Now's the time when the winter season is in full flow. The weather is pleasant, with chilly winds taking over everywhere. The days have gotten shorter and the nights are now longer. But with all this, it is also important to make sure that your body stays healthy and fit during the winter season by consuming a balanced diet that comprises seasonal produce of fresh vegetables and fruits along with nuts and seeds since you might be susceptible to catching the seasonal flu or any other illness otherwise.
Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy body. So, make sure that you consume a balanced diet to stay fit and have a healthy and cheerful winter season. So, here are five things to keep in mind to stay healthy and fit during the winter season.
Hydration Is The Key
It is important to drink sufficient amounts of water during the winter to stay hydrated. Since we do not perspire in chilly temperatures, maintaining proper hydration may not seem like a big deal. But just as in the summer, it's crucial to drink enough water during the winter as well. Proper hydration boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin.
Mindful Eating Over Bingeing
Our bodies need to burn more calories to combat the cold during the colder months. Therefore, you might crave high-calorie foods packed with carbohydrates and sugar, like cakes, cookies, deep-fried delights, and more. Eating them in larger portions may happen too.
But it is wise to be mindful of what you are eating during the cold season. To satisfy yourself and feel fuller for longer, it may be best to steer clear of heavy foods and stick to fruits and vegetables high in fibre instead.
Include Seasonal Vegetables
While winter may be too cold for a salad, it's the ideal season to test out some delectable vegetable-rich soups and stews. But remember to include enough seasonal veggies in the soup as well, like broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, green peas, carrots, pumpkin, and more.
Incorporating seasonal items into winter recipes enhances their nutritional value. Consume greens like spinach, mustard greens, fenugreek, and other veggies to make your dishes more wholesome.
Watch Your Caffeine Intake
Coffee and hot chai are perfect for winter. And sometimes we drink more coffee or chai than we should in a day. Both coffee and tea contain caffeine, and excess consumption of caffeine causes dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, insomnia, and other problems, according to Healthline. Thus, it is advised that we limit our caffeine consumption for a healthy lifestyle.
Consume Foods Rich In Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for bolstering the immune system, which is prone to decline throughout the winter. Vitamin C is well-known for being a potent antioxidant, which is essential in protecting us from health problems. So, to stay healthy during this season, start eating vitamin C-rich foods like guava, kiwi, broccoli, lemon, papaya, strawberry, and orange.