6 Top Tips To Stay Well Over Winter
It’s the holiday period. Joyous, exciting, indulgent … and stressful.
our immune systems struggle with the change in seasons, different bugs and viruses start to spread and it becomes more of a struggle than not trying to stay well.
Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your health over the holidays so you can really have the best time possible and and stay well through the season.
1. Socialise
You may be busy, over tired and looking after the pennies but socialising and enjoying the period is important, even when we least feel like it. Make sure you still see your friends and say yes to some invitations; they will appreciate your time and you’ll feel positive about it!
2. Hangover healing with hydration
This period, it could well be the case that will wake up the morning after (more than once), feeling like you slightly overdid it. Instead of opting for a sugar laden drink to cure those pangs for something sweet that will do more harm than good for your hydration, re hydrate with a natural mix of water, lemon juice, Himalayan or sea salt, and a spoon of honey. This delightful thirst quencher is brimming with electrolytes and cleansing properties.
3. Eat right on the night.
When you’re out and about, getting a proper meal in after a few drinks can be off putting, but slipping dinner is the worst decision. Hard as it may be, try and stick to your healthy eating habits over the party season. Not only will eating proper balanced meals before drinking help your body cope with the alcohol you do consume but you’ll be less inclined to snack on the things you wouldn’t usually eat. Also, if you stick to a healthy diet (remember your veg) you’ll feel a lot better about yourself and more capable of fighting off any winter bugs going around.
4. Immune boosting foods
Oysters – high in selenium for your infection fighting white blood cells
Smoked salmon – omega 3’s which are anti inflammatory
Bone broth – Bone broth is taking the health market by storm, and what better way to consume it than from the turkey you roasted for your Christmas lunch. The cysteine released from the bird through cooking has the same effect as anti inflammatory drugs & is incredibly immune boosting.
Sweet Potatoes – This Vitamin A low GI potato option is a fabulous, yummy option over or along with the trusty roasted spud. Mash, roast, toast … It’s pretty much delicious however you cook it!
Yogurt – probiotic natural or coconut yogurt is a fabulous source of good bacteria and a great alternative over creme fraiche cream or ice cream when having a dessert or snack.
Brocolli – make Brocolli one of your go to veg options. It’s a cruciferous veg, meaning it’s a great detoxifier :). It also goes famously with garlic for an extra special immune booster!
Cacao - While cocoa is heated to a point that the beneficial properties of the cacao are removed, it also usually has milk and sugar added to it. However, cacao, it’s pure counterpart contains less fat and tastes a little more bitter but is rich in antioxidants and can be even more delicious than your standard cocoa when made into a cacao drink with cinnamon, maple and almond or coconut milk. Cacao has huge health benefits being antiviral and anti-inflammatory.
Caviar – a fabulous source of vitamin B12 and magnesium amongst other minerals, caviar is a fabulous mood booster and anti inflammatory food. Eat up! Did you know that back in the day it was used to treat depression!
Port, sherry & brandy – fortified wines and brandy, like red wine have lots of health benefits! Yippee. High in flavonoids, resveratrol and antioxidants, when drunk in moderation these Christmassy drinks can have a positive effect on your health. They can also be made into great hot cocktails! 🙂
5. Sleep tight!
It’s so important to get a good nights sleep to keep your body processes functioning well, and you on top form. Your mood will be better, your mind will work more efficiently and your immune system will be stronger, among a host of other things! Sleep tight on these cool Winter nights :).
6. Exercise
Most of us find it hard to sustain a consistent exercise routine over the colder, busier months . This usually leaves you feeling low with a lack of energy and motivation. If you’re too busy to commit to your usual schedule, make sure that you do still move, even if you are simply fitting in daily walks and stretching.
