Tips For A Healthy Hibernation This Winter
July 10, 2019
When the weather is cold and rainy sometimes all we want to do is stay indoors, rug up on the couch and eat hearty, warm food. But it's important to also stay active and healthy during winter.
(With thanks to Cancer Council WA)
Did you know that good nutrition and regular physical activity can reduce your risk of chronic disease including cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes?
That's why our LiveLighter team has put together their five top tips for keeping well when the weather outside is frightful.
- 1. Stay active
When the weather gets nasty, try mixing it up with some fun indoor activities! Trampolining, home exercise routines, indoor rock climbing, YouTube dance classes, Ninja Warrior-style obstacle courses and trapeze classes are all fun and (mostly) dry activities for winter time. An umbrella or raincoat and waterproof shoes will keep you comfy while you keep doing your everyday stuff like walking the dog and catching public transport.
- 2. Immune boosting foods
Our immune system is a beautiful and complicated thing - there's no simple trick to "boosting" it! Making sure you eat a wide variety of foods from the five food groups is the best way to make sure everything is in top shape. Pay particular attention to getting enough:
Vitamin C - it's in most fruit and veg
Zinc- it's in most animal products and many nuts and seeds
Iron - it's in meat, beans and lentils and good ol' spinach
If you're low in any of these, winter bugs may harder for your body to fight. Eating real food is the first line of defence - save the supplements for a diagnosed deficiency. Try this delicious balsamic pork on garlicky white bean mash recipe from LiveLighter if you're in need of some inspiration!
- 3. Keep fluids up
Feeling hot is often a trigger for us to drink, but it's just as important to stay hydrated when it's cold. Keep a bottle in sight to remind yourself to drink water throughout the day. And remember that soups and cuppas count towards your fluid intake too! Use our handy dandy chart to see if you're well hydrated.
- 4. Get some sun
We tend to get less sunlight on our skin in winter, which can lead to less production of vitamin D - crucial for bone health and general health. But remember it's still possible to get sunburned in winter! Download the free SunSmart app and when the UV Index is below three, roll up your sleeves and spend some time outside in the sun. For extra vitamin D benefits, get moving outdoors. This is also a great mood boost when you've been cooped up inside all day.
- 5. Hygiene
Being vigilant about hygiene will reduce your risk of catching something and help stop the spread of colds and the flu.
Wash your hands regularly, and particularly before preparing food
Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow (aka "the vampire")
Throw snotty tissues in the bin straight away
Keep your spit to yourself and avoid sharing cups and cutlery
If you're sick, stay home and keep the germs to yourself
More information
Cancer Council WA deliver the LiveLighter program, which aims to encourage Australian adults to lead healthier lifestyles - to make changes to what they eat and drink, and to be more active.
You can find lots of great tips, resources and information at livelighter.com.au.
