5 Winter Health Tips

Winter does not require avoiding carbohydrates. Build meals that include suitable protein foods, vegetables or fruit and starchy foods such as oats, potatoes or wholegrain bread. Portions and the overall eating pattern matter more than treating one nutrient as the enemy.

You may not be the happiest with this option, but if you can stomach mushrooms, you should take the time to eat them. Mushrooms are filled with a wide selection of nutrients and vitamins which make it a good choice for use in winter cooking. Plus, there’s a whole selection of different dishes you can make which are quite delicious.

Fruit and vegetables can contribute to a varied diet through the winter. They do not guarantee protection from infections, and cold weather does not mean that everyone’s immune system is simply weak. Use fresh, frozen or canned options that fit your meals and budget.

With winter comes a safety precaution. There’s a lot of ice and potential snow out on the roads, meaning the ground underneath you isn’t always that secure. For this reason, it is best to try and plan out your exercise regime a week in advance. You should think about what’s going to be best for the weather, and also make sure that you let someone know you’re going to be exercising. That way, someone knows you’re out and about and can check that you got back home safely.

If the weather makes outdoor exercise uncomfortable or unsafe, consider working out at home. It can help you keep a routine without needing to travel. Choose movements and a clear space that suit your fitness; getting wet itself is not the same as catching an infection.

These ideas can help make a winter routine more manageable. Keep the activities you enjoy, adapt to conditions and allow yourself to rest when unwell. Healthy habits support wellbeing, but they cannot guarantee an illness-free winter.

The editorial corrections draw on the following public-health guidance.