Tips to Staying Healthy During this Frigid Weather
This winter made a drastic shift in the midwest. We went from mild temperatures and a “Green Christmas” to nearly 2 feet of snow in a week. We are quickly reaching those sub-zero temperatures and forced to remain indoors to avoid too much cold. How do we stay healthy (and warm) in these conditions?
We have a few tips up our sleeve:
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, and don’t stop using your electrolytes just because the sun isn’t shining. Drinking the proper amount of fluids throughout the day is the best way to keep your blood flowing and your organs functioning as they should.
Increase your Vitamin D levels. I’m not telling you to go to your local pharmacy and take the highest dose of Vitamin D you can find. It is actually more beneficial to supplement your body on a regular basis than it is to overload all at once. The recommended maintenance dose is 1,000 IU per 25 lbs of weight. For example, if you weigh 100 pounds, the recommended maintenance dose is 4,000 IU per day. It is important that you are taking the active form (Vitamin D3) and some studies suggest that Vitamin K helps with absorption. I recommend Well Labs (use code: flourishedlife at checkout for a discount!)
Stay physically active. It’s hard to get outside when it’s cold- but this cannot keep you from MOVING YOUR BODY. Jog in place, do jumping jacks throughout the day, take a couple of laps up and down the stairs if you have them— do whatever it takes to keep your body active.
Dress appropriately. Layering up is not about warming you up as much as it is keeping your body heat inside. Wear a coat, hat and gloves to keep as much heat in as possible. And if you are not already in this habit, get in the habit of removing your coat when you are indoors.
Eat more nutrient dense foods. You know that soup you’re craving on those brutally cold days? There is a reason for that — your body needs more nutrients. The more whole foods you take in, the more nourished your body is to take on these brutal climates.