Staying Healthy during winter

Article from http://newsroom.macleay.net/staying-healthy-during-winter/

When the weather starts to drop, you can become a bit reluctant to staying healthy. You choose the couch over the gym, hot chocolates over salads and excuses over gym memberships.

We sat down with Nutritionist Christina Madding from Healthy Life in the St. George region, who gave us some tips on how to stay healthy this winter.

Switch up your routine

Madding recommends that you change your work out plan. It’s a whole new season, which means you’ll need a whole new routine. “Unfortunately in winter I do find a lot of people put on weight simply because they are too lazy to workout. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme; a simple 20-30 minute circuit workout in the comfort of your own home will do the trick. Stock up on your Pilate and body pump workout DVDs” she said

Warm and fuzzy

Tis’ the season to take full advantage of mum’s homemade soups and warm beverages- all healthily altered of course. “Eating high-alkaline foods such as dark, leafy green vegetables and seasonal fruits such as oranges is encouraged. When it comes to preparing ‘comfort food’, soups are fabulous! Your insides will thank you for the nutrient-enriched lentil and pumpkin soup. Simple switches to your favorite food and drinks like using skim milk as a substitute to whole milk, cooking with quinoa instead of rice and choosing buckwheat pasta over regular pasta.”

Wash your hands

It seems simple, but can be over-rated. Madding says that washing your hands is the number one way to prevent germs from spreading. “It’s a good idea to keep some wipes in your bag. They become essential on public transport,” she said.

Drink! Drink! Drink!

And by this we mean water.“Staying hydrated is really important. If you’re not sold on the whole water thing, try hot water with lemon and honey. Basically you want to be drinking between 6-8 glasses a day as this helps to keep you alert and more resistant to bacteria. In other words, less chance of catching a cold,” she said.

Lather up

The cold air can leave your skin feeling dry and flaky. Christina recommends that you  take the time to moisturize your face and your body.” It really does make a big difference. Straight after your steamy shower when your pores are open and your skin is super squeaky clean, lather on the lotion and feel the difference.”