Tips From A Nutrition Coach: Staying Healthy This Winter

What A Nutrition Coach Wants You To Know This Winter

Remember To Drink Water
It’s easy to stay hydrated in the summer when you’re hot and thirsty all the time, but many people forget to drink water in the winter. It’s always important to stay hydrated, but remember that the air is drier in winter and cold temperatures can cause people to feel the need to urinate more than in warm weather, which can lead to quicker dehydration. Keep a water bottle near your workstation or in your bag at all times to help remind you to stay hydrated. Try to drink 2 to 4 cups of water every hour to stay hydrated during the dry Alberta winters. Some people find it helpful to measure and mark the water levels of their water bottles so they can track how much water they’re drinking. Staying hydrated will not only help you feel refreshed and more energetic, but drinking water can also help you lose weight.

Get Plenty Of Vitamin D
Canadians tend to have low levels of vitamin D because of how far north we are and how short our days get. This is especially true in the winter, with the shortest day of the year in Calgary having only 7 hours and 50 minutes of sunshine, most of which occurs while many of us are at work. Try to eat foods high in vitamin D and step out for at least 10 minutes of midday sunlight per day to keep your vitamin D levels up. Some foods rich in vitamins include salmon, tuna, egg yolks, and beef liver. You can also consider vitamin D supplements, but speak with a health professional first.

Sleep Well
It can be hard to stick to a sleep schedule in the winter, especially when the holidays roll around, but it’s important to continue your regular routine. Getting a full night’s sleep helps to regulate your body’s metabolism and eating habits, so try to avoid late nights or afternoon naps that can change your sleep schedule. Getting a full 8 hours of sleep per night can also help you feel more rested and ready for the day, which can help you keep your energy levels high even when it’s still dark outside when you wake up. To learn more about the benefits of sleep, read Why Sleep Is An Important Part Of An Effective Weight Loss Program.

Have A Holiday Eating Plan
Christmas, New Year's, and even Valentine's Day tend to be times of great eating, snacking, and alcohol consumption and this can be a temptation for many people. Although enjoying the holidays are important, remember to practice control and not eat until you’re stuffed. Think ahead of time about what food will be available and consider what treats you can skip out on this year to avoid snacking on sweets and other empty calories through the holidays. Speak with your nutrition coach before the holidays to come up with a preemptive plan to get through the holiday season, and all of winter, without excess food consumption.
 

Keep Healthy This Winter With A Nutrition Coach

There’s no need to wait until the new year to start building a better you. As the holidays approach and we get further and further into the winter season, you might find it difficult to stay motivated to live a healthy lifestyle. A nutrition coach can help you get through this so that you can eat better and live healthier not just this winter, but for many winters to come. Learning strategies for healthy living from a professional nutrition coach gives you the knowledge and discipline to improve your health and learn sustainable healthy habits. To keep your energy up this winter and to stay healthy even during the darkest, coldest months, partner with a Jensen Fitness nutrition coach by calling 1-403-200-0199 or filling out the online contact form.