Winter may have left you feeling down in the dumps, and with spring just around the corner, who wants to feel that way?
Research has found that various foods can help uplift your mental and physical state just by consuming more of them! So sit back, grab your fork, and eat yourself to a healthier and happier you just in time for spring break!
Ditch those winter blues!
During winter, many people experience a deficiency in Vitamin D, which may correlate with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). SAD refers to episodes of depression that occur every year during fall or winter. In the winter people do not absorb as much sun lightr, which causes the deficiency.
Don’t worry; you can still get this vitamin by eating a variety of healthy-not to mention delicious- foods! According to Dr. Edward Group, a blogger for Natural Health and Organic Living, you should eat the following foods to get your necessary Vitamin D during the winter months:
- Fish including Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna and Sardines
- Cod Liver Oil
- Eggs
- Shitake Mushrooms
Battle dry hair and Skin!
Less humidity and arid climates during the winter often cause our skin and hair to feel dry and our nails and cuticles to flake and brake. You can negate these seasonal symptoms by eating foods rich in essential fatty acids, which include Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Experts from Metabolism.com say that these nutrients help to hydrate skin, make nails glossier, and help hair retain moisture. The following foods are a great source of these essential fatty acids:
- Salmon
- Walnuts and Almonds
- Flaxseed Oil
Boost your metabolism and de-bloat!
It’s normal to gain a few unwanted pounds over the winter due to holiday parties and baggy winter clothing that hides extra padding. It is biologically inevitable to happen to most of us. However, when spring rolls around and we are faced with bikinis and short shorts, it seems like everyone is trying to lose that weight fast! Luckily, some foods can help!
An article in Natural Health magazine stated that a Canadian study from 1999 found that people who consumed 5.5 teaspoons of red pepper with a meal showed a significantly higher metabolic rate for up to 20 minutes after! Another idea for burning more calories is by eating more protein. Protein builds muscle mass and muscle burns calories faster than fat does. Lastly, an article from WebMD.com suggests you try to eat foods that aid in the digestion process to ease bloating, relieve indigestion, and cleanse your bowels and kidneys for a short-term solution. Eat these foods and you will not only feel better, but also fit a little more comfortably into your skinny jeans!
For spice try:
- Peppers (cayenne, red, jalapeño, etc.)
- Cinnamon
For protein try:
- Lean meats
- Low-fat dairy products
- Eggs
- Nuts
For Digestion-Aid:
- Ginger
- Yogurts containing “good” bacteria
- Fiber rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes