It may be getting close to winter and yes the weather outside has been cold, but that does not mean your body should feel cold all the time. Cold extremities like fingers and toes, goosebumps and feeling like you just can’t warm up may be signs that your body is not receiving what it needs.
Are you fasting too long or going too long without eating?
Intermittent fasting has been a nutritional fad and although there is wisdom and fasting does have health benefits, sometimes a good thing can be taken to the extremes. If you are fasting and find yourself cold all the time, your fast may be too long for you. If you feel cold throughout the day or at certain times of day, it could be your blood sugars have dipped too low. Have you ever noticed that once you eat you feel warm again? Assess your meal timing and see if your low body temperature is reflective of low blood sugars. If you are intermittent fasting, try shortening your fast and nourish yourself before you get cold.
Are you eating enough?
Calorie restricting is all too common of a diet strategy for people trying to lose weight. Even if you are not dieting, many people do not eat enough to meet the demands of their day, this is especially true if you are an avid exerciser. If you are feeling cold throughout the day it could be that your metabolic body or pilot light is burning out and it needs to be revved up by food! Stoke the fire by eating and don’t forget to put a nourishing mid-afternoon snack into your day. Bone broth, miso soup, magic mineral broth, a bowl of soup, fruit with nut butter or cheese, meat stick, olives, avocado with sea salt, celery stuffed with hummus or olive tapenade, are all quick and easy nutrient-dense snacks that will keep your blood sugars stable, increase your caloric needs and keep you warm.
Is your diet too cold?
Yogurt with berries, salads, raw veggies, juices and smoothies are all excellent choices for hotter weather, but they are too cooling when you live in a cold and dry climate. In Fall to Winter it is essential to warm up your diet. Oatmeal, omelets, roasted, steamed and sauteed veggies, stewed fruits, soups, stews, chili and curry are all perfect nourishing foods that will keep the body warm throughout a long, cold and dry winter season. Many of these warming recipes can be found on my website. Assess your day and see how much of your diet is made up of cold, dry food. The simplest way to warm your internal body is to eat warm, cooked food.
Spice it up!
Adding warming herbs and spices to your day can activate heat in your body. Cloves, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, cayenne, paprika and chili peppers are all perfect ways to increase circulation. Cinnamon essential oil is my favorite addition to my diet at this time of year. Adding a drop to a medicinal mushroom elixir (Harmonic Arts, Eversio, MudWTR, New Earth Organics, Organic Traditions), a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, smoothie, oatmeal or any other food or beverage of choice instantly warms the body. It is also an excellent choice for those with diabetes and high blood sugar. Cinammon bark aslo boosts the immune system which is essential at this time of year, and is very effective to use when you have a cold, flu, virus and respiratory infections. Even adding a few drops of cinnamon essential oil into your cream and hydrating your skin will add instant warmth and comfort to your body.
If you tend to feel cold, consider the above and see where you may need to give your nutrition a tweak to help turn the inner fire back on. Stay warm and nourised!
Yours in health & vitality,
Amy
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