The onset of winters can prove to be a health hazard if you are not following a nutritious diet and a balanced lifestyle. So make sure you are getting the right nutrition this chilly season.
To do so I have listed down some tips to stay fit and enjoy the chilly season:
Adding a few drops of Apple Cider Vinegar for body detoxing and blood purifying: Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonder liquid that works both for beauty and health. It has properties that can ease your sinus issues during the cold season, give luster to your limp dry hair which falls under the stress of winter pollution and also can enliven your skin if taken with water in the morning.
Sipping Tulsi Tea for antioxidants and other nutrients: Colder months are closely associated with lowered immunity which in turn increases your chances of contracting the flu. Tulsi (Holy Basil) enhances your immune system to fight viruses. It also improves the body’s overall defense mechanism, reduces stress, improves stamina, boosts immunity, fights and prevents chronic disease, and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients.
Turning to honey to boost immunity: honey is nature’s nectar that not just tickles your taste buds but also contains several vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to boost immunity levels to deal with winter allergies
Coconut Oil to fight dry skin: Another common issue we all face is the dry, flaky skin caused by cold breeze and dehydration in winter months. When applied externally, coconut oil keeps the skin moisturized, prevents dry scaly skin and strengthens the connective tissue under the skin.
Ghee to keep your body warm: Including ghee in your diet is one of the best ways to keep your body warm and it helps additionally in dealing with winter dryness of the skin.
Oatmeal porridge breakfast- Oatmeal porridge not just gives you the goodness of oat fiber but also protein from milk which helps you to get energy and make you feel satiated for long hours which helps to prevent over-eating in winters.
Nuts & Seeds is the best muncher: Include oil-rich foods in your daily diet. Nuts (especially walnuts and blanched almonds); ground flaxseeds; sunflower, pumpkin seeds; olive oil, (they contain omega 3’s and help purify the skin and liver).
Relish on omega-rich fish like salmon: Fish has a good combination of antioxidants (omega 3) and Protein. Both these components help in keeping the skin moist and soft during winter. Omega 3 rich fish can be had twice a week can provide healthily
Drink Water: Hydration is important during winter as thirst goes down due to cold weather. Be sure to drink plenty of water each day. Rather than cold or iced (which aggravates Vata), drink your water warm, or at least at room temperature.
Swap sugary foods for sweet root veggies and soups- Sometimes the winter months can make us reach for sugar-laden ‘comfort foods’ that can be bad for both our waistline and our energy levels. However, there are lots of winter foods that are nutritious and comforting – try roasted root vegetables which are delicious and sweet, or soups packed with vegetables are great for lunchtime, especially with lots of garlic or ginger.
Naturopathy tips to keep your skin plumped, oiled and glowing in the winter season
Get in the habit of “oiling up” each morning with the ayurvedic self-massage “abhyanga” before your bath or shower. This will lubricate and protect your skin and give your complexion a radiant sheen that lasts throughout the day.
Use herbs like Amla, Aloe vera, Shunthi, Manjishtha, Anantamool, Triphala, Chandan, which have gentle detoxifying properties and also help to maintain perfect moisturizing balance. Spice like turmeric helps act as an anti-bacterial agent so try to include in your daily diet.
At last, to achieve vitality over the winter months, make sure you give yourself time to relax, exercise and try to get both good quality and quantity of sleep. Happy & Healthy Winters!!