California has been delightfully warm and bright until this past week. The long over due cooler temps have arrived and we are being giant cold weather wimps. My youngest was so excited to break out his big puffy green marshmallow coat. We just laugh at ourselves. It was 55 degrees and we were chilly.
When the weather gets colder, we all feel less motivated to move about and exercise. We tend to turn into couch potatoes that want to do nothing, but indulge in chocolate and fast food. When the summer arrives, however, we are stunned to discover how much weight we put on and how unhealthy we have become. If you would like to stay healthy and beat the winter blues, you will need to make sure that you find a way to motivate yourself and make some important changes in your lifestyle. Below you will find a few tips on getting started. Instead of causing more damage to the waistline this holiday season, set yourself up for success.
Have Fresh Fruit In the Fridge All the Time
You can best avoid unhealthy snacks if you are able to stock up on healthy ones. Make it your weekly mission to visit your local farmers’ market and get some fresh produce. Just because it is the winter, you don’t have to cut back on your fresh produce. You can still get fresh herbs, tomatoes for your sauces, and even make a butternut squash soup that is full of minerals and vitamins for a healthy lunch. You can snack on celery sticks and root vegetables instead of chocolate and cookies.
Start with a Morning Lemon Juice
It is also harder during the winter to get your body going and functioning as well as it can, especially your digestive system. If you are looking to improve your morning routine and get your metabolism going, start with some stretches, light exercise, or lemon juice in warm water to deliver the antioxidants your body will need throughout the day. Once you have started your morning this way, you can go on to make your favorite breakfast.
Morning Yoga and its Benefits
There are many benefits of yoga, but if you take it on during the winter, you will not only protect your physical health, but your mental one as well. You don’t have to spend an hour every day exercising; simply do a 10-15 minute routine that will get your heart pumping and your circulation going. If you have a job sitting by the desk or in the car all day, you will need the stretches to keep your posture healthy and prevent injuries. Have fun with it and get your whole family involved.
Cut Back on Takeout
One of the things most of us are guilty of is eating too much takeout during the winter. When it is cold and miserable outside, our body feels like it needs to build up fat to protect us, and this is when the problems spiral out of control. If you simply don’t feel like cooking after a hard day at work, you can find some quick recipes that will help you make the most out of the ingredients you have at home and create healthy meals for the whole family. Pasta dishes, for example, don’t take a lot of effort and time.
Don’t Drink Your Calories
Give me a creamy mocha piled high with whipped cream and I’m a happy girl. Warms me from the inside out. I also love carbonated sugary beverages. I know it goes right to my belly, but it is hard for me to resist a delicious can of coke. My husband likes eggnog. That is another fattening beverage. There’s better choices to be had. Try chamomile tea, for example, it is great for your bedtime routine, not to mention that it also has antibacterial effects. Add some natural honey and lemon juice, and you will find a great and healthy alternative to your indulgences.
Look After Your Lower Back
We tend to sit and ay down more during the winter, and this puts extra pressure on our lower back. If you drive to work every day and would like to avoid the negative consequences of your work, you will have to do some stretches to support your lower back. If you start your day with yoga and do a few stretches during the day, go for a walk in the evening, you can look after your lower back and improve your posture and balance at the same time. If you feel the strain, you can get in touch with Scott Swanson Chiropractic to prevent your lower back problems getting worse.
Don’t Cut Back on Walking
We often don’t feel like going for a walk, and use our car to take us around the corner when it is dark, wet, and miserable outside. You might want to make the most out of the sunshine hours and invest in some waterproof clothing, so you can have no excuse not to go for a walk. You can still enjoy nature and exercise when it is drizzling outside, you just have to be creative.
Don’t Overheat Your Home
One of the mistakes people make when trying to stay happy and healthy at home and keep their family comfortable is overheating their home. The greater the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature is, the more your body will need to work to balance it out. When you get in wearing a coat, scarf, and hat you will start sweating, and if you need to go out again you will be more likely to catch a cold. It is better to wear more layers in the winter than having the thermostat on a high setting, not to mention that you will sleep better, too. I am a firm believer that our Venta Air Washer is keeping our air pure as well.
Get Your Car Air Filters Changed
During the summer and the fall your car has picked up various pollen, pollution particles, and even bacteria. When the winter arrives, it might be time to get your car’s air filters changed. This is a small investment in your health that can make a huge difference. If you suffer from asthma or other respiratory illnesses, chances are that you will need to look after the air quality in your car as well as your home. You can get rid of condensation and mold, and enjoy fresh air even with the windows up and the air conditioning and heating going.
Vacuum Your Ducts and Air Vents
You will also have to look after the air quality of your home to prevent illnesses and winter infections. When was the last time you checked your air ducts and vents? It is possible that there are dust and debris from the last home renovation that can cause some illnesses. If you have a vacuum with a HEPA filter, make sure that you are giving your air ducts and vents a good clean and changing the filters of your HVAC system. Get your kids involved and have them help vacuum too!
Deal with Insulation Problems
Cold patches, cracks, and the lack of adequate insulation can also make your home unhealthy. You will have to get a professional to look at where you are losing heat in your house, and whether or not your home is suffering from condensation and damp spots. If this is the case, you should ensure that you are dealing with the problem as soon as possible, so you don’t have to pay more than you can afford. Replace the seals around your doors and windows, so you don’t get affected by drought and high energy bills. I’ve also found energy efficient drapes to be helpful too. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
The winter months are challenging for all of us. If you would like to stay healthy and active, you will need to find a way to motivate yourself and your family. Try to get the best nutrition and vitamins out there, and don’t make excuses when you feel like you need to move more. Cut back on unhealthy food and increase your activity level so you can enjoy the winter holidays.
