Winter brings unique challenges to maintaining health and well-being. The temptation of comfort food, the allure of a warm blanket, and the increased risk of illness can all derail our usual healthy habits. However, adopting simple strategies can help keep us on track and thriving throughout the colder months.
Here are our top four tips for staying healthy over winter:
1. Stock Your Plate with Healthy Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
Winter is often associated with warm and indulgent foods like hot chocolate and heavy cream soups. While these comfort foods can be enjoyable for the colder chill, it’s essential to balance them with nutritious options. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are packed with key vitamins and minerals that support the immune system and overall health.
Vitamins C and E, along with various antioxidants found in winter produce, help bolster immune defences.1 Instead of reaching for calorie-dense comfort foods, try warm, healthy alternatives like roasted vegetables, hearty stews, and nutrient-rich roasts.
2. Keep Exercising
Cold weather can make it tempting to skip regular exercise routines, especially if you’re accustomed to outdoor cardio during the long summer days. However, maintaining a fitness regimen is crucial for staying healthy in winter.
Explore new activities that keep you active and engaged, such as hot yoga, hiking, or trying a new indoor gym class. You can also take advantage of online fitness classes and home workouts. Regular exercise promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and enhances immune function, which are all vital during the winter months.2
3. Beware of Viruses
Winter months are prime time for catching the common cold and flu due to indoor crowding, decreased humidity, and weakened immune responses.3 It’s important to take extra precautions to protect yourself from viruses. Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitiser, and avoid close contact with those who are already sick.
To prevent illness, boost your immune system with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Consider getting a flu shot to reduce the risk of catching the flu and spreading it to others.
4. Rug Up Instead of Doing Less!
While it may be easy to curl up on the couch under a big blanket, staying active is crucial for both physical and mental health. Instead of reducing your activity level, layer up and make it a priority to stay active.
Make plans with friends or family to go for walks outside so that you are less likely to cancel plans! At home, take advantage of colder months to catch up on the yard and housework or enjoy indoor playtime with pets, children or grandchildren. These activities not only keep you moving but also help lift your spirits during the shorter, darker days of winter.
Maintaining both physical and mental health should be a year-round priority. By implementing these new strategies, we can continue to thrive even through the coldest months. Embrace the season with healthy habits, and you’ll emerge from winter feeling strong and rejuvenated.