Making The Cold Weather A Little Safer
The winter season can be busy and exciting. With so many events like family dinners, reunions, and holiday parties, we have plenty of distractions to keep us from focusing on taking care of ourselves as we 
normally would. With shorter days and colder weather, finding the motivation to stay healthy and fit can be difficult. Working out at home with your favorite top rated cooling towel is extra difficult with the cold and snuggly weather. And that can lay the foundation for a weakened immune system, posing a greater risk of developing illness or injury. No wonder they call it the winter blues. What’s more, the colder weather creates a number of safety risks to us and to those around us, and some of these we may not even be aware of.
Furthermore, once the holiday season is over, many people experience a lull in their motivation to stay active. Some people begin to experience depression or feelings of anxiousness over expenses that accumulated throughout the holidays. Others let diet and healthy eating habits fall by the wayside. Often, given the weather, exercise is sacrificed for warm nights spent indoors on the couch.
Consume More Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are a healthy type of fat that is naturally found in a lot of food groups including fish, some red meat, plant seeds and nuts. Omega 3 fatty acids are great for reducing joint pain and stiffness as they are a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Studies have also shown that omega 3 fatty acids help lower levels of depression, which people commonly feel during the shorter days of the winter season.
Control Your Carb Cravings
The cold season tends to ignite our cravings for more carbs and comfort foods. Why? After you consume these delicious treats, your serotonin levels rise, making your brain think you are happier. And as the day wears on, your carb cravings get stronger and stronger.
To counter this, try eating a protein-filled breakfast to keep your energy levels up throughout the day. If by the time the afternoon rolls around and you’re still craving sweets or carbs, be sure to have low-fat and healthy snacks on hand. However, if you can, finding a way to increase your serotonin levels without food is the best way to beat the carb cravings. You can increase your serotonin by doing things such as working out, creating art, having meaningful conversations and generally doing things that make you happy.
Eat More Fiber
Soluble fiber found in apples, oats, vegetables and nuts is an important way to decrease inflammation and boost your immune system’s efficiency. Soluble fiber also helps reduce cholesterol levels in the body and aids in weight loss and protection from diabetes. This is an especially important winter health tip for seniors who require a high-fiber diet to protect their digestive systems. You may also find that your metabolism slows down during the winter. Eating a diet high in fiber is also one way to combat this.