It’s tough to roll out of bed on a bitter cold February day, but we’ve got some great incentives to make it easier! Here are 5 tips to help you stay warm and cozy for the rest of the winter season.

Savour quick and easy comfort foods

With January and the beginning of new year’s resolutions behind us, February is often the month that folks fall off the wagon. You’re definitely not heading to the farmers market anytime soon and winter cravings for rich comfort foods can make healthy eating tricky. Imagine makes a variety of delicious soups like tomato basil and creamy butternut squash that are sure to satisfy cravings and keep you feeling warm and toasty.

Enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy

Warming scents like cinnamon and clove can easily be added to a NOW diffuser to create a cozy atmosphere. You can also mix a few drops of these essential oils with a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond and apply to the skin. Peppermint oil is also a great option that many people use topically for joint pain and muscle aches.  

Take a sip of something steeped

We all know that a cup of piping hot tea is sure to keep us feeling warm but the type of tea can boost these benefits. Try choosing a ginger or turmeric tea like those by Numi and Pukka. Both ginger and turmeric, commonly added to curries provide a natural warming effect. Together they also make a great beverage called Golden Milk - give this homemade version a try!

Sprinkle on some cayenne

A little bit of this fiery spice can go a long way! Try adding a pinch to your tea or lemon water in the morning. You can sprinkle it on organic popcorn, steamed veggies and even chocolatey treats. The warming effects of cayenne can help to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow.  

Don’t cut calories

It’s not uncommon for people to gain a few extra pounds during the winter months. However, a fear of this shouldn’t be a reason to dramatically cut calories. We need adequate calorie intake in order to stabilize blood sugar, maintain metabolism and keep us warm! 

***

You may also be interested in these tips for healthy eating all winter long! Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below, as well as on Twitter and Facebook.