Easy ways to have fun and stay fit this winter

December can be hazardous to your health in more ways than one. With daylight at its annual low, curling up on the couch is far more appealing than going to the gym, and the ubiquity of holiday treats makes sticking to a healthy eating plan more of a challenge than ever. But don't despair -- with a bit of motivation and planning, you can make it through December healthier than ever. Here are 10 simple tips for inspiration.

1. Have a snowball fight with your kids
There's something about the first snowfalls of the season that make even the most winterphobic among us want to frolic outdoors. Make the most of that sentiment by playing in the snow with your kids. Throw snowballs, make snow angels or build your own Frosty. The exercise and fresh air will do you all good, and the fun of acting like a kid will help relieve your holiday stress.

2. Eat more fibre
Fibre is an essential part of a healthy diet -- it promotes good digestion, can help regulate blood sugar and is thought to lower one's risk of heart disease and cancer. Health Canada recommends 20 to 35 grams per day for adults. Try to get your fibre from food sources rather than supplements, as foods that are high in fibre tend to be plant foods that are also high in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. As a general guide, aim for lots of fruits and vegetables and go for brown over white, or whole grains over refined grains -- whole wheat pasta, for instance, contains more than twice the fibre of white pasta.

3. Help someone in need
Not only is altruism good for the soul, if you choose the right project, it can help relieve stress and even boost your level of activity. Whether it's volunteering for a charitable organization or shovelling snow for an elderly neighbour, help someone out this holiday season. Even better, get the whole family involved and make it a group project -- there's no better lesson to teach your kids than how to give.

4. Drink more water
We all know how important hydration is for our health, but when it's cold outside, it's easy to miss out on your eight glasses a day. If you have trouble making sure you're getting enough H2O, plan ahead. Try filling a pitcher of water in the morning that must be empty by evening, or put a sticky note on your monitor at work with boxes you can check off every time you finish a glass. Too chilly to drink water? Go for green or herbal tea instead.

5. Take a yoga class
Yoga devotees swear by this ancient practice for its ability to increase strength, flexibility and balance and decrease stress. Who could ask for more? If you've never done yoga, there's no better time to start than now. Fallen off the wagon? Try a new teacher, studio or style to increase your motivation.

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