Knock Knock? Who's that? It's me winter knocking at your door

The season’s  is exciting, but after a few months, winter doldrums can set in if you don't strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the cold weather. However, if you keep busy, focus on your loved ones, and challenge yourself, you can enjoy winter just as much as you do the warmer months. Here are five ways to make sure that, even when your body is telling you to hibernate, you can keep healthy and fit, no matter what the weather's like.

Have a hearty breakfast

Winter is the perfect season for oatmeal. Eating a warm bowlful on a cold morning isn't just a delicious way to start your day, it also helps boost your intake of starchy foods and fibre.

These give you energy and help you feel fuller for longer, stopping the temptation to snack mid-morning. Oats also contain lots of vital vitamins and minerals.

Drink more milk

You are 80% more likely to get a cold in winter, so making sure your immune system is in tip-top condition is important. Milk and dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are great sources of protein and vitamins A and B12.

They're also an important source of calcium, which helps keep our bones strong. Try to go for semi-skimmed or skimmed milk – rather than full-fat – and low-fat yoghurts.

Try new activities for the whole family

Don't use the cold winter months as an excuse to stay in and lounge around. Instead, get out with the whole family to try out a new activity – Regular exercise helps control your weight, boost your immune system, and is a good way to break the tension that can build if the family is constantly cooped up inside the house.

RelatedPost: Sudip Dey at tourmyIndia.com

Eliminate your sleep debt

"On average we sleep six-and-a-half hours a night, much less than the seven to nine hours” as recommended by Harvard Health Publication ,which aims to raise awareness of the importance of a good night's sleep for health and wellbeing.

But in winter, we naturally sleep more because of the longer nights. "It's perfectly natural to adopt hibernating habits when the weather turns cold," says Jessica. "Use the time to catch up."

Eat more fruit and veg

Summer time is so easy for consuming fresh fruits and vegetables. There are so many delectable foods available at your fingertips. Once winter rolls around, the selection of fresh fruits and vegetables begins to get a little scarce. Sure you can buy most fruits and vegetables year round at the grocery store but let’s face it, the taste and quality just is not the same. And after a while bananas everyday get a little old.

You can find plenty of ways to reap all the health benefits of produce even when it is freezing cold outside. Try to purchase seasonal produce as much as possible. We tend to eat less fresh fruits and vegetables during the winter as we fill up on other foods. Focus on fresh produce to keep you healthy during the cold months ahead.