Yes, the days are already getting longer, but we’re still a ways from spring and summer. During winter we tend to tense up (bunching up our shoulders to shield us from the cold as we barrel down the street), move less and gain weight. Exercising and eating healthy is never more important than during the season we feel most like hibernating and sitting on the couch. Below are some of the best foods you can eat to support your body’s health in the winter, including fighting against weight gain, depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SQUASH. There’s a reason you see so many NYC menus advertise butternut squash as the soup du jour in the winter months. Whether it’s butternut, acorn, delicate, or spaghetti, all are excellent choices, low in calories and high in vitamins A and C, as well as B6, K, potassium and folate.
FOODS HIGH IN OMEGA-3s. Omega-3s reduce inflammation, which is often related to getting sick. Known as the good fats, they can be found in wild salmon, anchovies, sardines, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds.
FOODS HIGH IN VITAMIN D. Get outdoors anytime the road is safe and not a wintry mess, and soak up the sun when you can and then when you can’t, egg yolks and fatty fish can help to give you your vitamin D, crucial in both your immunity and fighting off depression.
FOODS HIGH IN B VITAMINS. B vitamins support your neurological health, helping to manufacture neurotransmitters like serotonin. They promote white blood cell production that can fight off infections. Eggs, avocados, oats, and brazil nuts are good sources of vitamins.
CITRUS. Citrus tastes the best and is in season in the winter! Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C and contain flavonoids that boost your good cholesterol and lower your bad cholesterol. Choose from grapefruits, oranges, clementines, mineolas, lemons, limes and more.
LEAFY, DARK GREENS. Kale, chard and collards thrive in winter and are loaded with vitamins A, C, K and folate.
FOODS HIGH IN VITAMIN C. In addition to citrus and leafy, dark greens, parsley, broccoli and cauliflower also contain lots of vitamin C!
POTATOES. They get a bum rep as a starch, but unlike white bread and white rice, potatoes are chock fully of immunity boosting vitamins C and B6, as well as folate and fiber. The purple ones are also loaded with antioxidants and especially good for you.
FOODS HIGH IN MAGNESIUM. Magnesium helps to reduce depress and stress, which in turn boosts your immunity. Fish, nuts and leafy greens all have magnesium.
DASHA® wants you to enhance your well-being® and can help you reach your health and fitness goals. Contact us now to get your Resting Metabolic Rate Testing and Peak VO2 tested to build a weight loss program that will work for you and your body.
DASHA® is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
