It may be cold and rainy outside, but winter needn’t be the unhealthiest time of year for you and your family. Let’s see what National Health Services suggests us.
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Banish winter tiredness
- get outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible
- get a good night’s sleep – go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
- destress with exercise or meditation – stress has been shown to make you feel tired
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Eat more fruit and veg
- When it’s cold and dark outside, it can be tempting to fill up on unhealthy comfort food. However, it’s important to ensure you still have a healthy diet and include five portions of fruit and veg a day.
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Drink more milk
You are more likely to get a cold in winter, so make sure your immune system is in tip-top condition. Milk and dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are great sources of:
- protein
- vitamins A and B12
- calcium, which helps keep our bones strong
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Try new activities for the whole family
- Regular exercise helps control your weight, boost your immune system, and is a good way to break the tension that can build if the family is constantly cooped up inside the house.
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Have a hearty breakfast
- Winter is the perfect season for a bowl of warm porridge on a cold morning. Oats also contain lots of vital vitamins and minerals, give you energy and help you feel fuller for longer, stopping the temptation to snack mid-morning.