Winter Wellness and Cold-Fighting Tips

Don’t get me wrong, I’m freaking out about ebola as much as the next person, but unfortunately in addition to worrying about a rampant deadly disease we’re also inching our way towards the peak of cold and flu season.

For some thoughts on what we can do to ward off getting sick I spoke with Tiye Massey, a wellness concierge at Organic Avenue. Here’s a look at her tips for staying healthy this season!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Proper hydration is the foundation to any healthy body. Without proper hydration we can suffer from poor digestion, flare-ups of pre-existing conditions, and more severe symptoms when seasonal illness strikes. To stay hydrated, take your body weight and divide by half – that’s the number of ounces of clean water you should aim to drink every day (example: a 120 lb woman should drink 60oz per day). If you exercise or consume coffee or alcohol, you should be drinking even more water to stay at your peak.

Get Your Greens

Pack in some leafy greens every day and you will be doing a lot to protect yourself from sickness and the winter blues. Leafy greens are chock-full of antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals essential for optimal health. A healthy body can fight off sickness and energy slumps at ease no matter how many germs you come in contact with. Grab a green juice in the morning, a kale and quinoa salad in the evening, or a smoothie like our Lite Weight any time for an easily assimilated nutritional boost.

Avoid Dairy

It sounds unpleasant, but for many people, dairy can be a mucus-forming food. It can contribute to mucus in your nose, throat, and digestive system making you sluggish, tired, and more susceptible to feeling crummy in the colder months. You can reap the benefits of avoiding dairy by focusing on incorporating more plant-based fats into your routine like avocados and non-dairy milks. Examples include Organic Avenue Coconut Mylk or the protein-rich and subtly sweet Organic Avenue Cashew Hemp Mylk, which makes a perfect coffee creamer replacement that won’t feel like a sacrifice.

Simplify for Better Digestion

When feeling under the weather, it can feel good to indulge in your favorite comfort foods or guilty pleasures, but this can really set you back on the road to recovery. Instead, try to simplify the meals you are eating. Sticking to healthier and easier-to-digest foods like hot soups and simple smoothies will preserve the energy your body needs to repair and recover from illness. For example, the naturally anti-inflammatory Organic Avenue Carrot Ginger soup warms you up without weighing you down, making it the perfect tool in fighting off a case of the sniffles.

Relax and Stress Less

It’s easy for us to think that stress is this imaginary and invisible force that we can constantly dodge or utilize to fuel our career, relationships, and personal goals. Unfortunately, stress is a very real physiological response wherein hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin are released into your body. The side effects of these hormones can make you more susceptible to infection and general unease in your body. Take time every day for yourself, even if it’s as simple as taking five minutes to drink a cup of tea before getting ready for your day. It can go a long way when it comes to reducing the symptoms of stress. The colder months are a time for connecting with the ones you love. Don’t let stress distract you from enjoying yourself. At Organic Avenue we believe the key to a healthy life is balance which means treating your body right and indulging in things that make you feel good too. By focusing on balance, you can use the colder months to bring out an even healthier and happier you.