting to try. Or what about that hip hop dance class? Besides the physical benefits, learning any new skill can help improve memory function, especially in older adults.[i] A win-win!

3. Remind Yourself Why It’s Important

Is your brain telling you it’s better to snuggle up on the couch with a bowl of mac and cheese rather than braving winter’s dark chill? Flip the script! Remind yourself how great you will feel afterwards. Exercising on dark, cold days can help boost your body’s ‘feel good’ endorphins and help crush the winter blues. According to the Harvard newsletter, high-intensity exercise is great, but there’s also value in low-intensity exercise sustained over time. That mellow lunchtime stroll spurs the release of proteins called neurotrophic or growth factors, which cause nerve cells to grow and make new connections. In turn, this improvement in brain function makes you feel better.

4. Comfort Foods – Vegan Style

It’s natural to crave comfort foods in the winter. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to sacrifice nutrition to indulge. There are plenty of vegan options that are worth a try, whether you are a dedicated plant-eater or simply want to insert a meat-less Monday into your schedule. Remember that bowl of mac and cheese from tip #3? Switch it out with Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese! It’s made with wholesome ingredients such as roasted pumpkin and cashews. Speaking of vegan options, did you know that Zenwise^® offers high-quality, AVA-Vegan certified supplements that can complement your healthy lifestyle? Read on…

5. Go Green: Vegan Supplements

Whatever the season, it’s wise to consider additional support for your body and brain. Vegan Joint Support is a non-shellfish formula that’s designed to provide relief for occasional joint discomfort and stiffness.^† For heart and brain support, minus the fish burps, try Vegan Omega-3.^† And finally, get the energy, brain, and heart benefits of green tea in capsule form with Green Tea Extract.^†

To learn more about these “green” supplements, as well as our other vegan options, contact our knowledgeable customer service team. Reach them at support@zenwise.com or M-F from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST at (800) 940-1972.

And as always, all Zenwise^® products are backed by the "Eat Freely...or it’s Free" guarantee! Zenwise. Then Eat.^®

^†These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4154531/#R13