Cold Weather Nutrition and Health Tips

Cold weather challenges many to maintain a healthy body weight and perform regular exercise as many of us want to stay indoors and consume comfort foods and sweetened, hot beverages.

It is, however, important in the winter to maintain the healthy lifestyle and well balanced eating habits you adopted in the summer. In addition to that, here are a few food tips specifically for the cold weather.

• Consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables (minimum 5 servings a day) to provide your body with the required nutrients to support your immunity to fight infection in winter, in particular vitamin C and beta-carotene.
• Include foods rich in probiotics (good flora found in intestines) such as fermented dairy products (low-fat yogurt, labneh or Actimel, as these also support the body’s ability to fight infection.
• Nuts are good for your brain and body but consume them unsalted and in moderation (30 grams/ 1oz per day) due to their high caloric content. Baked chestnuts are a healthy winter treat that have less calories (100 grams of baked chestnuts have around 130 calories).
• Keep active indoors and consider outdoor exercises when possible as sunlight enhances the secretion of Serotonin, which reduces the body’s urge for sweets and sugary drinks in addition to benefitting your body organs.
• Avoid dehydration in winter by drinking an adequate amount of fluids per day (8 cups to keep body organs hydrated and functioning well).