Staying Healthy With The Seasons

Submitted by Loring A. Windblad on February 10, 2010

Seasonal Foods Nutrition And Health Benefits

Some aspects of your diet have to remain constant despite the changes in season and these include avoiding alcohol, caffeine and caffeinated drinks and artificially flavored beverages with a high sugar content. Junk food is also a strict no-no as it builds up fat whilst providing you minimal nutrition. In summers, it is essential that you drink plenty of water and fruit juices as the body must make up for water you lose when you sweat. Your diet must also include food products which have a high water content - such as tomatoes which are ninety percent water, bananas and other citrus fruits.

If you spend extended periods in the sun, you are likely to be exhausted from the heat.

Wear lose cotton clothes when going out and carry a bottle of water with you at all times. If you live in a climate where you do not sweat much, do remember that this is not an indication that you are not losing water. You will still have to supplement your diet with as much fluid as possible.

Water is an excellent lubricant and forms part of the fluid that surrounds your joints. It is also the principle agent in regulating body temperature as cooling and heating of the body occurs through perspiration. In winters, the body will require support to withstand the cold.

Add lean meat and meat products to your diet, along with other protein rich food such as sprouts and legumes, whole grain products and cereals.

One cup of milk, a cup of yoghurt, a boiled egg, dried peas, lentils, soya patties or mince are useful for your daily intake of protein and iron. Fresh fruit is advisable during all seasons as they are low on sugar compared to dry, canned and glazed fruit.

Make sure that your food is seasoned with garlic, ginger and if possible turmeric to keep away infections and to ensure that any harmful agents in your food are neutralized to some extent. While alcohol is likely to help withstand the cold, it would be better to avoid it and you could occasionally have a little red wine with your meals.

Wear warm clothes when stepping out and cover your ears as well. Regular exercise is essential during all seasons to remain healthy and it would do good to stick to a routine. You might, however, want to get the advice of your trainer in case you require a different set of exercises with the change in seasons.