Staying well over winter can often seem like the exception rather than the norm. But there are lots of small things you can do to take care of your health. Here are some of our healthy habits for winter:

Pack more veggies into your stews and casseroles
Warming meals such as soups, stews and casseroles are wonderful to have over the colder months. You can pack them with lots of nutritious vegetables, giving your body plenty of vitamins and minerals to strengthen your immune system. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower are great for soups. Root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and parsnips are delicious options to fill out your stew or casserole.

Use fruits in your winter desserts
If you have a sweet tooth, fruits are a natural and healthy option for winter desserts. They are naturally sweet and can be used in place of other refined sugars. And they are high in fibre and nutrients that can boost our health. There are lots of delicious dessert options you can make using winter fruits such as stewed, baked and poached apples, pears, rhubarb and quinces.

Stay warm
Cooler temperatures can lower our immunity and make us more vulnerable to colds and other health issues. It’s important to keep yourself warm. Wearing layers, putting thicker sheets on your bed, rugging up with blankets and having hot drinks and meals can all help. To prevent cold air coming into your home keep your doors closed, draw the curtains and use door seals.

Keep moving
Exercise is another great way to stay warm and it improves circulation. A quick morning walk in the cool, brisk air can help you wake up and get some vitamin D. You could also switch to exercising indoors with a yoga or gym workout. Try taking the stairs instead of a lift when you’re out and about.

Have more rest
The shorter days and cooler weather can often make us feel more tired. Having adequate rest is vital to staying well. Listen to your body and rest when you need to. Good quality sleep is also key to staying healthy. You can improve your sleep by establishing a good sleep routine, taking time to relax and unwind, avoiding caffeine, sugar and alcohol before bed and staying off your technology for at least an hour before you go to sleep.