Let's face it: It's cold out there. After months of perfect summer-to-fall transition weather, we have been officially dropped into the frigid temperatures that come with winter. The arrival of winter signals many things: the holidays, snowmen, and skiing, to name a few. But hidden beneath knit scarves and chunky parkas lies a truth we often avoid as we stuff mounds of pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes in our mouths: We might just be out of shape.
It's hard going to the gym when the skies are gray and the wind sends chills down your spine, threatening the survival of any of your body parts you forgot to cover properly. Eating well is also a challenge if you have to walk the distance through the cold weather elements to get food. And let's face it, when it is below zero, the first thing we want is warm comfort food, not a cold salad. As sickness makes its way through college campuses, taking down students left and right, it's important that we try to stay as healthy as possible this winter.
Here are some tips to stay healthy despite the cold:
1. Find a workout buddy.
When it's cold and dreary outside, having someone who will encourage you to workout and will brave the weather with you can be extremely helpful if you're trying to keep up with your workout routine. Find a supportive friend to keep your body moving!
2. Avoid the sugary sweets.
On your average Tuesday night swaddled in blankets, try to avoid eating sugary snacks and go for some fresh fruit. While it may not be those cookies you wanted, it'll make the buildup to holiday treats and desserts so worth it. Plus, eating fruit is a tasty habit to get into.
3. Watch those Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
While Starbucks finally started using real pumpkin spices in their famous PSLs, these drinks are best enjoyed in moderation. According to Starbucks, one grande PSL with whipped cream and 2-percent milk has 50 grams of sugar and 380 calories. And while not all PSLs are created equal, these numbers tend to be the same across the board. Try drinking peppermint tea, which has many health benefits like aiding congestion and soothing stomachs.
4. Water, water, water.
The cooler winter temperatures can be deceiving, making us think we aren't thirsty or in need of water when we are. Like during the summer months, it is important that we stay on top of drinking water as often as possible. Just because you aren't sweating, it doesn't mean you don't need water. As vapor escapes from our bodies when we breathe, we must turn to water to keep our bodies going. Drinking water leads to clearer, moisturized skin, gives you energy, fights weight gain.
5. Drink booze and lose the fight against the cold.
A common myth is that drinking alcohol warms you up during the cold weather season. According to a study done at UMass Medical School, "one binge-drinking session triggers a flood of cytokines, proteins that can induce fever and increase inflammation." Watch out on those nights out and avoid binge-drinking at all costs -- it'll help you stay healthy!
These five tips are little ways you can easily stay healthy this winter. Integrating them is no guarantee that you won't get sick, but they might lessen the impact of cold and flu season.
