Avoid the Winter Weight Gain Trap

If the cold weather makes you crave comfort food, rest assured you are not alone. While researchers are divided over just how much weight people put on in the winter months, a number of studies have found people put on a small amount but then fail to shift the weight in summer, so it accumulates year after year. A consistent approach to your healthy active lifestyle is the key.

• Antioxidants: Red wine, colourful fruit and vegies are all rich in antioxidants and support a strong immune system, say researchers. Antioxidants may prove beneficial in the treatment of flu. Supplement with Roseguard; it provides antioxidant support throughout the day.

• B Complex: The B group of vitamins help to enhance the immune system, so include bananas, potatoes and tuna to help fight off infection. Taken daily, the Multivitamin Complex supplies the body with 100% of the RDI for Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, D and E, folic acid, biotin, iodine, chromium, zinc, molybdenum as well as several antioxidants for overall good health.

• Chicken Soup: A US study has put this remedy to the test and found it may help relieve cold and flu symptoms as it acts as an anti-inflammatory and may relieve congestion.

• Drink Up: If you're feeling under the weather, a hot drink of Instant Herbal Beverage can provide immediate relief from symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat and tiredness.

• Exercise: Prevent feeling rundown with exercise as it keeps your immune system, as well as your body, in top shape. Supplement with LiftOff; the B vitamins in Lift Off help to combat the effects of stress on the body and improve immunity & the Guarana provides fast acting energy which is slow-released for sustained energy.

• Friendship: Social isolation or loneliness may weaken immunity, a study from the Carnegie Mellon University found. Spending time with your friends, or meeting new people with common interests, encourages socialisation which may reduce your risk of feeling rundown.

• Green tea: Ward off nasty lurgies by brewing a cup of green tea. A daily intake of Instant Herbal Beverage hits the spot! This delicious green tea blend includes orange pekoe, cardamom seed, hibiscus and natural sources of caffeine for an uplifting taste. Studies have found that catechin, a type of antioxidant, is contained in green tea and this is effective in preventing the flu and is beneficial to your wellbeing.

• Hot Air: A German study found those who use a steam room twice a week may get fewer colds as congestion is reduced. No sauna, no worries - a steaming hot shower is just as good! Complete the steam with Aloe Herbal Moisturiser to lock in the moisture!

• Immunisation: You may not like needles, but having a flu shot is the best way to avoid getting the flu, says the South Australian Department of Health. Evidence shows the flu vaccine gives up to 90 per cent of protection in healthy people. Supplement with Roseguard for an added boost to your immune system.

• Jumper: Rug up before heading out in the cold! The lowering of your core temperature suppresses immunity, which may indirectly lead to illness.

• Keep your distance: Experts suggest keeping about one metre away from people who show symptoms of influenza-like illness to protect yourself.

• Laughter: Enjoy a good chuckle often as more studies are finding laughter may raise infection-fighting antibodies in your system and boost immune cell levels.

• Mushrooms: This vegie is the perfect winter super food; it's rich in selenium and vitamins, which can help protect you from getting the flu. Add to that the Multivitamin Complex, with more than 20 essential nutrients and antioxidants, to help support the immune system by providing the necessary ingredients for the body to produce antibodies to fight off illness!

• Nurture: Pamper yourself often!... run a bubble bath, go for a walk or read your favourite book or magazine. Use the luxury Purifying Mint Clay Mask to complete the pampering. It'll go a long way to securing your wellbeing.

• Omega-3s: It's a good idea to put some oily fish like salmon on your menu, as the omega-3s may boost your immune system, reports medical website webMD. Supplement with Herbalifeline, which is a valuable source of Omega 3 fatty acids which the body cannot produce independently.

• Probiotics: Illness-fighting probiotics in yoghurt, miso and fermented cheese help boost 'good' bacteria in your gut. Taking Herbalife Probiotic which has the "friendly" bacteria can help keep colds and flu at bay. Double up on these if you feel a cold coming! 

• Quit smoking: Put out those cigarettes for good, as the risk of respiratory infections is increased by regular exposure to cigarette smoke.

• Relax: Feeling tired, fed up and over stretched may weaken your health. To support your immune system, eat a nutritious diet, get regular exercise and reduce stress in your life. Supplement with Roseguard, to boost your immune system; Formula 1, a Complete Meal; & Tang Kuei Plus with Camomile, to help relieve nervous tension, stress and mild anxiety.

• Salt-water gargle: To ease a sore throat, gargle with salt water for temporary relief. Add half a teaspoon of salt and stir in a glass of warm water.

• Tissues: The best way to prevent the spread of germs is by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, but don't re-use them!

• Undergarments: Thermal underwear insulates the body by creating a small space of air next to the skin, keeping your core temperature steady. Layering is the key.

• Vitamin D: A study found people with low vitamin D levels may have more colds or cases of the flu. So get outdoors as the sun's UV rays are a good natural source of vitamin D.

• Wash your hands: Washing your hands with soap often during the day really is one of the simplest ways to stop the spread of germs. Avoid hand rails on stairs or escalators in public places and do not touch your face after opening doors or shopping trolleys, as this is a quick way to pick up a cold or flu.

• Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia flower) The magnolia flower is typically used to treat nasal conditions such as a stuffy nose, nasal obstructions and sinus headaches.

• Yoga: Experts say the potential health benefits of yoga are many. They include reducing stress, increasing fitness and managing chronic health conditions - the perfect winter exercise.

• ZzZzZ: Sleep well. A US study found those who get less than seven hours of sleep a night have a greater risk of developing respiratory illness.