Tips for Eating Healthy this Winter

2/9/10 Posted in News  |  2 Comments

Midwest winters can be long and harsh – it’s challenging for all of us to eat nutritionally healthy foods during the winter, especially with few locally grown fresh foods in sight. Our bodies thrive on season-specific food because it provides us with different nutrients that help boost our immune system and overall “hardiness” for the winter months. Furthermore, choosing foods that are locally grown, organic and seasonal are healthy for our bodies, our environment and support local farmers.  However, with the long winter months it can be challenging at times to stick to in-season and local. ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Helen Lee, DC offers the following ideas to stay healthy and nutritious during the long winter months.

Tips for healthy winter nutrition:

1) Eat stored seasonal fresh and dried foods when possible.

2) Soups and stews made from seasonal vegetables, legumes, and lentils can be nutritious and warming meals.

3) Avoid white sugar and processed foods that deplete the body.

4) Stay hydrated with plenty of water, and non-caffeinated beverages.  Herbal teas are particularly enjoyable during the winter.

5) A good regimen of supplements can support a winter diet. Particularly important in winter are vitamin D, Vitamin C, Omega 3’s and Zinc.

6) Choose bright colored vegetables such as squashes, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, etc which contain Vitamin C, Potassium, B vitamins, and help with serotonin (“happy” chemical) and immune system functioning.

7) Oregano oil is a great antimicrobial (natural anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal) to increase immune strength, increase joint and muscle flexibility, and increase digestive health.

8) Do your best to choose a variety of fresh local, organic and seasonal!

9) Slow down. Be mindful. Be grateful for and love all of your food!

By making sensible choices and nourishing your body you can feel cozy and energetic through the cold winter days.  For more information, visit www.ChicagoHealers.com.

Follow @HealthyFitMag on Twitter

Become a fan of Healthy & Fit Magazine on Facebook