Winter is a tough season. Becoming sick is much more likely during the cold winter months, and healthy living is a little tougher. Here are 5 tips to healthy living during the winter season. 

#1 Get Your Flu Vaccine

It seems there is a lot of debate over whether flu vaccines are good or bad. Today’s flu bugs are often much more serious than those just a couple of decades ago, which is a good reason to get your flu vaccine. The flu can cause serious complications including pneumonia and in some cases, it can lead to death. October and November are the best months to get vaccinated, but the flu shot is available in January or even later.

The flu vaccine is recommended for children between 6 months and 19 years, pregnant women, people over 50, anyone with chronic conditions, those living in care facilities, and medical staff. 

#2 Your Winter Superfood is Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the perfect winter food. They are rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, calcium, folate, iron, potassium, and copper. Sweet Potatoes are also high in fiber and promote a healthy digestive tract, and they can help prevent cancer or heart disease. So delicious!

#3 Make Sure You Exercise Your Brain
Exercise benefits your heart, but it also benefits your brain too. Studies have shown that just 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking, helps fight off aging of the brain. All exercise counts. Dance is a very good way to pass a cold winter evening and give your brain a boost.

#4 Enjoy a Hot Coffee

Did you know that drinking a hot cup of coffee in the morning can have benefits to your health. Caffeine stimulates your brain and your nervous system, which lowers your risk of headache, mood problems, diabetes, and Parkinson’s. 

Scientists have found coffee has many beneficial substances, which includes chlorogenic acid a compound that is an antioxidant, and that can improve glucose metabolism. Coffee also contains magnesium, which is a mineral that can improve insulin sensitivity, and therefore help to prevent diabetes.  

#5 No Weight Gain During the Holidays

The holiday season in December can lead to a worry of weight gain. There are some things you can do to ensure you don’t put on the pounds. It’s really simple. Make sure you exercise daily, eat only tiny portions of dessert, keep track of what you are putting into your mouth, and save calories for your favorite foods. 

Implement these five great tips throughout the winter and months and stay healthier.