With the winters knocking at the doorstep, it is important to make the right food choices to maintain weight, boost your energy, immune system, and overall health. As it helps you fight off colds and makes feel more energetic.
Winters typically means dark afternoons and plummeting temperatures. It is one of those times where we spend most time indoors- and a time when germs are easily spread—this can lead us to get sick more frequently. Also looking at the factor that most of us are working from home, it’s quite normal to feel exhausted as we don’t have a morning commute to get us going.
We often turn to comfort foods on cold, dreary days, but eating the right food can strengthen our bodies in better ways.
In the winter season, people don’t drink too much water or fluids which makes you feel dehydrated. However, even in the cold, your body requires plenty of fluids. This is especially important for those who have heated homes & offices. Maintaining a fluid intake of 2-3 litres per day is quite essential.
In winters, the way we look for warm clothes to protect us from the cold winds, so we don’t fall sick. Similarly, our body demands nutrients which makes sure that we are active and have a good amount of energy to do the all-day- activities. If we won’t take proper precautions, then definitely the chances are high that we will feel low and tired. When we are in a healthy state, our mind also works sharply. If we are not healthy then the chances of doing activities also reduce to an extent level.
There are times when we skip meals, or our body demands more energy as compared to other days. Hence, a lot of people take multivitamins to stay active and fit. The focus of people has shifted towards holistic health, which has resulted in a sharp increase in sales of multivitamin and health supplements that have Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin D known for developing immune systems and overall wellness support. During winters, people start having vitamin D deficiency due to the no availability of direct sunlight. Hence, multivitamins fill in the space.
However, the supplements only work on the body with a proper intake of nutrients. The benefit of eating a wide variety of foods is an important part of a balanced diet.
To follow an active lifestyle, we should inculcate a few steps in our daily routine:-
Physical Exercise
During winters, many people skip doing physical activities or exercise and prefer to stay in bed for a longer time. This impacts the body it is advisable by doctors and health experts that every person should walk for at least 30 minutes. Exercise should be inculcated in part of every day’s routine life as it makes you active and helps in mind rejuvenation.
Balanced Diet
Many people often underestimate the importance of a good diet, but proper nutrition plays a deterrent role in improving energy levels and mental health. During winters, our diet changes, and people tend to prefer comforting foods that are not always healthy. Hence, Eating a variety of seasonal fruit and vegetables gives nutrition to the body. Apart from this, one should not skip meals and avoid fatty and sugary products as it affects the ability to concentrate and makes the body feel lethargic.
Meditation
The way physical exercise is essential for our health. Similarly, indulging the body in meditation for 15-20 minutes gives profound results. Yoga or meditation lowers stress and develops emotional and psychological well-being.
Sleep Well
It is pertinent to sleep well and for at least 8 hours a night. It helps the body to take rest and generate energy for the next day. Insomnia is a cause of high blood pressure, heart disease, and mental, metabolic and endocrine diseases, so try and switch off early and avoid mobile phones before heading to bed.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty number of water glasses is the most necessary part of life. One should never take it lightly; staying hydrated is important. Studies show that drinking enough water not only helps you maintain a healthy weight but a healthy body –and helps in easing digestion and maintaining energy levels.