Winter is coming: protect your body against covid & cold weather
2020 has been a crazy year full of change and uncertainty, but one thing that remains the same is my mission to empower you to live a healthier and happier life. In keeping with that commitment, I want to remind you that wellness starts from within. It is more important now than ever that you modify your dietary habits to arm and strengthen your immune system against infection.
We have come a long way, but the pandemic is not over yet and the colder months when we are all more susceptible to illness are approaching. Schools and businesses are reopening with various restrictions which means we are starting to interact with others again. As we adjust to the new normal of social distancing, more frequent handwashing, and wearing masks to minimize the spread of COVID-19, now is the perfect time to also commit to more healthful practices and eating habits.
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and your family from the inside out.
- Decrease your overall sugar intake, and replace sugary lunch snacks with fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Too much processed sugar reduces your body’s natural ability to fight infection. So, put down the store-bought fruit gummies. Snacks like trail mix (for those who can eat nuts), guacamole and salsa with quinoa chips, carrots and celery with hummus, and applesauce (no high fructose corn syrup) are delicious alternatives all ages will love.
- Find a coffee substitute. Too much caffeine can suppress your immune system and increase stress levels. I don’t drink coffee, but Teeccino Mocha Chicory is an awesome herbal alternative that will give your body a boost without the caffeine. It also has great flavor and includes the digestive benefits of a prebiotic. Not into coffee but love a good cup of tea? Another great substitute that gives the same sensation as a morning cup of joe is Siberian ginseng tea.
- Supplement your healthy diet with cod liver oil pills. The taste is far from pleasant, but the benefits are undeniable. It’s a reliable source of vitamins A and D, giving you a much-needed boost to your immune system and mood. Thank goodness for capsules!
- Focus on what’s free. Daily moderate exercise like walking and a full night’s rest are cost-free ways to give your immune system the boost it needs this winter.
I understand disparities in income, access, and time. That’s why I recommend small affordable lifestyle changes that are proven to make a big difference. Your immune system will be your first line of defense whether you return to work, venture back out into the elements or send your children to school amid COVID-19 and cold weather. I hope these simple tips will give you and your families the confidence to be and stay prepared.
Fortify your immune system with some fun and easy snacks. To start, I recommend Chef Yexenia’s mango salsa and kid-approved chocolate banana pops.
