North London Chiropractor Dylan Paydar offers these 5 ways to stay healthy this winter

If you’ve spotted some signs of spring already you’re not alone. It would seem that so far our winter has been very mild if exceptionally wet and plants and wildlife are acting accordingly, with people spotting daffodils, primroses and snowdrops coming up.

However, this mild spell may not last so here are 5 ways to stay healthy this winter even when the weather turns colder.

1. Get good quality sleep

A good night’s sleep is vital to your health and wellbeing.  Six to nine hours is the recommended time for sleep and many of us are getting much less. In the winter we tend to sleep for longer – so now is a good time to catch up. Make sure your sleeping environment is set up to help you get a good night’s sleep. This includes making sure your mattress is right for you.

2. Drink more milk

A healthy immune system during the winter months is vital and milk and dairy products like cheese and yoghurt provide a great source of protein and vitamins A and B12. The downside is their fat content so use semi-skimmed, or low fat versions

3. Embrace your 5 a day

Include five portions of fruit and vegetables into your daily diet. Have fruit at hand to snack on when you get those sugar cravings. A simple way to get your daily intake is to make soups full of winter vegetables such as carrots, parsnips and swede.

4. Take regular exercise

The benefits of taking regular exercise can’t be stressed enough, from controlling your weight to boosting both your immune system and your energy level. Why not get the whole family involved and find a new activity you can all do. Walking is by far and away one of the simplest and most effective exercises you can take so why not find some new places to go walking?

5. Please can I have more sir?

Oliver Twist had to beg for more porridge! If you haven’t yet embraced a bowl of porridge yourself, start this winter. It is a fantastic way to start your day. It will boost your energy and keep you feeling full for longer. Don’t succumb to adding sugar though, add fruit or some dried fruit instead and make it with water or if you have to use milk make it semi skimmed or skimmed.

Don’t wait for the weather to turn colder to get started on getting healthier, you can start today!