February 23, 2012

Keeping Healthy and Fit During the Winter Months

We live in a day and age where health and fitness has not only become a necessity but almost an obsession. During the winter months it is especially important to take care of your health and fitness. Sometimes getting sick in the winter is inevitable but there are things you can do to help soften the blow and strengthen the immune system when it is really needed. Since we tend to burn more calories in the winter due to our bodies efforts in keeping ourselves warm, it’s important to eat a well balanced meal three times a day to keep up your energy. Also taking a multi vitamin on a regular basis can boost the immune system. Feel a cold coming on? A little dose of Echinacea should help until you feel like new again.

Keep yourself hydrated. Drinking green tea with a dash of lemon juice or honey is a great warm up and has plenty of antioxidants. Exercise, exercise, exercise! Granted, not many people like to venture out into the bitter cold temperatures to do much of anything. Therefore, running, biking, and even walking the dog may seem out of the question on those icy days. But sometimes getting out and breathing in some fresh air is just what the doctor ordered. Further, there are many activities you can do inside as well to keep you active in the winter months.

- Yoga or simple stretches
- Stationary bikes
- Treadmills
- Dance tapes (Wii has a fun dance game to keep you moving!)
- Turn on some music while doing household chores

There are many great exercises designed for indoors to keep you active in the winter.
Winter can deplete many of us of our spirited moods with the cold weather and lack of sun sending us into a health and fitness lag. However, the above tips will help to keep the flu bugs at bay and lift your mood at the same time.