If you lived in a tropical climate, you’d have a life so clean, people would start calling you “squeaky.” Growing kale in the backyard, biking to work and making time for yoga in the park are all just part and parcel of summer days. When the living was easy.
Even though you know it comes every year, there’s a jarring quality to the coming of winter. It freezes your fingers. It makes your car delay so you can’t get to yoga on time. And forget about biking when the roads are slicker than Leonardo Dicaprio’s hair.
As the saying goes, when we know better, we do better. So let’s know the habits we tend to take on as the temperatures start to plummet and form an action plan:
You have to move it to lose it. And honey, you haven’t been moving.
Sure, maybe you get yourself to your spin class. But what about all of the “bonus” movement that truly adds to health? Walking outside may not be as desirable, yet you certainly can take the stairs more in your office building. You can also invest in a coat that can withstand Arctic temperatures to get you outside more.
How does your garden grow? Well, not at all, actually.
Local produce, farmer’s markets and dirt-speckled potatoes seem a thing of a bygone era when your supermarket staples are wilted greens. This doesn’t mean you have to go processed or indulge in more of your cravings to soothe your aggravated heart. Many farmers’ markets have year-round options. Even if your produce looks meager, remember that everything looks better in soup form.
Netflix is not yet a sport.
When marathon running becomes marathon TV watching, it can feel like you’re doing a body good. Turns out binge watching is not scientifically proven to keep the pounds off. In fact, studies show that lounging slows circulation and metabolism and increases your risk of developing insomnia. If you’re actively committed to remaining in your pajamas, consider sleeping longer, which will do a lot more for your metabolism.
Green smoothies are not synonymous with green cookies.
Holiday festivities mean treats, treats and more treats. Even an ironclad willpower will probably have some difficulty at this time of year keeping on the clean route. Not to mention all that holiday eating can mess with your digestion. Even if you don’t feel the need to do so during the rest of the year, consider supplementing. greens+ whole body NUTRITION can start you on the right foot every day, even if the rest of the day starts to spiral.
By recognizing where you may slip up, you can help to discourage any hint of the lazy hibernator that takes over from where you left off in the fall. Staying active and healthy can actually be a year-round possibility (and hey, maybe you can grow that kale inside!).
If your winter diet needs a little boost, try supplementing with the many products of Genuine Health, makers of greens+. They may not be able to increase the temperature, but they certainly can help to complete your diet. Check them out here.
Tuja Wellness from Toronto, Ontario
