We all figured out that 2020 would be like no other. As the cold weather is approaching it’s time to dust off the best nutrition tips for the season. So, here are my suggestions on how to elegantly and easily allow your body to cope and smoothly switch to winter mode. If you are a driver, you already have winter antifreeze and wiper fluid, haven’t you? Why don’t you prepare your body in a proper and professional way, too?
Here are 7 ultimate suggestions to make you feel better in the cold:
Drink water regularly
Many people mistakenly believe that due to the fact that it is cold, we lose less water as we do not sweat. The truth is that we have other ways to take disposal water out of the body, and in the cold it is no coincidence that we pee more often.
Suitable hydrating sources are water, warming herbal teas, smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. Beware of the latter, because they are very rich in fructose (sugar), which at the absence of the fruit fibers, could make us gain weight, and what’s more annoying than gaining weight by a seemingly healthy product?
With an adequate water intake, you’re guaranteed proper absorption of nutrients and a means of disposing the toxins accumulated due to the rich holiday feasts. As the main content in our body, it has an indisputably vital importance.
If you still think you are dehydrated and do not have the habit of drinking any of the above-mentioned drinks, you could help yourself by gradually reducing coffee, strong teas and alcohol consumption.
Eat quality fats
One might be surprised that with the abundance of fat sources in the winter, I discuss the topic at all. Abundance never means a good choice. So let's add to our diet raw nuts - walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts - olive oil, coconut and flax oil, eggs, fatty fish and fish oil.
Quality fats guarantee us healthy good looking skin, a properly functioning brain and, last but not least, a good source of energy in cold weather.
Avoid processed (refined) oils and trans fats (margarine), as well as products that contain them, for the best effect.
Always count on fruits and veggies
When I bring this up, I am often argued for the seasonal scarcity. This is a big misconception as the list of seasonal fresh and local fruits and veggies is very large. Just visit the nearest farmer's market and you will see the abundance of produce available.
If that's not enough, the not-so-old traditions in drying or fermenting fruits and veggies, typically found this season, too.
Beware of the industrial pickles, as they are not a result of any fermentation, so they could be toxic and overly salt.
The benefits of all good fresh, dried or fermented fruits and veggies are that they are rich in much-needed vitamins and fibers, promoting good digestion and impeccable immunity.
Don’t skip your cereals and legumes
When food becomes rich and heavy during holidays or for no reason at all, nothing helps its transit better than the quality fibers. Yes, there are people whose digestion might have a hard time dealing with them, but soaking and pre-boiling often work well. If they wouldn’t help, opt for a different produce so you would never deprive your digestion of their benefits.
Mushrooms magical we have...
Just on the periphery of our diet, these little treasures - fresh, dried or pickled - promote the digestion among many runs smoothly. For vegans they are great meat substitute having rich texture, but unlike meat, they are rich in fiber and a variety of micronutrients, which makes them a truly unique food.
Hot spices and warming foods
Unlike the summer when we strive to get rid of the heat, now hot spices and warming food are more than welcome to our bodies. In addition, they take care of us with their anti-bacterial features for the most adverse environment.
Cocoa and chocolate to keep you young
Our mental health is more important than ever. The food of the gods, according to the Aztecs, is very suitable for everyone during the overcast days, when there are only scarcity of fun or joy.
Avoid milk and overly sweet chocolate. For best results prepare it yourself from raw cocoa.
Do you know that the foods you crave for tell a lot about your nutrient deficiency? Book your personal session with me to deconstruct them all.