HEALTHY EATING THIS WINTER
HOW EATING HEALTHY CAN BENEFIT YOUR OVERALL HEALTH
Winter is most definitely here and with it has come shorter days, colder weather, and flu season. As most of the population have a much weaker immune system this year in comparison with previous winters, it is vital that we do everything we can to help our bodies stay healthy. Healthy eating this winter is a big part of that.
While maintaining a healthy diet won’t prevent you from picking up a cold or flu, it can help support your body to better fight off any infection or virus. Eating a balanced diet whilst you are unwell can also speed up recovery. Read on to learn more.
AVOID OVEREATING UNHEALTHY FOODS
The long nights and cold weather can be the perfect excuse to stay inside on the couch all day, indulging on sweets and comfort food. Whilst such days should be allowed every once in a while, as a special treat, it is important to ensure they don’t become your norm this winter. Overeating, especially unhealthy comfort foods, can lead to obesity and other health complications. Instead use this season to experiment with healthy recipes in the kitchen as you will likely be spending more time indoors.
If you feel like you have a tendency to snack all day, try to meal prep or have healthy snacks on hand. If you schedule a small snack or meal every few hours, you will be less likely to make last-minute unhealthy decisions.
EAT MORE COLOURS
In the winter months it can be easy to resort to eating a very beige coloured diet of carb heavy foods such as pasta and breads. However, it is more important than ever this season to make sure you eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to increase your intake of essential vitamins and minerals.
While most fresh fruit can be limited during the winter, citrus fruits are in abundance. These are full of vitamin-C which can help boost your immune system to fight colds and flus.
Dark green vegetables such as broccoli and brussels sprouts are also plentiful this time of year and packed full of nutrients.
PREPARE TO PARTY
Holiday parties are fast approaching and that means lots of delicious foods and the opportunity to overindulge. You don’t have to cut out party foods altogether, but you can limit the amount you consume by eating a healthy meal before you leave home. That way you aren’t hungry and filling up on unhealthy options. If you are attending a dinner party, you could also offer to bring a dish, that way you know there will be at least one healthy option available.
PLAN FOR SUCCESS
Be realistic in your healthy eating goals this winter, especially around the holidays. It is ok to eat indulgent foods every now and again, just make sure it’s not something you are doing every day. However, be careful that your limitations are not too constraining. It can be easy to overestimate your willpower, and if you slip up it can be easy to be too hard on yourself and give up on your healthy eating plans. Why not set achievable goals with a friend or colleague, you can not only encourage each other to make the right choices but also celebrate when your plans are a success.
HOW CAN THE DOCTORS CLINIC GROUP HELP
Our private same day GP service allows you to speak with a doctor at a time and place that suits you. Our experienced general practitioners will do their very best to help you with any health or lifestyle issues you may have.