This time of year can be depressing. I don't know about you, but I even lose motivation to leave the house at times. Like, it’s the weekend: I’ve got Netflix, a bottle of wine, food and Scrabble, so I’m good. It’s also the time of year when we overstretch ourselves with the upcoming holidays and its associated festivities (not to mention the just-passed Halloween). Although it’s tempting to live off of candy and booze, don’t be that person. Have a piece of fruit.
Surviving winter – in the Pacific Northwest, especially – can be a cruel task: It’s rainy, everyone is sniffling, and the lack of light outside can make us feel down and even, in some cases, depressed. Consequently, a lot of us swap away those healthy summer habits for comfort in the form of stretchy pants and snacks that come in a bag. It’s a pretty irresistible combination, but it will not sustain you. Now more than ever, you need nourishment,.
The key is to keep warm, enjoy a balanced whole-foods diet, boost your immune system and de-stress. Here are some tips and tricks to help you through fall and winter.
Hydration
Just because summer is gone doesn’t mean hydration isn’t important. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly – to maintain healthy temperature, remove waste and lubricate joints. So it’s a good idea to keep hydrated at all times, especially when you’re feeling under the weather.
Sleep
Lack of rest has been known to decrease mental alertness and energy levels – which, in turn, leads to a suppressed immune system. Get your naps in whenever you can, and catch those seven to eight hours a night as often as you can. Wearing yourself thin doesn’t help anyone out.
Hot soups, stews and broths
An obvious (and tasty) choice for keeping warm. Get your slow-cooker out and create some hot, nourishing pots of yumminess. You know your body is craving it already.
Spicy foods
Another way to stay warm is by adding a little spice to your life. Not spicy to the point that you may need medical attention for mouth burns. I’m talking about adding seasonings like paprika, cayenne or anything made from chili peppers to your meals, as they increase body temperature and create a comforting, warming effect.
Don't forget to implement the 80/20 rule
If you’re eating a well-balanced whole-foods diet most of the time, your body will be better equipped to process those treats you love. Be good to your body and your body will be good to you! It’s important to allow yourself to indulge every now and again (and not consume yourself with guilt, as this can make you sick). So, yes, eat those cheesy puffs right out of the bag once in a while!
Exercise
One of the ways exercise can ward off illness is by strengthening the immune system. Maintaining good circulation of immune cells in your blood destroys pathogens and leaves your body better able to defend itself. Walking 30 to 45 minutes daily can make all the difference. And thanks to technology, you don’t even need to leave your house: YouTube has you covered, hip-hop cardio style.
Recipe: Slow-cooker lentil soup
Ingredients:
• ½ cup green lentils
• ½ cup red lentils
• 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 cups potato, peeled and diced into medium-sized pieces
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed
• 8 cups broth (your preference)
• ½ cup dry red wine
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt (preferably Himalayan) and pepper, to taste
To add at the end:
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
Directions:
• Place all ingredients in a crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours, or low for 7-8 hours.
• Pulse 4 cups of the cooked soup gently in a blender or food processor, until semi-smooth and creamy.
• Add back to the pot and stir to combine. Stir in the kale and cilantro.
• Season to taste with the apple cider vinegar.
