Winter makes all of us a little lazy and vulnerable to diseases.Exposure to the cold temperatures suppresses the immune system and slows down our metabolism.The greatest challenge in winter is to keep oneself healthy and active.The objectives can only be achieved by practicing healthy eating and following healthy lifestyle habits.
On that note, business transformation expert Hirav Shah outlines important tips for you to stay healthy and fit.
Table of Contents
1.Healthy fats
Add more healthy fats like coconut oil,mustard oil and ghee in your diet. Fats are absorbed by the deepest of the tissues,which helps to keep your skin moisturised and prevents dryness.Besides, fats are required for absorption of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K.The deficiency of these vitamins, especially vitamin D can lead to depression and many other diseases.
2.Whole grains
Whole grains are good for health in every season. It is packed with several essential nutrients and prevents us from several kinds of health ailments.Grains like oats,barley and maize help us to keep warm in the cold season. As per ayurveda, the digestive fires are too high in winters and eating whole grain can train your body to break complex carbs easily throughout the year.
3. Root vegetables
Winters are the season of root vegetables and adding them in your diet is a good option.These vegetables are rich in nutrients like iron,calcium,iodine,potassium etc.
They keep you fuller and free from overeating, which is a common problem in the cold season. It also helps to maintain your blood sugar level and reduce the risk of diabetes. Eat more carrots,sweet potatoes,beetroot and pumpkin.
4.Spices
Spices not only add aroma and taste to your food but provide many other benefits to your body and also help to keep you warmer.Besides, spices are also psychologically comforting and help to lift your mood in the grey season.They can control blood sugar,enhance circulation and promote good digestive health.
5.Avoid cold food
Any cold or raw food items must be avoided in this season.Cold juices, smoothies, coffee can make your body stagnant. Instead drink warm milk,turmeric milk and herbal / green tea.
6. Exposure to sun
Sunlight is rich in vitamin D and most of you know it. But most of you may not know that vitamin D is rare to find in nature other than in sun. Therefore it becomes essential for a person to get some sunlight daily to attain vitamin D. So instead of sitting inside the blankets, you must go outside and get the required exposure from the sun.
7. Stay Hydrated
It’s important to drink plenty of water in the winter too. Yes, very much. Stay hydrated during the whole of winters. In other words, keep your electrolytes up and stay away from alcohol, coffee, and tea, as these drinks will only dehydrate you more. Hope this is understood !!
Final Thoughts
Well, love it or hate it, but you simply can’t ignore winter. So, to make the most of this season and its festive flair, try and stay healthy and fit- Concludes Hirav Shah, Opinion Maker and Veteran Thought Leader.
