Q: During the winter months, I find myself eating out of boredom because I’m inside more. Any ideas what to do to avoid the munchies?

A: Here are 40 things to do when you get bored – besides grabbing something unhealthy to eat – according to the newsletter “Communicating Food for Health”:

1. Plan and enjoy healthy meals and snacks so you keep a healthful routine and do not choose calorie-dense foods at random.

2. Make a grocery list and stock the house with nutrient-dense foods.

3. Clean out the refrigerator and freezer.

4. Wash the car.

5. Go to a gym.

6. If you find you have a lot of extra time on your hands, enroll in an exercise class.

7. Organize your closet and donate extra items to charity.

8. Prepare a low-fat salad and raw vegetable snacks for the day or week.

9. Walk the dog or a neighbor’s dog.

10. Run errands and put gas in the car so you have time to exercise tomorrow morning.

11. Go out for unsweetened tea or coffee.

12. Shop for gifts and get ahead with your life schedule so you have more time to exercise.

13. Learn a new healthy recipe using a fruit, vegetable, whole grain or fish.

14. Cut up fruit and put grapes in small baggies so they are ready to go.

15. Buy and use an exercise video.

16. Find a yoga studio and take two lessons a week.

17. Call a friend and walk while you are talking on the cell phone.

18. Write down situations that cause you stress and make you want to eat and find non-food solutions for them.

19. Reorganize your bathroom or other drawers in the house.

20. Take a long walk to the store.

21. Go downtown or to a large store and walk around the perimeter.

22. Write down what you have eaten today and start a food journal.

23. Research and write down inspirational quotes.

24. Listen to music while using dumbbells.

25. Organize your photographs.

26. Take a walk in the park.

27. Meditate or take a hot bath and then pamper yourself by looking good.

28. Organize your birthday card list and purchase, pre-address and even write in the cards so they’re ready to send for the year.

29. Ride an exercise bike while you watch TV. Drink water flavored with lemon.

30. Go bowling with a friend.

31. Volunteer so you are out of the house and around people more.

32. Cook some healthful low-fat meals and freeze them for busy days.

33. Organize your kitchen.

34. Write down goals for yourself for the year – budget, vacations, work, lifestyle, etc.

35. Take some outdoor photographs.

36. Join a book club.

37. Visit a person who’s shut-in.

As spring approaches:

38. Clean the backyard or patio if you have one.

39. Clean and organize the garage.

40. Take up swimming, biking, hiking or another physical activity.