Your Health

Winter Wellness Guide

woman in winter breathing in fresh air

Winter is a time where we start to crave comfort. With the longer nights and cooler weather, you may find yourself reaching for the blanket, thick socks and jumpers, curled up on the sofa with a mug of warming hot chocolate and cookies as you get cosy to watch your favourite show.

 

You may deviate away from any healthy habits you’ve formed, whether it’s your weekly exercise routine or the foods you eat. It’s not uncommon and you’re not alone. Remember to not be too hard on yourself if you start to crave unhealthy food or want to stay indoors rather than exercise in the cold.

 

We’ve put together our top five tips for maintaining optimum health and wellness throughout winter. From providing your body with the right nutrition to staying active, find out how you can beat the blues and stay healthy this winter.

 

How to Curb Cravings

 

It’s okay if you crave sugary snacks or unhealthy food during winter – it’s completely natural! Treat yourself and enjoy your snacks in moderation. However, if you’re struggling to keep your hand out of the biscuit tin, here are a few ways you can help curb those cravings:

 

  • Eat fruit – many fruits contain natural sugars and have a delicious sweet taste that will help keep sugar cravings at bay.
  • Drink more water – it’s important to stay hydrated during winter and water is one of the easiest solutions to beat cravings.
  • Eat more protein – add more protein into your diet during winter to help keep you feeling fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to reach for the chocolate!

 

 

Five Tips to Winter Wellness

 

Discover our top tips to help you through the darker, colder months and to keep your health in check this winter.

 

1. Get Outside During Daylight

 

This is one of the most important things you can try to do during winter. Yes, we know it’s cold out there and life can be busy, but even getting outside for a 15-minute walk on your lunch break can do you the world of good.

 

With shorter days and more time spent indoors, our bodies get less exposure to sunlight, which can result in a vitamin D deficiency. This can lead you to feel more fatigued and can affect your mood. Consider taking vitamin D supplements to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D during winter, as well as getting outside as much as you can during daylight hours. It can boost your mood and helps to improve sleep quality.

 

woman walking in the snow in low sunlight

 

2. Eat to Support Your Immune System

 

Think about the foods you’re eating during winter and make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. As winter is the peak season for colds and flu, make sure you’re eating plenty of fresh fruit and seasonal vegetables, such as sweet potato, squash and other root vegetables, to maintain a healthy, balanced diet that could help to boost your immune system.

 

Oily fish, such as salmon and tuna, are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, providing your body with essential healthy fats to help support your wellbeing during winter. Try to keep your sugar intake down during winter, as too much could impact your mood and gut health.

 

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to introduce more superfoods into your diet, try our Raw Organic Green Superfood Powder for a convenient boost of vegetables and nutrients.

 

 

3. Consider Taking Supplements

 

Give your health the boost it needs with the support of vitamins and supplements. Some of the best vitamins you should take in winter include vitamins B, C and D, to support immune system health, as well as omega-3 supplements and zinc. Read our latest blog to discover why these supplements are best to take during cold and flu season:

 

5 Supplements You Should Take in Winter

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5 Supplements You Should Take in Winter

Support your health with these supplements for winter.

2021-11-29 10:39:14By Garden of Life

 

4. Stay Active

 

We know it’s cold outside, but there’s no such thing as bad weather – just bad clothes! Layer up in suitable clothing and get outdoors as there are many benefits to exercising in the cold weather, from its mood-boosting release of endorphins to supporting your immune system. If you’re really not up for it, there are plenty of indoor exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home or gym, like swimming and yoga, to help you stay active during winter.

 

woman meditating in winter jumper

 

5. Take Time Out

 

Don’t be afraid to put yourself first and make your health a priority this winter. Take time away from your screens and get stuck into some relaxing activities to look after your wellbeing this season.

 

Whether it’s taking a bath, meditating, writing a journal, or simply taking the time to fulfil a new self-care routine, use this time as a form of stress relief. Remember that some activities that help others wind down may differ to what works for you.

 

Learn more about reducing stress through diet and exercise to help you on your way to winter wellness this season:

 

How to Reduce Stress Through Diet and Exercise

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How to Reduce Stress Through Diet and Exercise

Discover how to manage stress levels naturally with diet and exercise.

2020-02-13 13:59:26By Garden of Life



Garden of Life

Garden of Life

Writer and expert