Staying Warm this Winter for Your Metabolism
If you are working to heal your metabolism, one of the most important pieces is keeping your body warm. This can feel difficult in winter months! My hometown averages -12C in February and we get a lot of snow. I have to actively work to keep my body warmer in winter months, even with a metabolism that is regulated. Let’s break down why this is important.
How are metabolism and body temperature connected?
A sign of a healthy metabolism is a warm body. If you are constantly cold (fingers, feet, nose, and even your core), it’s a sign that your metabolism is sluggish. Your metabolism is the process by which your body breaks down food and uses it for energy. If you aren’t efficiently and effectively creating energy for your body, you will run colder than others who’s metabolisms are functioning well.
A warm body is indicative of a healthy thyroid. Your thyroid is the main metabolic driver of your body so if it’s healthy, your metabolism is (likely) in a good place.
It was interesting to watch my body temperature rise as I worked on healing with my nutrition, movement, sleep, and nervous system regulation. I used to freeze in winter months and avoided being outside for too long when I hit about 35. My family knew my hands were always cold, even in shoulder months or occasionally during summer. In the last couple of years, I’ve noticed that I am no longer cold like I used to be. My body temperature has risen significantly as my body more efficiently uses my food for energy.
With so much beauty in winter, I think it’s important to get outside and connect to nature. Avoiding it completely isn’t possible nor is it a healthy way of living. So, let’s work WITH nature and find some ways to keep warmer in those winter months.
What is the ideal body temperature?
Taking your temperature in the morning (before you get out of bed) is an easy way to track your body’s metabolism. Ideally, your temperature at this time should be 97.8 F/36.6 C.
That temperature will rise throughout the morning and then start to dip again late afternoon as your body prepares to rest for the evening.
An interesting tip to see if the foods you are consuming are good for your metabolism is to check your body temperature before and 30 minutes after you eat a food. If your temperature goes down, that is an indication your body is having trouble processing it.
Tips for Staying Warm to Support Your Metabolism
There are a few ways that you can gently support your metabolism by keeping your body warmer.
Nourish yourself. So many women are simply not getting enough calories or they have a suboptimal ratio of macronutrients (fats:carbs:proteins). The average woman needs between 1800-2200 calories simply to thrive throughout the day.
Drink warmer beverages. Choose bone broth, tea, coffee, and hot water with lemon as beverage options. Ideally, drink these beverages AFTER you’ve consumed food. Soups are also an amazing option for snacks or meals.
Hot showers and baths. Before bed or upon waking, warm yourself with a hot shower or bath. This is also a beautiful form of self care that most women have trouble finding time for.
Layer appropriately. I just love layers in winter months. Fuzzy socks, wraps, sweaters, and even blankets. When outside, work to keep your feet, hands, and core warm with appropriate gear.
Box Breathing. The simple act of box breathing helps to regulate our nervous system and metabolism. Inhale for 4 seconds. Hold for 4 seconds. Exhale for 4 seconds. Hold for 4 seconds. Repeat 4 times.
How long does it take to heal your metabolism?
This is a great question and the answer isn’t simple. Every person is different and heals at a different rate. It depends on a number of factors:
age
personal health history
season of life you’re in
length of time you’ve lead a lifestyle that doesn’t support a healthy metabolism
how much you’re committed to healing (and the work you’re willing to do)
your attachment to your current state of health (this is an interesting piece…often women will identify with their state of health and make it part of them instead of recognizing that it’s simply a story they are telling them self AND it can be changed)
Curious to learn more about your metabolism and how to start healing it? Join me 5 Day Metabolism Challenge to learn FIVE lifestyle edits that, if you commit to for 3 months, will radically shift your metabolism.