Five ways to stay healthy this winter
Eliminate your sleep debt
In winter, we naturally sleep more, due to the longer nights. Use the time to catch up if you usually sleep six-and-a-half hours a night, much less than the seven to nine hours recommended.
Drink more milk
You are 80% more likely to get a cold in winter so making sure your immune system is in tip-top condition is important. Milk and dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are great sources of protein and vitamins A and B12.
Eat more fruit and vegetables
When it’s cold and dark outside it can be tempting to fill up on unhealthy comfort food, but it’s important to ensure that you still keep your diet healthy and include five portions of fruit and veg a day.
Try new activities
Don’t use the cold winter months as an excuse to stay in and lounge around. Instead, get out and try out a new activity with your friends/family, maybe ice-skating. Regular exercise helps to control your weight and boost your immune.
Have a hearty breakfast
Eating a warm bowlful of porridge on a cold morning isn’t just a delicious way to start your day, it also helps you to boost your intake of starchy foods and fibre, which give you energy and help you to feel fuller for longer, stopping the temptation to snack mid-morning.