The winter is well and truly underway, and all that you might want to do is wrap up warm on the couch and hibernate. However, there’s no reason why you can’t continue with your usual positive health and wellness routine, as all those alcohol-fueled winter parties and high-calorie snacks can be damaging to your digestive and immune systems.
There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the best of what winter has to offer in moderation while keeping yourself fit, active and healthy until the spring. So, if you keep finding yourself neglecting your health this winter, then keep these tips handy to help get you back on track.
Eat for the season
Winter is a season when you can enjoy spending time in the kitchen, cooking up a whole variety of soups and stews that are both hearty and filling without being too high in calories. Make sure that you make the best of all those delicious seasonal vegetables that are available to you. Be sure to include some leafy veggies in your diet, such as kale and spinach, to keep your immune system and your digestion healthy and ticking over. If you do attend a seasonal party, then try to stick to dips and crudités over calorie-laden fried snacks or chips. There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the odd glass of wine, but make sure that you match any alcoholic drink with water or a soft drink so that you can stay hydrated and hangover free.
Don’t forget your oral health
Once you’ve paid your diet and body some attention, you can start to focus on your overall oral hygiene too. Make sure that you floss or chew gum after meals to prevent plaque and acid building up and damaging your teeth. Consider teeth whitening to get your smile glowing in time for the festive season. Make sure that you choose a toothpaste that will benefit your overall oral health, and be sure to use mouthwash to get rid of any leftover food and acid that could damage your gums too.
Keep active
Winter is the season to be jolly – so be sure to keep active if you want to keep a smile on your face, and preventing your waistline from expanding almost as much as Santa’s. Enjoy brisk walks outside with your kids, and the family pet, to get your heart rate going and burn off those party treats. If you enjoy working out in the gym, then why not consider trying some new classes to shake up your fitness routine? Make sure that you include a class such as stretching, yoga or Pilates to give your muscles some time to recover in between all your workouts.
The cold and snow may be here, but there’s no reason why you can’t stay active and well. Make sure that you eat for the season and enjoy any treats in moderation. Be sure to clean your teeth and gums after all that feasting, and keep active for a healthy body and mind.
