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WELL TOLD WITH MICHELLE GARLAND, Certified Holistic Nutritionist
Michelle Garland is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, a Photographer and Wellness Enthusiast! She is the founder of Plentyfullme, where she works with brands doing content creation, recipe development, and product and food photography. When she's not working with clients, you can find her playing in her kitchen, enjoying the outdoors, and spending quality time with her hubby, fur-baby and friends.
For a limited time, discover Michelle's Winter Self-Care picks for over 50% off!
As the seasons change, so do the ways we practice self-care. Are there any winter wellness practices you feel have a big impact on your wellbeing?
During the winter, I find myself slowing down. I believe it's important to take the extra time for ourselves, especially during the holiday season's hustle. For me, this is taking a hot bath with Epsom salt and essential oils to relax. Skin brushing to exfoliate that dry winter skin. Cozying up on the couch wrapped in a blanket with a good book while sipping a hot cup of tea. And lastly, movement, whether that be yoga, cardio or a walk in the fresh winter air.
What we eat is such a huge component of taking care of ourselves. Can you share some tips on supporting our health during the winter through our diet?
During the winter, try to focus on nourishing yourself with foods that are in season – think root veggies, like beets, winter squash, and potatoes, along with brussel sprouts, kale, and cabbage. It's also a great idea to incorporate vitamin-C-rich foods like bell peppers, broccoli, oranges, and carrots. For myself, I tend to gravitate towards eating more warming foods in the winter, like a creamy bowl of oats, roasted veggies with protein and fresh-homemade soups.
For those who find it hard to be active during the winter months, are there any tips you can share that help you personally stay motivated?
During the winter in Canada, our vitamin D levels tend to drop. So, it's a great idea to get outside and go for a walk if the sun is shining. There's also nothing more refreshing than breathing in that crisp winter air. As for motivation, what helps me is to block off some time in my schedule to ensure I'm incorporating daily movement. It's true what they say, "the hardest part is showing up," but once you're in it and moving, your body and mind will always thank you for it.
As our lives have changed pretty significantly over the past couple of years, has your idea of what self-care means to you changed?
Absolutely. I've slowed down a lot these past two years and started to focus on my mental health. If I can give one piece of advice, it would be to take a step back, breathe and do the things that make you feel good, emotionally, physically and mentally. It's during these uncertain times that we need self-care the most.
What's been keeping you well these days?
My morning routine! Not all mornings look the same, but it usually includes hydration, meditation, exercise and eating a big nourishing breakfast. It allows me to start my morning with intention and truly sets the tone for the rest of my day.