Speed up your metabolism in the wintertime

Since we sweat very little in the wintertime, this also keeps our metabolisms at a minimum. And if you don't look out during this period, weight gain also occurs.

Our immune systems burn less fat during the winter in order to save energy against things like the flu, colds and bronchitis. In order to have a healthy winter season, you have to work on strengthening your immune system. And this in turn depends on good nutrition. Of course, reduced physical activities during the winter also lead to weight gain, and there are also problems that derive from hormonal changes, which arise in the digestive system that can wind up causing problems such as constipation.

In order to speed up your metabolism:

Start the day with a good breakfast; this helps keep you strong and controls your weight. It also keeps your metabolism from slowing down too much.

Drink water before you actually get thirsty: Water is the basic platform for all the metabolic reactions that take place in our bodies. Since you lose less water from your body during the winter, you might feel thirsty less often, but you still need to provide your body with the water it needs. Even when you are not thirsty, drink two to two-and-a-half liters (10-14 glasses) of water daily.

Herbal tea is a better alternative to regular tea and coffee when it comes to heating up your insides.

The favored drinks of wintertime tend to be the hot ones, of course. But while most people tend to drink caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee, you should stick instead to herbal teas for healthier results, and they also heat you up. Try rosehip tea, for example, so full of vitamin C, or fennel tea, great for people who complain about gas problems.

Grapefruit, cabbage and parsley protect against classic winter maladies: In order to protect yourself against winter illnesses, you must be sure to get enough vitamin A and C. Fruits and vegetables such as oranges, mandarin oranges, grapefruit, carrots, cabbage, kiwi, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, parsley and spinach are all rich in both of these vitamins. Also keep in mind that consuming plenty of legumes and full grains will help any problems that arise from constipation as a result of the shortened days and less activity.

Reduce oils and sugars: As the winter approaches, our bodies use less and less energy in an effort to prepare to protect themselves, which is why you in turn should reduce your own intake of food, especially foods containing oils and sugars.

Eat fish 2-3 times a week: With less sunshine during the winter, our bodies get less vitamin D. Make up for this decrease in vitamin D by grabbing the chance for a stroll when it is sunny outside and eating fish two to three times a week.

Sweets won't help heat you up: Try not to stay hungry for too long during the winter. But also, don't try to meet your energy needs by eating fast food or foods containing too much oil, fat or sugar or very rich foods. Give up on the fallacy that “eating dessert on a cold day will help heat you up.” This is neither true nor helpful since what will really help you stay warm and healthy is eating balanced meals on a regular basis.