This is a very weird winter. While there have some very cold patches, it really hasn’t been as cold as it normally is, or as cold as it needs to be. If you prefer warmer weather, you’re probably pleased about this turn of events. But there are consequences to not having a long, cold season.

A lot of necessary crops, fruit and vegetables need the cold weather to complete their growing cycle so that they can be harvested in Winter. Others need winter to begin their growth so that they can be harvested in Spring. No winter, no food and that has a trickle-down effect that not only affects people, but also the economy. Restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, schools that feed their students, hospitals, won’t be able to function properly, and people will lose their jobs. We can’t just import food as weird weather is happening across the globe.

The vital crops, fruits, and vegetables we need to stay healthy in Winter

7 Vital crops that need winter to grow

• Annual Ryegrass
• Barley
• Buckwheat
• Oats
• Cereal Rye
• Sorghum
• Winter Wheat

14 Vital fruits that need winter to grow

• Apples
• Avocados
• Dates
• Grapefruit
• Kumquats
• Lemons
• Limes
• Melon
• Naartjies
• Oranges
• Paw paws or papayas
• Pears
• Pineapples
• Tomatoes

17 Vital vegetables that need winter to grow

• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Broad beans
• Kale
• Microgreens
• Onions
• Radishes
• Snap peas
• Green onions
• Garlic
• Spring onions
• Butternut
• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Spinach

Pollinators may die off if Winter isn’t strong enough. We need pollinators as they are vital to the health and robust growth of our food without poisoning the soil which happens with prolonged use of chemicals.

We also need winter to keep down the populations of ‘bad’ bugs like mosquitos, and ticks. If this doesn’t happen, it increases the chances of contracting diseases and getting sick. Abnormally warm winters confuse birds that migrate which can cause mass starvation in the flocks.

Viruses such as ‘flu’ can develop new and more debilitating forms. One of which is currently running through the South African population like wildfire, keeping people away from work for weeks longer than the usual 3 – 5 days, with longer full recovery times. Added to that is the fact that it seems to be a recurring virus. This also has a detrimental effect on the economy.

If you suffer with Springtime allergies, a warmer winter means a longer Spring and a longer allergy season.

So…

How do you stay physically and emotionally healthy during this season?

As Johannesburg experiences snow so seldom and it’s barely a dusting, there’s no snow activities like skiing, shovelling driveways, snowball fights, and sledding down snowy hills. We tend to stay indoors, eat more and eat too much comfort food, curl up on the couch with some hot chocolate and either binge Netflix or read books. We’re in favour of reading books, by the way It’s safe to say there’s too much glühwein quaffing and not enough glute workouts.

5 Healthy habits to adopt in Winter

Stay hydrated

And that doesn’t mean drinking gallons of glühwein or sweet hot chocolate. Just because you’re not sweating, you still need to drink water. At least six glasses a day – it’s the best way to keep your immune system especially working as it should.

Abandon sugar

Swap out sugar or sugar laden puddings and pastries for fruit that has loads of Vitamin C which is also very good for boosting your immune system.

Make comforting food that’s healthy

We eat more in Winter as it gives us the energy we need to stay warm. Instead of eating the wrong kind of comforting food – sugary, cakes, pastries and puddings. To feel full and have the energy to stay warm add pulses, grains, lentils, and beans to your meals. They will become your new comfort food, especially if you increase the amount of hot roasted vegetables, soups, and stews into your diet. You can add fruits and vegetables to your favourite soups and stews as well.

Snack smart

Because we tend to stay inside more during Winter, we fall prey to snacking. Trade your unhealthy snacks for nuts, cheese, and fruit.

Keep moving

Instead of cutting back on your exercise, add new and different activities that get your heart pounding and releasing oxytocin. Being active not only keeps you warmer overall, but also keeps you from slipping into the Winter blues. Remember, your Summer body is built in Winter!

HOW CAN CHIROPRACTIC CARE HELP? Make sure your spine is properly

If your spine became misaligned in Summer or Autumn, you won’t feel like exercising in Winter. Your nerves will have become trapped, your muscles will spasm, and you will be in pain. If you do suffer from the Winter blues, pain can affect your functionally, and affect your emotions, leading to added anxiety, frustration, anger, resentment, stress, and depression.

Call us today to book an appointment so that you can enjoy Winter!

Yours in health,
Dr. Monica and Helen