Staying Healthy During The Winter Season

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I love the start of a new season including winter. I personally look forward to the holiday season, the occasionally snowfall, and peppermint everything. However, it’s also a season when we tend to get sick a lot easier. From flu to colds, there’s always something to worry about. Although we can’t do much about it, we at least can take precautions to try to stay healthy during this vulnerable season.

Today I’m sharing some of my favorite tips for staying healthy during the winter. Our family has made several changes in the past year to make our health a priority. I started to make healthier food choices, and although I still have a sweet tooth, I limit the amount that I allow myself to have. This approach has allowed me to lose 8 lbs. in the last couple of months! As I get older, I realize that I have to take the initiative and put myself first. And this momma wants to be around for a long time! 🙂

Staying Healthy During The Winter Season

Stay active

This has been the hardest for me, but let me tell that it’s well worth the effort. Even if you walk for 30 minutes each day, or get outdoors to play with your children, every little bit makes a difference. I also like to make sure I have the right shoes and clothes before I do any physical activity. If you’re not comfortable, you will have a harder time getting through your workout. These gel insoles that I found at CVS have also been a life saver. Perfect for everyday use or to wear inside your workout shoes.

Wash your hands

I can’t stress this one enough. Ensure that you and your family wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This simple step can help your family avoid the spread of germs which is important during the flu and cold season. I also like to carry hand sanitizer as a back up when I don’t have access to soap and water.

Make healthy food choices

I love food, and if you follow me on my social media you probably already know that. However, life is about balance and although I enjoy indulging in a sweet treat, I also try to make healthy choices throughout the day. I always start my day with a healthy breakfast which typically includes eggs and turkey bacon cooked in coconut oil. I don’t believe in depravation, but instead making smarter choices to keep ourselves as healthy as possible.

Try to minimize stress

I’m a workaholic and thrive under pressure, but it can also take a toll on my health. I find that in order to reduce stress, I have to simplify the things that can easily overwhelm me. This includes my long to-do list, business tasks, house projects and even things that I consider “fun”. The winter season includes many celebrations and gatherings, but don’t allow a full schedule to hinder your health.

Take vitamins

Make sure you talk to your doctor first to determine which vitamins or supplements you should take. I personally find that when I take a multivitamin I immediately notice the difference in my skin and hair. In fact, at one point I stopped taking vitamins and my hair began thinning out. It was also a hormonal issue (post-pregnancy), but a vitamin deficiency fueled the problem. You may not be getting enough nutrients through diet alone, so it’s important that you supplement with a vitamin when necessary.

Blueberry Protein Smoothie

Oh, and while we’re on the topic, I want to share a quick and easy healthy protein smoothie recipe. This recipe can easily be tweaked to suit your taste buds. Add approximately a cup of frozen blueberries (you can use any berry you prefer), 3/4 cup of almond milk, 1/4 cup of vanilla yogurt and 2 scoops CVS Protein Mixed Berry Smoothie (Plant-Based) to your blender. I also like to add a couple of pieces of ice and a teaspoon of stevia for sweetness. Blend until it’s mixed well and enjoy!

The CVS Protein Smoothie that I use is vegan friendly plus contains 15 grams of protein along with 25 vitamins and minerals per serving!

Smoothies are my go-to on busy days when I don’t have time to sit for a meal. So it’s great to know that I’m still getting a good dose of nutrients in each smoothie.