1. Seek out High-Quality Carbohydrates
Pay attention to your cravings - there is a reason for them! In the winter, with fewer sunny hours, your stored serotonin (the "feel-good" brain chemical) starts to decline. Your cravings for carbohydrate-loaded comfort foods are your body's cries for more serotonin. Opt for nutritious whole grains and choose high-quality carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and squashes.
2. Introduce Yourself to Seasonal Produce
Winter produce may not be as exciting and colorful as summer berries, but there are still many healthy choices available. Work seasonal produce into your diet, such as grapefruit, kale, lemons, turnips and radishes.
3. Diminished Sun Exposure? Vitamin D Supplement Can Help
If you live in the northern hemisphere or wear sunscreen all the time, consider taking a Vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D can be found in fortified dairy products, fatty fish, and egg yolks. Reaching the recommended level through food alone is rather difficult; one may want to consider taking a supplement during the fall and winter.
4. Prepare to Beat the Common Cold
Many remedies and quick fixes are promoted to make your cold go away (washing your hands is the number one way to prevent a cold!). Nutrients can be found in common foods we eat that are know to help your body fight the common cold; consider adding in some Vitamin C (through Orange Juice or supplement) and Probiotics (most commonly found in yogurt).
