Last updated : Wednesday, February 3, 2010

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Is Winter Ruining Your Health?

It's dark before you exit the office, you're clocking long hours, and the thought of heading to the gym or cooking a healthy dinner seems repulsing. No, you're not a lazy person (well sometimes) and no, you're not usually this unmotivated … you just have a case of the winter blues. Unfortunately you can't make the cold weather go away (unless you take a vacation here) or come to embrace the 5pm darkness like a vampire, but there is a way you beat the seasonal blues. iMag went to "Nutritionist to the Stars," Dr. Oz Garcia for his solution to getting you back on track.

Tip # 1: Stick to a Well-Balanced Diet

The winter blues is shown to increase cravings for foods heavy in carbohydrates and sugar. Some of these unhealthy snacks will cause relief momentarily, but ultimately decrease energy. When choosing what to eat, stick to complex carbohydrates and items made with non-processed sugar. Try oatmeal, yams, quinoa, beans, lentils, or grains. Rotate more vegetables into your diet and go for fish high in omega-3s. Also, always remember to eat breakfast and try to eat small "micro meals" throughout the day. Some great picks include:

- Small handful of mixed nuts

- 1 Pear with almond butter

- 1 Apple with a 2 Tbsp of Peanut Butter

- Yogurt

- Hard-boiled egg

Tip # 2: Raise Your Activity Level

Everyone should be getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. It helps you feel better about yourself and has many mood-boosting benefits. On a sunny day try going for a long walk. If it's too chilly out and you can't make it to the gym, try these easy indoor exercises. 

Tip # 3: Get Some Sunlight

People tend to underestimate the amount of sunlight a person needs to function properly. Because our bodies absorb vitamin D from the sun's rays, it can be harder to get enough of this nutrient during the winter months. Go for foods rich in this nutrient such as fortified milk, salmon and tuna. If you can't get outside try purchasing a light box for your home. Getting sunlight for at least 15 minutes a day will dramatically improve your mood and increase energy. 

For more great ways to get out of your winter rut, click on iMag's Wellness Page.

About the Expert: Dr. Oz Garcia has worked with some of the highest ranking Fortune 500 CEOs and many of film and fashion’s elite A-list. Oz has trained and worked with more than 10,000 fitness professionals over the past 10 years. Featured in publication like Vogue, Self, Elle, Travel + Leisure, W, Allure, People, New York magazine, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated, he has also made numerous television appearances on 20/20, 48 Hours, The View, and VH1 Rock Bodies, and a variety of news segments on ABC, NBC, CBS , and cable.

 

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