Walking in a winter wonderland sounds delightful, in song anyhow. But in reality, most people don't want to drag themselves outside to take an after-dinner stroll in frigid temperatures. Why should you do it anyway? We need fresh air, sunlight, and to move our bodies just as much as we need healthy food and a solid workout, Dr. Brody says.
"We're just not designed to sit all day, and certainly not to sit all day inside." Moreover, recent research shows that being exposed to cold forces our bodies to work harder, thereby amping up our immune systems and even stimulating our bodies to burn more fat!
Dr. Brody encourages her patients to take any opportunity to step outside for a breath of fresh air, even when it's cold. But an important reminder: "If it's very sunny where you live, be sure to protect your skin. And make sure that you have good supportive shoes." It's a good tip to keep a spare pair of athletic shoes in the trunk of your car anyhow, whether they're for an impromptu walk or a walk to the gas station.
