Confession: I’ve always struggled with consistent movement in the winter. Most days, I don’t want to think about it. I want to press play on a podcast and move without overanalyzing where, what, or how. But winter adds friction. Is it cold enough for layers? Will I sweat through this? Is it worth leaving the house? And when there are too many variables, inertia sneaks in. Add seasonal fatigue on top of that, and skipping movement can feel… right. Like your body is asking you to rest. And sometimes — it is. But here’s the nuance we often miss:👉 We still need to move. Not as punishment. Not as a resolution. But as a rhythm — one that works with winter, not against it. 🌀 The Winter Paradox Even though it feels counterintuitive, gentle, regular movement actually creates energy — even when you’re tired before you start. Movement: - improves circulation - stimulates mitochondria (your cellular energy factories) - improves insulin sensitivity - boosts endorphins and dopamine Studies show even 20 minutes of walking can significantly improve fatigue and vitality — especially in people who feel low-energy to begin with. You don’t need to push harder. You need to move more gently, more often, and more consistently. 🔁 Oscillation > Hustle Winter shifts our biology into a slower gear. That’s real. So instead of forcing intensity, I think in terms of flexibility: movement ↔ rest activation ↔ restoration This might look like: - 2–3 gentle strength sessions a week - 1 mobility or stretch session - daily “micro-movements” (10-minute walk, stretching while dinner cooks, dancing while folding laundry) - guilt-free couch time because you did move your body in a nourishing way This rhythm prevents burnout and actually helps energy rebuild instead of drain. 🧍‍♀️ Let your body lead One of the hardest parts of winter is knowing the difference between true rest and stagnation. Helpful questions I ask myself: - Does this fatigue feel physical, emotional, or mental? - Would a short walk leave me clearer or more depleted? (hint: it's always clearer!) - Am I craving movement but unsure what kind?

Lately, I've had so many conversations about sugar cravings and that 3pm exhaustion that feels like the couch is pulling you under the cushions. If this is you, don't fret, and no, you didn’t “ruin your metabolism” over the holidays. A few things are happening at once: • Blood sugar swings after weeks of more treats + less structure • Cortisol still running high (hello stress + winter + hormones) • Fluctuating hormones making your body less tolerant of big energy dips • Fatigue causes your body to scream for carbohydrates for a quick hit of sugar for an energy boost Your body is asking for stability. I don't have the scientific/technical terms to explain this but I'll do my best: when you feed certain bacteria in your gut, they proliferate. So, if you had a few extra sugar cookies, chocolate, rich desserts over the holidays, you have fed the microbes in your gut that thrive on sugar. And they've multiplied. And now they are shouting louder than say, the kale, spinach, green bean, asparagus bugs. Does that make sense? Here's the thing; I love delicious food and depriving myself has never resulted in the goals I wanted. Believe it or not, you don’t have to compromise. You can give your body the nutrients it needs while experiencing pleasure of a delicious meal. Anyone who thinks eating healthy means compromising on flavour is simply not doing it right. There is nothing wrong with an indulgence. But if you are looking for sustained energy and to cut those sugar cravings, because treats should be just that: treats, here are my recommendations: ✨ Eat a real lunch with protein + fat (not just a salad. We want fiber but we need to balance blood sugar and the protein and fat will help with that) ✨ Start thinking about feeding the bacteria that thrive on fiber - veggies, beans, complex carbs like sweet potatoes ✨ Have a balanced afternoon snack (protein + carbs together). Include some fruit for sweetness. ✨ Drink some water before reaching for something sweet ✨ Step outside or move your body gently for 5–10 minutes