Healthy Hibernation

Winter is approaching, and for some of us, that means cold weather and a whole lot of hot beverages. For those of you who are able to avoid treacherous winter storms and freezing weather, just stop reading now. ;)

Last  year, I encountered my first extremely rainy season, and went into what I like to refer to as a "hibernation period." Along with the frequent rest, came sugar, pastry's, and whatever else my instincts told my body to ingest to keep happy and safe in the conditions. I believe I began eating muffins, doughnuts, and cookies with every white mocha I purchased ( there were a lot of mocha's, trust me). It was not until I came home for the summer, where it was hot and friends already put away their winter wear, when I realized I was flirting with unhealthy diet. My body could hardly even keep up in dance class, which is a hobby and passion of mine.


I decided to go back to school in the deep northwest where I would be dealing with another long wet winter and this time I would be prepared. Following, are a list of foods I would began to keep around in order to maintain a healthier diet. I do not think it is bad to have sweets every now and then, but the change of lifestyle combined with my first time away from home threw my nutritional habits for a loop.

One filling and relatively healthy carbohydrate I eat as a regular part of my diet is oatmeal. Add brown sugar or fruit, and because it is a comfort food; you'll be full and happy when you set out for class, internship, or work.







Another food which is beneficial to anyone's diet are hard boiled eggs. Considering we are supposed to have snacks in the middle of the day, if you bring eggs in a small container, they not only fill an empty stomach, but also provide a great source of protein.


Broccoli can be another filler in a diet. I was not  fan before, but I began to steam it and eat it along side grilled chicken and the taste became obsolete. According to pharmacology professors at John Hopkins, broccoli is supposed to help the body produce sulforaphane, triggering the production of phase 2 enzymes, which can detoxify cancer.







Finally, the best way I have maintained my body heat, comfort, and health during the rainy season is soup! The best part about soup; you can buy it in a can, you can make it fresh with very few ingredients, and for a college student, it is inexpensive! According to goodguide.com, Pacific Foods canned soups are the best, Followed by Amy's organic soup, and next Healthy Valley. I say Campbell's Soup is still a good way to go. I worked at a grass roots garden in Oregon ,who sells them celery to make soup.

For those of you who have hard time in the cold like I did, good luck ;)