we're continuing our email series on how to avoid winter weight gain, illness and even poor mood. 

Last week, we covered the importance of natural light.

This week, we're discussing why spending as much time as possible outside is ideal during the winter (and honestly, every other season).

How many times have you started an ambitious approach to fitness and health in the Fall or Winter only to be derailed by illness a few weeks in? 

Maybe you thought, "I'll ramp up my workouts during the holidays to make up for any indulgent food," or "I'll get a head start to New Year, New Me"  but found yourself instead battling a cough for weeks on end.

There are so many reasons to get outside, many of which we covered last week, but equally important is the quality of air that we're breathing.

Here's what you may be overlooking when it comes to outdoor air exposure during the winter and why we prioritize it regardless of the weather:

Let's face it - many of us are bound to our laptops or driving around in our cars for most of the day.

We don't get anywhere near as much outdoor air as our ancestors.

Why is this potentially a problem?

Indoor air pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels and in some cases these levels can exceed 100 times that of outdoor levels of the same pollutants.

Not to mention, many indoor air pollutants like synthetic candles, artificial fragrances, and non-organic furnishings are endocrine-disruptors.

This means they can interfere with proper hormone production, often leading to inflammation, illness and weight gain.

A lot of influencers will try to sell you their air purifiers and non-toxic furniture at this point.

But here's the truth: nothing you buy will be better than getting outside as much as possible and getting fresh air!

Beyond less pollutants, time outside is associated with a broader, more open perspective and improved mental health.

How many times have you felt like things were rock bottom only to have an improved outlook by simply getting outside and going on a walk?

Diverting your attention away from technology allows you to get back into your body and out of your anxious thoughts...

Going outside gives you an opportunity to be mesmerized at the sky, notice local wildlife, smell flowers or perhaps the leftover recent rain on the asphalt...

Your worries may start to fade and you may feel called back into your body and into the present moment.

You may feel a sense of gratitude for the little things and even a bit of hope.

What freedom to be untethered by the constraints of AI-driven algorithms, brainwashing ads, and obscene news!

What does this have to do with your weight and health?

Everything. It's all connected.

You will never have a fit, healthy physical body if you're not tending to your mental, emotional, and spiritual as well.

If you're stuck in an office desk job all day, here's what you can do about it:

Outdoor strategies for office folks:

Consider the strategy of STACKING.

Stacking is NOT multi-tasking.

Stacking is when you are FULLY present in the moment doing one activity that serves multiple purposes.

For example, you already know from last week that morning sunlight is crucial for a good night's sleep and proper hormone production.

Why not pair that with a short walk (as long as you can!), while drinking your morning water, doing it outside to get fresh air, and doing it with a loved one for healthy bonding time. 

Another example: make your next meeting a walking outside meeting if you can. Studies have shown that mental cognition and problem-solving increases when walking due to changes in blood flow and endorphins. With this in mind, every meeting should be a walking meeting outside!

If you're inside or in the car often, open your windows as much as possible regardless of the weather. The benefit of outdoor air + full spectrum sunlight is a dual benefit to you!

Take breaks whenever possible throughout your work day and get outside even if just a few minutes. 

Stay tuned for our next newsletter discussing how hydration also impacts your health and weight management.

Shannon Morse & Lisa Kirby | Creators of Awaken Your Nutrition @thegreendoor.life  |  thegreendoorlife.com

P.S. pricing for our 1:1 coaching program, Awaken Your Nutrition, will increase in 2024 to reflect the incredible value and services added over the last few years. Lock in your spot now at current pricing by booking an application call before 12/31/23. 

Upcoming Events:

P.S. Looking for more nutrition, health, and training support? Here are 2 ways we can help you:  

(1) WATCH OUR FREE MASTERCLASS → Learn exactly what's holding you back in terms of nutrition and exercise. Click here to register and view immediately.

(2) BOOK A FREE CALL → Talk to a team member about which program is the best fit for you based on your goals, lifestyle, budget and more. Click here to reserve your spot (first come, first serve).

Stay In The Loop 

Follow us on social media for live Q&A sessions, recipes, workouts, health tips, and other free educational content.