All we have to do is look at the contents of shopping carts to see that many people do not eat properly. It is also clear that many people are in ill health with obesity. Many elderly are frail. All of this does not have to be. Below, are some helpful Tips for Better Health and Wellness This Winter.
Best Tips for Better Health and Wellness This Winter
Winter is a key time when people tend to devolve into even worse health. They eat too much and often poorly throughout the holiday season, drink more, and stay inside, not getting enough exercise.
In addition to spiritual and practical self-improvement, the following are some essential steps to help people reverse this trend and enjoy better health and wellness this winter.
Exercise –
We all need to exercise at least for half an hour each day. Even better would be to do at least 30 to 60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each day and strength training three times a week. This does not mean you have to run into a 30 mile per hour cold wind every day.
Some people will prefer to run or walk indoors on a treadmill while watching a tv show or even a compelling movie. Other people love to snowshoe or cross country ski.
There are areas where you have an outdoor or indoor ice rink and can ice skate. Others like to do aerobic exercises or dance to videos.
You could even get a gym membership and swim in a warm pool every day. It is just a matter of your preference. Just keep up an exercise routine in the winter.
Nutrition –
In the winter, rather than eat too much and consume a bunch of sugar for the holidays, why not listen to what your body craves? In the winter, we tend to gravitate towards warm, comfort foods.
Why not make a warm stew with some lean meat? How about a bowl of chili or a pot roast? These are all satisfying and nutritious meals for winter.
Don’t forget to start your day with a balanced breakfast that has a lean protein, whole-grain carbohydrates, and fats. If you think you will be tempted to eat the sweet treats that will be sitting out every day at work, why not take fruits and eat them instead?
Or, blend a satisfying smoothie with a banana, some apple, and some blueberries or strawberries? These will appeal to your sweet tooth, satisfy your cravings for sweets and propel you through the day better.
Don’t forget the veggies either. Salads provide us the roughage we need for proper elimination. If you feel you just can’t eat all of the veggies the food pyramid suggests, get a cheap juicer and juice a few carrots, a yam, some lettuce, some celery stalks, and a cucumber.
It is absolutely refreshing, surprisingly sweet and provides nutrients and phytonutrients. It is a great way to start the day, rather than coffee, which will dehydrate you.
Drink Plenty of Water –
During the winter, we tend to not pay as much attention to hydration. It’s important to drink plenty of water, even when you are not feeling thirsty. Winter can dry out our skin. Also, proper hydration helps with proper elimination.
Get Plenty of Sleep –
Since it is darker for longer in the winter, obviously our bodies were meant to sleep more in winter. Indulge yourself. Some of us have trouble getting to sleep early enough. One problem getting to sleep early is screen time.
Make a contract with yourself to shut off the electronics devices at 10 p.m., so you can get to bed at a reasonable hour. Without the glow of the phosphorous screen and all of its mental stimulation, it will be easy to get sleepy. If not, try some chamomile tea just before bedtime.
Keep Up on Your Vitamin C and D –
In the winter, we tend to not eat enough citrus fruits, and we are not outside in order to get enough vitamin D exposure. Oranges are available all year, and you can purchase more vitamin C and D supplements as well. This will keep your immune system strong throughout the winter.
With better habits in place, and by using these tips for better health this winter, it will be much easier to carry these healthier routines into the warmer seasons, when it is easier to be outside and when tasty and healthy fruits are more plentiful. tips for better health this winter
