2019 is here, which means it is time to buckle down and get serious about your New Year’s Resolutions! It may seem hard to focus on your dance career when the weather is so cold and gloomy outside, but there are so many things you can do this season to boost your health and work towards your goals. Here are a few tips for making the most out of this month:
Add some immune boosters to your diet to stay healthy.
Things like fresh garlic, ginger, and shiitake mushrooms are great for boosting your immune system this season while germs and viruses abound. Add a cup of hot herbal tea to your daily routine. Make sure to eat plenty of vegetables. The daily recommendation is 4 to 5 servings. Aim for colorful veggies! Greens, root vegetables, squash, cabbage and sweet potatoes are incredibly fresh in the winter months and are packed with Vitamin A, which is important for your immune system. Also, consider adding probiotics found in yogurt and other fermented foods to your diet to support gut health.
Watch the calories in comfort foods.
The colder weather may lead you to crave comfort foods that are high in calories and fat. It’s okay to enjoy these foods every once in a while, but be careful about over-indulging. Limit your portion sizes and substitute for lower fat ingredients when possible. Also try to cut out overly-processed meats that are high in fat, like hot dogs, bacon, sausage and red meat. Substitute those meats with nourishing soups and stews with beans, lentils, peas and vegetables.
Get more Vitamin D.
With less sunlight each day, our bodies can suffer from a lack of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps our bones absorb calcium to stay strong. It is also a key part of our overall immune health. It may be necessary to take a Vitamin D supplement this winter to support your body during a lack of sunshine. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate dose for you.
Sleep!
During these shorter days, it feels natural to sleep longer. This is because your body needs more sleep to fight off colds and flu. For dancers, it is especially important to get plenty of sleep to keep your body strong and rebuild muscle after a long day of dancing.
Don’t waste this season! Instead of hibernating, use these tips to stay healthy and thrive this winter!
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