5 Ways to Keep warm this coming winter

The late summer sunshine is still here but the temperature has dropped big style!

 

I think it's fair to say that winter is almost upon us. Long dark nights and wet and windy weather are all the rage this time of the year.

 

Now I personally don't mind the autumn season, the low sunlight, and the beautiful array of colours in the trees, the evening nights in front of the fire, all these things I enjoy, however what comes next I do have issue with.... Winter!

 

My African genes have yet to adjust to this particular time of the year. So, to help me prepare for the long winter. I have booked a trip to Ibiza! Now before I gloat, I must say a big thank you to all my clients and members of the Optimum Health family as this is only possible due to your help and continued custom.

 

Some of you will know that my eldest son moved out to Ibiza in July, so it’s been14 weeks and counting since I last saw him. He’s doing good out there, but missing home. Thanks to you I get to see him for a few days.

 

So Thank you very much, your continued commitment is appreciated.

 

Hopefully the warm sunshine will sill be there, so I’ll get to top up the tan then come back and settle in for the British winter. ;-)

 

OK so I’ve got another famous 5 for you. 5 ways you can keep warm without jetting of to Ibiza!

 

5 Ways to Keep warm this coming winter…

 

1. Take Ginger

Fresh or ground ginger is a great food to warm you up. Try using it in porridge, salad dressings, soups, cookies or muffins. They way I use ginger is to put thin slices or grate some of the fresh root into a mug of hot water.

Not only does it help warm you up and has cleansing properties, but it boosts your digestive and immune systems to keep you nourished and strong in the face of winter bugs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.Hot Drinks

It might seem a little too simple, but you can sometimes overlook the obvious answers. Holding the mug is warming enough, but the hot liquid into your system gives you instant internal warmth. Herbal Teas like ginger and thislte or hot carob/cocoa are all sound choices. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Eat Whole Grains

Eating hot, whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, buckwheat, millet, etc) give you instant warmth along with complex carbohydrates to give your body the energy and fuel it needs to keep warm.

Whole grains are also a good source of B vitamins and magnesium, and have some selenium as well. These nutrients are important to the function of your thyroid and adrenal glands. These glands help regulate body temperature, and tend to slow down in colder weather.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Have Sex (or Make love)

I’m not even lying! I have personally researched this myself! But if you don’t want to take my word for it, here’s what Dr Dweck Author of “V is for Vagina” says "Sex increases your heart rate and thus increases blood flow to the skin, thus providing a feeling of total body warmth similar to exercise,"

Dr. Dweck also says. "Hormones released during arousal and sex do cause flushing of the skin due to increased blood flow to the skin, face, neck, genital organs, etc. which give a feeling of warmth. So if you feel 'hot and bothered' before and during sex, it's not in your imagination!"

 

She goes on to say…

"Intercourse for 30 minutes burns approximately 85 calories or more depending on position, duration and intensity. For example, when you're on top doing most of the work, you will burn more calories. The more intense the sex, the more calories burned."

 

SO, this is not just me saying this, these are facts, but if you can’t or just don’t want to be that up close and personal, try giving someone a good hug. It works almost as well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Exercise

Yes, exercise is proven to help keep you warm during the winter months and that's not only whilst you're exercising. By participating ting in regular exercise, you help keep your body's metabolism high. This intern helps to keep you body temperature up and keep you warm! This time of year is the most difficult to keep yourself motivated with anything, yet alone exercise. All we want to do is finish work (if you're not retired) go home and nest in front of the TV and fire, maybe even 'Treat' ourselves to some biscuits! Try not to fall into that trap.

 

To keep you fitness levels up and to maintain the benefits you have gained throughout the summer months, it's important to keep your exercise regular.

 

You don't have to 'go hard'. Some simple, gentle exercises, which involve raising your heart rate and moving the body such as Pilates or Yoga can have great benefits and help keep you warm.

 

I’ll be showing you how you can keep motivated with our up & coming ‘21 daySlim & Trim’ program starting in November!