Winter Wellness: Tips for Eating Healthy as Winter Settles In
Ever hear of the winter blues? With cold weather fast approaching, many are bracing themselves for illness, seasonal depression, and the inevitable holiday hangovers. This year, it’s time to break the cycle! Here are some tips to stay healthy all season long.
Prevent the Common Cold
We get it: viruses are sometimes hard to avoid. But there are a variety of preventative measures one can take to reduce the risk of ‘coming down with the cold’ this season. The main reason for viral outbreaks during winter months is because folks are cramped up in closed spaces, allowing for viruses to replicate and spread more quickly than if we were outside in the open air.
This year, make a conscious effort to regularly scrub your hands and eat fruits and veggies, which can help boost your immunity. Studies have shown that green tea (steeped 3 to 5 minutes) is the best food source of catechins, which are plant compounds that halt oxidative damage to cells. Flavour it with fresh, anti-inflammatory ginger and pomegranate for an extra nutrient punch.
Treat Symptoms from the Start
It can be nearly impossible to stop the onslaught of a virus once it’s in your system, but treating the symptoms can help you get back on track a little quicker once the virus has run its course. For many, this means getting the sleep your body craves and ensuring that you’re drinking enough fluids to keep hydrated.
Similarly, if you’re feeling the symptoms of winter depression, then it’s likely because of the dip in oxytocin levels that comes with shorter days, colder weather, and too many holiday obligations. Don’t give way to these depressed feelings; Instead, opt for diets tailored to happier moods. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish (such as salmon and sardines), have been shown to improve cognitive function. Lentils, meanwhile, are a rich source of the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin.
Eat With Wellness in Mind
We just briefly mentioned some tips, but let’s face healthy eating head-on. There’s a lot to be said for a healthy diet, and certain foods can give you that extra immunity boost that you need to get you through the winter. Citrus is bursting with Vitamin C, and antioxidants can help round out your immune system for that extra barrier of protection. Superfoods provide the body with a range of nutrients, detoxifying compounds and are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre and protective antioxidants!
The health magic is in the pigments, so look for a colourful diet. A superfood-based eating plan is one of the best ways to naturally boost immunity. Check out the link below for more information on different foods to try to ensure you’re getting a colorful diet.
Try This!
If you’re feeling a little blue or suspecting that you’re under the weather, then try this strong, immune-boosting tea infusion straight from your pantry:
- 1-2 cm fresh raw chopped ginger
- Turmeric powder
- 1 whole chilli or dried flakes
- Thyme fresh or dried
- Wedge of lemon (with rind grated)
- 1 teaspoon raw honey or manuka honey
Optional:
- ½-1 clove freshly-crushed garlic
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin coconut oil
Place herbs and spices in a saucepan with a cup of water.
Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Keep the lid on to maintain the essential oils.
Strain and enjoy while still warm.
HSG offers winter wellness workshops as part of our wide array of ‘Lunch and Learn’ workplace seminar programs. Call us today on 1300 889 073 to learn more.
