by
2018-11-28
How You Can Maintain Your Health This Winters?
With shorter days and colder weather, finding the
motivation to stay healthy and fit can be difficult. Chilly winter weather
affects more than just your wardrobe and heating bill. Your body also
experiences changes in energy levels, metabolism and even food prefer.
While the winter season might increase the risk for
weather-related injury, the biggest risk to our overall health is a lack of
attention to diet and exercise routines. Sticking to a healthy diet won’t only
prevent you from picking up winter illnesses, but it can help maintain your
immune system to better protect you.
Here are some winter tips to show you
how to stay healthy and fit during winter’s colder months:
1.
Drink more water
Staying hydrated doesn’t just quench your thirst, it
also helps regulate body temperature and is essential to the function of cells,
tissues and organs. Cold weather and dry winds make your skin
extremely dry. Staying hydrated helps in maintaining your body moisture and prevents
dryness. Drinking plenty of water helps our body to digest food easily during
the winters. Drink at least 12-15 glasses of water every day.
2.
Boost your immunity with spices
Cold weather suppresses your immune system which
leaves you vulnerable to viruses and infections. Spices are known for its
medicinal properties and all you have to do is add spices to your meals and
soups. Some of spices you must add to boost your immunity are turmeric, garlic,
black pepper, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, etc. Everyday drink turmeric milk at
night to fight of your cold & cough.
3.
Eat more winter fruits &
vegetables
From seasonal vegetables to hearty soups, stay
nourished this winter. Top up your immune system by eating
antioxidant-containing fruit and vegetables that are important in ensuring
you’re getting healthy nutrients. Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, squash, carrots,
beetroot, turnip and oranges are all delicious during the winter. Incorporate
these items in the form of salads & soups into your regular winter diet.
4.
Nuts & Seeds are must for
winters
Seeds and nuts have nutrients that the body requires
during winters, as its cold outside, so taking these seeds and nuts will keep
your body warm and healthy too. Nuts & seeds are
rich in heart-friendly mono- and polyunsaturated fats which are beneficial to
the human body. You can also start your day with some
hot meals, adding nuts & seeds to the meal. Take them and protect yourself
from the winter dryness of the skin, cold, cracked heels, chapped lips, etc. Some
of the nuts and seeds you can consume this winter are flaxseeds, walnuts,
almonds, groundnuts, pumpkin seeds, etc.
5.
Sip on herbal teas
As the cold weather settles in, there is nothing
like a hot cup of herbal tea to take winter’s edge off. Herbal teas have long
been considered warriors in the battle against bad health. Ginger, tulsi, mint,
even pepper and cinnamon are all extremely healthy, landing a strong upper cut
against illness of any kind. Herbal teas are not actually teas
(hence they have no caffeine), but rather a decoction or infusion of herbs and
spices.
6.
Get some sunshine
As the days grow shorter and cooler and we’re less
likely to be outside, we are getting dramatically less day-to-day sun, which
can affect our health and our mood. Just 10-15 minutes a day will give your
body the message to make more vitamin D, and it’s likely to boost your bone health
too.
7.
Don’t skip workout
Cold weather equals lethargy. Save electricity and
an expanding waistline by heating your body up naturally with a workout. Regular
exercise strengthens your immune system so it can fight off bacterial and viral
infections. This becomes particularly important in winter when colds and flu
rear their ugly heads. Go for a 20 mins walk outside, practice indoor exercises
& yoga to stay this winters
Bottom Line
Don’t let the convergence of chilly weather, short
days and flu season get you down. Try changing the way you eat and drink to
combat the winter blues with these easy ideas to give you more energy from
morning to night.