Now that we are right in the heart of the winter season, it’s obvious that there are some changes that always come along with the cold weather – energy decreases, dry skin, cold and flues become more prevalent…
To make sure we are at optimum health during this time, here are a couple of tips to keep in mind:
Increase your vitamin D intake – with lack of sun in the winter, especially in Canada, we are depleted of the natural D vitamins we receive from UV rays. Try supplementing with D3 vitamins, or eating more foods with healthy fats that can help convert vitamin in our bodies (ie. fish, eggs, nuts and seeds).
Sleep in! – as the days get darker sooner, it is very tempting to go to bed earlier – go with it! Our immune systems work best during sleep, so it’s important to get as much as you can during cold and flu season.
Stay active – winter activities such as hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, etc. are fun, but sometimes not practical to do often. Try to get at least 30 minutes a day of mild to moderate workouts, even just walking, to keep up energy levels and boost mental health.
High energy foods – It’s often that our energy levels can get a little low during the winter months due to the cold. Try eating foods that are high in iron, vitamin B’s and healthy fats to improve mental clarity, reduce stress and keep up energy throughout the day. This includes dark leafy greens, coconut oil, beans, lean meats, fish, etc.
Increase magnesium intake – SAD (or seasonal affective disorder), common during the winter months, can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Having more magnesium in your diet can actually help relieve these symptoms, as well as boost your circulation to increase your energy. High magnesium foods include nuts and seeds, legumes, seafood, etc.
