How To Stay Healthy During Winter

The thought of winter elicits different beliefs in us and a common one is the inevitable weight gain. Does it have to be this way? Of course not. Stick with me as I share some hacks on How To Stay Healthy During Winter.

3 Hacks on How to Stay Healthy During Winter:

1. Take advantage of eating produce that’s in season. When fruits and vegetables are picked for consumption that have been naturally ripened on the vine or the tree and harvested at the right time, it will have much more flavor and nutrition. Think brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, cactus pears, kale, leeks, etc. These fruits and veggies have a host of vitamins C, B, D, and potassium and high in fiber. They help fight off issues like the common cold which can keep you from your exercise routine if you are stuck home in bed. They also help to keep things moving through your digestive track with their high fiber content.
2. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are calling your name. For those of us who feel extra achy in the joints in colder weather, these supplements are for you! I, luckily, have the fortune of living in Southern California where our lows typically don’t surpass the 50’s Fahrenheit mark. Still, I experience some joint pain where I had knee surgery a few years ago. Clients of mine have complained about hip and shoulder aches a well. What we know about Omega 3’s are this: Just a few grams a day can help reduce inflammation and help bring blood flow throughout the body during exercise. These healthy fats also act a lubricant along the joints and help to restore joint tissue. So the next time you’re feeling that winter stiffness, don’t let it stop you from being active. Get into the habit (if you aren’t already) of taking an Omega 3 pill or eating more fish like salmon, and see if it helps.
3. Be prepared in advance for at-home workouts. If you are living in a place where your likelihood of getting snowed in is high, then hitting the gym is out of the question. Don’t let that stop you from still moving though. Youtube is always a favorite for at-home-workouts as is Pinterest with its share of one-page program guides on various moves for your upper and lower body and midsection. Also, look to Amazon if you need to stock your home with a few easy exercise essentials- a swiss ball, yoga mat, mini bands, resistance bands, hand weights/dumbbells, etc. The more prepared you are at home, the more likely you are to not let the cold weather stop you from activity, especially when stuck indoors.

These 3 hacks for How to Stay Healthy During Winter are relatively easy to do and are great habits to carry with you even into the warmer months. By then you’ll be a pro at them! They’ll ensure that you are setting your body up for success and at the same time, protecting it as best you can with certain nutrients and vitamins and preparation. A little bit of effort can take you a long way this winter. Feel free to comment on YOUR favorite winter hacks for wintertime too.

XOXO, Natasha