Staying healthy and fit in winter can be challenging due to cold weather and shorter sunshine hours. However, it is in actual fact the opportune time to ramp up our fitness and nourishment by keeping active and using winter vegetables to make delicious and nutritious soups and stews. Using seasonal fresh produce is nature’s way of ensuring we are meeting our nutrient requirements. For example, citrus is the type of fruit we need in winter, containing vitamin C and B as well as fibre in order to protect us from flu. Gem squash and butternut are also delicious now in winter and they are nutrient dense containing vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C and folate. These fruits and vegetables are also high in fibre which aids our gut function. Stay active and nourished in winter by eating nutrient-dense foods that are seasonal and keep moving!
Vitamin d is important especially during the winter months. Some of us are unable to convert uv light into vitamin D through our skin. Vitamin D is important for bone health, immune function, cellular function, lowering inflammation, cellular function, etc. Foods containing vitamin D is scarce and not always consumed regularly such as mushrooms, oily fish such as salmon, mackeral and sardines. We therefore need to be aware of our levels with a simple blood test and supplement vitamin D appropriately. In South Africa vitamin D is not fortified as much as it is in other countries around the world. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent and we need to be aware in order to keep our optimal health functioning.