Staying healthy in winter

Staying healthy in winter can be hard, especially when it comes to the Christmas party season where we may indulge on too much food and drink. A few simple tips and changes may just keep you feeling great and avoiding picking up everyone’s colds and germs. You need to support your immune system through upping your intake of antioxidants from berries, fruits and vegetables. Also did you know that your gut accounts for about 60% of your immune defence system? Therefore it is vital that you it is healthy and balanced through incorporating bio-yoghurt, onions and garlic in your diet.

To eat well in winter you need to follow the same basic approach to any season:

•Variety of foods to maximise nutrients

•Rainbow colours - variety of vegetables with as many colours as you can fit on your plate

•warming spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, ginger and garlic

•Slow cooked meats to make digestion easier

•Drinking plenty of water even when you don't feel so thirsty, if you don't like cold water during winter then try herbal teas or adding lemon or ginger

•Warming breakfasts such as porridge, eggs or stewed fruit with natural yoghurt

•Balance your alcohol intake with a glass of water for each beverage

•Take a good daily multi vitamin to make up for any short falls of nutrients in your diet

•Turkey makes you happy! It contains something called Tryptophan which causes a reaction in your body to make you feel more content. It is also found in cottage cheese and bananas

Keeping fit and healthy over Christmas

Overindulgence - can lead to weight gain and feeling sluggish. Try adding a digestive enzyme supplement to your regime. If you really over do it at a Christmas party then try Biocare’s Refresh sachets to boost your energy and get you going the next day.

Winter blues - the dark, cold and wet days can leave us feeling low so boost you diet with B Vitamins and feel good foods: Marmite, brown rice, turkey, cottage cheese, banana, soy and seeds.

Circulation - it can be hard to motivate yourself to exercise when it is cold outside but a few hours a week will ensure that your circulation stays strong and that you limit any Christmas weight gain.

Avoid colds - boost your immune system now by ensuring you keep up fruit and veg over Christmas. Smoothies and Juicing are a great way to get your daily quota. You can also use a supplement to boost your antioxidants at this time of year

Seasonal shopping list

•Garlic, onion, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric

•Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, winter squash, sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots

•Beetroot, red cabbage

•Oranges, Clementine’s

•Chestnuts

•Turkey

Winter can also be time when people feel depressed or are affected by something call SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Diet change and supplements can be a very helpful way of making you feel more like yourself again and avoiding taking any medication. If you are feeling low this winter, please do get in touch for an appointment. Jo@nutrito.co.uk