Winter Wellness: Staying Warm and Energized

Lately, it has been extremely cold out. You know, the kind of cold that no matter how many layers you are in it seems to have settled in your bones? When you are already not feeling your best, the last thing you want is extremely cold temperatures amplifying your aches, pains, discomfort, and already present fatigue.

With bitter cold temps affecting so much of the country right now, I would like to offer some support in protecting your energy and supporting your overall healing journey.

Cozy days

First and foremost, make sure you are dressing in layers—even indoors. Grab those oversized comfy blankets, cozy socks, and breakout those heating pads. Opt to keep your room warm but not overly heated.

Why this is important: To the body, warmth is associated with safety. This is a signal to your nervous system to help your body conserve energy for healing.

Choose warming foods

Whether your food is prepared for you or you’re the one doing the preparing, choose warm foods over cooling foods (such as salads). Warm, freshly-prepared foods are easy for the body to tolerate. It takes up less energy to digest warm foods and it is more comforting to the body. Foods such as hearty stews, sipping broths, soups are an excellent place to start. In addition, add in soft warm grains like oats or rice. Lastly opt, for cooked fruits and vegetables over raw.

Why this is important: Eating warm foods help to increase circulation. This also naturally increases body temperature in frigid temperatures.

Optimize your hydration

Even though it is cold out it is still essential to make sure you are getting enough fluids. It is easy to forget about water in the winter time, especially when the mere thought of a tall glass of cold water makes you shiver.

If water is unappealing, try warm herbal teas, light broths such as sipping bone broth, or room temperature drinks. Sip them slowly during the day to optimize your hydration.

Why this is important: Dry winter air and indoor heat can deplete the body of moisture without you even realizing it. Staying hydrated is a year-round necessity for energy, immunity and overall good health.

Consistent Energy Intake

Skipping meals should not be an option. You must eat regular meals, even if they are smaller portions than what you usually consume. Prioritize protein and complex carbohydrates to keep you fuller longer and to help with caloric stability.

Why this is important: Freezing temperatures can increase caloric demands, as the body works harder to generate and maintain stay warmth.

Stay warm!

Chardonèe Donald, MS, CBHS, CHN, CNS, LDN

Nutrition Specialist