8 winter nutrition tips to stay no track

When the days get shorter, wetter and colder, it can be easy to let your nutrition goals slide. But there's no reason why you can't keep on top of your winter nutrition. Especially when you've got HERMOSA to support you with our tried and tested winter nutrition tips to keep you feeling great and performing even better. Read on for our top 8 nutrition tips for winter gains.

Ah, winter. Hello darkness my old friend! As tempting as it might be to hibernate until spring, this is the perfect time to double down on keeping active and healthy. Movement, fresh air, vitamin D and a well-balanced diet can keep the winter blues at bay and help you to stay on track with your fitness goals. Need a little extra motivation with your winter nutrition? We’ve got you. Check out our failsafe nutrition tips for winter below.

8 EFFECTIVE WINTER NUTRITION TIPS

Here are our top 8 winter nutrition tips to keep you performing at your best, even when the weather isn't!

1.GET ENOUGH SLEEP

Catching enough Z’s is crucial at the best of times, but especially if you’re active and want to keep your winter nutrition on point. Sleep is essential for recovery in between workouts but it also plays a major role in what you eat. Getting less sleep than you need means you’re more likely to reach for less healthy foods and feel hungrier because of higher levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. So try to get 7-9 hours of sleep to stay on track.

2. MINIMISE HUNGER

In winter, our bodies tend to crave stodgier, higher-carb foods. But that doesn't mean you should ditch the protein. In fact, getting enough protein is even more important in winter. High protein winter meals keep you feeling fuller for longer and provide the essential building blocks for repairing and rebuilding muscles. HERMOSA's range of whey and vegan protein powders are perfect for giving your winter nutrition the boost it needs.

3. CHOOSE FIBRE-RICH FOODS

Our bodies need more nutrients to fight off infections over the winter. Especially when we’re getting less immune-boosting vitamin D from the lack of sun exposure. So make sure you're eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to get the vitamins, minerals and fibre you need. Soluble dietary fibre (found in things like beans and oats) is especially useful because it lowers cholesterol, controls blood sugar levels, and keeps you fuller for longer.

4. STAY HYDRATED

It's easy to forget to drink enough water in winter but staying hydrated is essential for keeping your body functioning properly. So aim to drink around two litres of water a day, even if you don't feel thirsty. If a cold glass of water doesn’t appeal, you can still get your hydration with soup or herbal teas. As hard as it might sound, try to limit your caffeine intake from tea, coffee and even hot chocolate because it can dent your best hydration efforts.

5. HIGH-PROTEIN SNACKS

In winter, we tend to eat more comfort foods. But that doesn't mean you should forget about healthy eating altogether. Make sure you're still getting the nutrients your body needs by eating mindfully. Pay attention to what you're eating and make sure you're choosing nutrient-rich foods that will help to keep you feeling your best. Try one of these HERMOSA-fuelled protein shakes from our friends at Barry’s to keep hunger pangs at bay.

6. AVOID OVEREATING

When it's cold and miserable outside, it can be easy to overindulge in an extra helping of comfort food. But it’s all about getting the right balance. Eating little and often can help keep your energy levels up and stop you from overeating later on. Loading up on fibre-rich foods, high-protein snacks, and winter warmers like hearty soups can also help you to resist the temptation to overeat. Everything in moderation, just don’t be too hard on yourself!

7. SOCIAL SUPPORT

Peer pressure is real, especially during the festive season when you’re hopping from one party to the next! Social pressures can test even the most dedicated winter nutrition regime. While it is important to let your hair down and enjoy yourself. Let your friends and family know your winter fitness goals. That means explaining to them what you’re trying to achieve so they can understand your choices and help you to stay on track well into the New Year.

8. BE FLEXIBLE

Our final winter nutrition tip is to approach your winter nutrition and fitness goals with a healthy degree of flexibility. If something isn’t working, switch it up. Don’t set yourself unrealistic targets or cut out everything that you enjoy. A little of what you fancy does you good, right? So it’s important not to cut those out altogether and deprive yourself of life’s small pleasures. So you do you. Find what works best for you and enjoy yourself while you do it!

STAY ON TRACK WITH HERMOSA

They say ‘summer bodies are made in the winter’ but that’s easier said than done when it’s dark and miserable outside and your social calendar is rammed. But HERMOSA is here to support your winter nutrition efforts all year round. By following these healthy eating tips for winter and adding more high-protein winter meals to your routine, you can keep properly fuelled, stay on track with your fitness goals, and generally feel amazing in the process.

Getting your winter protein onboard couldn’t be easier – or more enjoyable – than with HERMOSA. Our high-quality whey and vegan protein powders pack 20g of protein that’s sustainably sourced from grass-fed cows that roam the idyllic Lake District or GMO-free pea and hemp. Sweetened using all-natural stevia, with no artificial sweeteners or flavourings, HERMOSA serves up delicious high-protein shakes that’ll help you stay on track this winter and beyond.