Get Movin' Monday: Getting Out Of Hibernation Mode

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Spring is here! But some of our bodies are still stuck in winter.

So this Monday, award winning holistic pharmacist and health author Sherry Torkos gets us movin' with ways to repair our bodies and get them out of hibernation mode.

TIPS:
Food
Eat foods with medicinal muscle.

Add healthy fats and omega-3s. Studies show eating a diet high in these healthy fats can rev your metabolism to burn fat and calories. It may also help by curbing cravings to jump start that spring weight loss program.

Try new cooking oils, like palm fruit oil, that have a great balance of healthy fats and are a great source of vitamin E  tocotrienols. This also helps brain health.

Try adding avocados for healthy monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) that may trigger your body to actually quiet hunger.

Also, almonds are a quick source of healthy fats and protein.

Omega-3s are good for heart health and to regulate cholesterol levels. Salmon and tuna are a great source of omega-3s as well as supplements.

Try adding in more fiber. Studies have also found that getting your recommended daily allowance can reduce the risks of certain health issues such as cancers, coronary heart disease and obesity. Fiber can also curb hunger and make you feel full longer.

Black beans contain 15 grams of fiber per cup and about 15 grams of protein. Corn and popcorn are great sources of fiber. You can also increase your fiber intake with supplements from your pharmacy aisles.

Try more herbs and spices to add flavor to your meals. There are healthy properties in them and all without the extra calories.

Try cinnamon, a nutritional powerhouse. It contains iron, calcium and manganese and is loaded with antioxidants and health benefit. Fiery cayenne pepper is known for its pain-relieving properties, but studies also suggest it may aid weight loss. Finally, turmeric contains the antioxidant curcumin.

Body
Wear sunscreen!

Add tomatoes into your life. Lycopene is the compound gives tomatoes their vivid red color. Lycopene is good for your skin, providing UV protection from within and can help improve heart health by providing powerful antioxidants that can reduce oxidized LDL cholesterol and boost circulation.

Medicines
Try this natural medicine cabinet makeover for a healthy spring.

For managing joint pain and inflammation, include curcumin, fatty acids and supplements.

To help get things moving, manage constipation with soluble fiber. Gradually increase soluble fiber and water intake to improve laxation. Plus there are many other health benefits with soluble fiber.

And if you're having trouble sleeping, ditch the sleep aids for L-theanine, an amino acid that helps promote relaxation and improves sleep quality without causing any next-day drowsiness or dry mouth. Melatonin can be helpful for those who work shift work or travel. Beta-blockers can reduce melatonin levels in the body. Supplements can help to restore melatonin and improve sleep quality in these folks.