Six Dieting and Exercise Tips for Rainy Days

I live in the UK, where, even by our standards, it’s been a long, cold and rainy winter! So I know how hard it is to stay motivated with dieting and exercise when the weather’s awful. Not only does it make going outside for exercise a hassle, it drags your mood down too – not a combination which any dieter wants.

However, a rainy day (or a rainy week) doesn’t need to be an excuse to quit your diet. Here are six ways to make the most of those rainy days:

Go Outside Anyway!

Unless you’re the Wicked Witch of the West, rain isn’t going to make you melt. I’m never at all inspired to go for a walk in the rain, but when I have to go out – to the shops, for instance – I take my umbrella and get on with it, and it’s really not that bad.

If you wear something which you don’t mind getting wet, and if you can get a shower and change when you get home, the rain can even be good fun. Unleash your inner child and stomp in those puddles!

Do the Housework

When you’re stuck indoors staring out at grey skies and a steady downpour, why not get on with the chores? Housework often involves moving and lifting, and burns calories. It’s also pretty hard to snack mindlessly while you’re washing dishes or cleaning windows…

Plus, if you find yourself feeling rather low and miserable when it’s raining, having a sparkling clean kitchen or bathroom may just be the mood lift that you need.

Dance to Music

If the thought of housework is enough to send you straight for the chocolate, then how about a more fun form of indoor exercise – put your favorite music on and dance! You’ll probably want something with a fast tempo and some energy to it, but beyond that, go for whatever gets you moving. (And don’t worry if you can’t dance – no-one needs to see! Just close a door and ban any family members or housemates from coming near…)

To take this a step further, get an exercise DVD or learn some basic moves like squats and lunges so that you’re exercising your muscles effectively.

Stay Away From the Fridge

I know that when I’m stuck at home feeling bored, my mind wanders towards food … and my feet somehow wander inevitably to the fridge. If you find yourself doing the same, find something that keeps you occupied. Whether it’s a craft project, a computer game or taking a long bath, keep yourself away from snacking.

You might find that it helps to set certain times when you won’t eat, if you know you have a particular problem with snacking then: e.g. you might tell yourself that you won’t snack between two and four pm.

Try Low-Calorie Hot Drinks

On rainy days, it’s natural to want something that’s physically and emotionally comforting. For many of us, that takes the form of a hot drink. If you’re drinking huge mugs of milky cocoa, or full-fat lattes, or tea with several sugars, though, you’re going to stack up calories without filling your stomach.

Instead, try some low-calorie hot drinks: perhaps flavored teas, black coffee, or low-calorie versions of hot chocolate. All of these offer warmth and comfort without many calories.

Eat Healthy Comfort Food

As well as comforting drinks, you may find yourself turning to comforting food when it’s raining. Rather than digging into stodgy pies or puddings, look for healthy but tasty alternatives. I love a big vegetable curry – lots of warmth and flavor without much fat. Or how about a bowl of porridge for breakfast, made with skim milk?

There are plenty of options to fill you up and improve your mood, without stacking on the pounds. Experiment with some different options (hint: anything with plenty of fiber will keep you full for longer) and enjoy!

How do you cope with rainy days or other miserable weather conditions when you’re dieting?

Written by Ali Hale

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