Dieting against Winter Fatigue

As mentioned in my last blog, dieting is an immensely effective tool for fending off the fatigue of winter. Chances are, you are already consuming some of the ingredients you need to stay energized, just maybe not in the correct amounts or at the right time! An initial key is to trade off the sugar and caffeine that is giving you “false” energy. Simple carbohydrates are quickly broken down by the body which is why a candy bar will give you a surge of energy but then drop you off, becoming particularly counterproductive when it leaves your blood sugar levels low.

We need something more substantial, something that sustains, and for this we look to complex carbohydrates , of the kind found in grains and starchy vegetables. Potatoes, pasta, oatmeal, beans; these are the clean burning fuels that will keep you energized through winter. It is also important to observe a balance between carbs and other energy giving foods: a good formula is high in carbs, medium in protein and low in fats, but not the saturated varieties. If we can distribute our calories evenly across all our meals, taking special care to EAT and not skip breakfast, then we will see marked improvements in energy levels from food alone. 

Furthermore, many people are chronically deficient in iron and vitamin D. The former is a vital mineral that helps red blood cells allocate oxygen to parts of the body in need, allowing cells to respirate efficiently. Iron-rich foods include red meat, seafood, beans and green, leafy vegetables. Vitamin D is harder to come by in the winter because of the curtailed daylight hours. It is useful for fending off depression and can be found in high quantity in cold water fish, mushrooms and fortified dairy products. 

Eating is one dimension of a vitality-boosting lifestyle. Chiropractic can be another: our work regulating the nervous system helps your brain stay sharp and your body feel great. Give our office in Hackensack a call to schedule an appointment today. 

Dr. Albert Stabile, D.C. 

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