Natural ways you can stay healthy this winter

Winter means short days, cold weather, and lots of holidays. Family gatherings, parties, and shopping for gifts for friends and family take precedence and, we often lose our focus when it comes to staying healthy and fit.

Between the shorter days and colder temperatures, it’s often harder to find the motivation to exercise and stay active. It’s easy to let diet and healthy eating habits fall by the wayside, especially during the holidays with all of the large meals and irresistible desserts and other sweets that are so tempting!

Some people begin to experience “the holiday blues” or depression and even feelings of anxiety over financial worries, while others suffer from a mild form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD) that’s brought on by the lower level of sunlight during the shorter days.

As a result, your immune system is often weakened during the winter which can lead to increased risk of developing an illness. Being able to recognize the factors that contribute to seasonal-related illnesses can help you when it comes to staying healthy in winter. And, the good news is that there are many natural ways to stay healthy during the winter months.

Keep your summer body year round

If you want to keep that summer body that you worked so hard on, there are some tried and true natural ways to stay healthy and fit during the winter season. Eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins.

Stay active and try to exercise or get some form of physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day. Enjoy a brisk walk on a sunny day or get your exercise by working out in a gym or join an exercise class.

Stay well-hydrated, get your yearly flu shot, and wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses that cause colds, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses.

Taking vitamins and supplements can help your body to ward off illness but will also help your body to battle the symptoms if you should you come down with a cold or the flu. Taking vitamin D3 helps to supplement the lack of sunlight during the winter months and helps in the absorption of important vitamins and minerals, including A, iron, and calcium.

Don’t let the cold weather win

Don’t let the cold weather and shorter days sabotage your health and fitness! Eat plenty of foods that make you flexible and support your immune system such as leafy greens, beans, and other fruits and vegetables. Not only are they chock-full of nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber, they also help to keep that winter weight off, so your body is ready for next summer.

Exercise, stay active, and continue taking those important vitamins and supplements to help further support your immune system. Check out Vibrant Nutraceuticals webpage for a full list of our high quality, organic, plant-based vitamins.