TIPS FOR SURVIVING (THE REST OF) WINTER
Eat Comforting, Nourishing Food
Sorry, I realize this is not rocket science but – of course I’m going to recommend to not succumb completely to the comfort food you are used to, and make sure you are piling in the good stuff.
Good stuff = think fresh. Citrus and spinach specifically are high in Vitamin C. Fruits and vegetables in general will have antioxidants.
Great but, to survive the winter – warming foods are key for me. Most warming foods I grew up with are very … heavy. Take your favorite winter, warming, comfort foods and find a better version. How, you might ask? I usually will (literally) google “vegan, gluten free XYZ”. I don’t necessarily need the recipe to be both vegan and gluten free, but this is just how I have found the best results!
By giving your body what it is asking for (comfort! warmth!) – you will jive 10x more with winter. Trust.
Here is one of my favorite recipes
Vegetable Chili (serves 4)
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced bell pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
1⁄2 jalapeno, diced and de-seeded
1 can of black beans, rinsed
1 can of red beans, rinsed
1 can of fire roasted tomatoes (28oz) 3-4 cups of vegetable broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1⁄2 cup uncooked quinoa
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
*Can also add ground turkey
Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4. Serve with avocado.
Get Comfortable
Do you take baths? If you have time for baths – DO IT. Add a quality bath bomb that has epsom salts, herbs and other goodies for your skin and muscles to soak in (careful, some of these have additions that aren’t great if you get yeast infections so check out the ingredients first!).
→ If you don’t have time for baths – get shower bombs! Same concept of transportation to a spa destination through scent (but the good stuff doesn’t get to soak into your skin obviously).
Invest in a good quality salt/sugar scrub for your face and body (they will likely be different formulas) and a face mask. Use them 1-2x a week. Not only is it great for self care, but great for keeping your dry skin renewed.
Be okay with cozy nights in. Enjoy wine and Bachelor nights with your partner when the kids go to bed. Invite friends over to you (day dates with the kids or night dates with couples). Don’t force yourself to get out if you don’t mind hosting at home. Invest in nice, comfortable pajamas that you are excited to put on at night! (it’s all about creating an experience, y’all…make the experience so lovely at home that you won’t hate that its cold and ugly outside)
GET SLEEP. Don’t fight it!
Aromatherapy – I’m telling you…the scents I surround myself with in the house can really make or break my day. I love to diffuse uplifting scents while home during the day, and cozy relaxing scents at night before bed and while we wind down with the kids.
Focus on Immunity
Did YOU KNOW? Most flu cases happen in February and March?
I was told this by an infectious disease doctor at Penn. (long story for another day) She told me that many people end up with the flu shot in September and then it wears off by the time it’s actually flu season. Her recommendation was to get the flu shot (if you get vaccines) after Thanksgiving.
Anyway, what are you doing to keep your immune system strong this winter? I’m terrified – not only do I have a kid in school, but I’m pregnant and this is when immunity is at its worst.
Here’s what I’m doing:
1. Lots of water with lots of lemon
2. Trying to get SLEEP (sleep > exercise for me right now but movement is fantastic too for strength and immunity if you have the ability to get that in!)
3. Eating well (see above) – you can’t expect your body to function as well as possible if you’re not giving it the fuel it needs to do its job, right?!
4. Using humidifiers throughout the house to keep the air from getting too dry (be sure to change the water daily and disinfect weekly!)
5. Taking some extra oomph with Swisse Wellness Immune Forte – NO unrecognizable additives or sugar – science backed ingredients w/ a blend of zinc, vitamin C, echinacea, elderflower and adaptogenic herbs like andrographis.
6. I’m also taking multi-vitamins because while I like to make sure that most of my nutrition is coming from real food – I am Type A and want to make extra sure that I’m getting everything I need! If you need a quality multi for the whole family, Swisse Wellness makes different formulas for Men, Women AND Children.
{Swisse Wellness is a leading wellness brand originally from Australia. They are known for their premium, naturally-sourced supplements which are highly regulated by the Australian government . Australia has much stricter regulations than the US on vitamins and supplements which means their products are likely safer and more effective.}
Get Inspired
I am happier when I’m MAKING and CREATING, and winter is a great opportunity for creative pursuits.
Study, learn something new – !
Start a home improvement project – !
Organize your house – piece by piece – !
Start a blog – !
Start a book – !
There are too many suggestions to list, but here I am advising that you FIND INSPIRATION and go into that inspiration daily. Even if just for 15 minutes. Find a person or thing that lights you up and makes you want to do something new or different. From inspiration comes creating.
FYI This post is sponsored, but all opinions are my own.