As winter casts its beautiful spell over North Queensland, it offers the perfect blend of amazing weather and wellness opportunities. Embracing the mild temperatures, abundant sunshine, and dry conditions, you can fully immerse yourself in the wonders of North Queensland while prioritising your health.
Let's look at seven tips for staying healthy during this amazing winter season:
1. Stay Hydrated:
Even in the milder temperatures, it's essential to stay hydrated. It’s often in winter that we forget about drinking plenty of water but it is just as important. Staying hydrated prevents your skin from drying out and keeps your immune system strong, so that you can fight off illnesses and eliminate waste and toxins from your body.
Take advantage of the dry conditions and carry a refillable water bottle to ensure you drink 8-10 glasses of water each day. Hydration supports your overall well-being and complements the lovely winter weather of North Queensland.
2. Pack Healthy Snacks:
Winter in North Queensland brings the perfect weather to start exploring the region's natural beauty, don't forget to pack a selection of healthy snacks. Nuts, seeds, beautiful dried mango or banana or fresh fruit make for nutritious nibbles that will fuel your adventures in the refreshing winter air.
3. Choose Healthier Meals:
North Queensland's winter provides an ideal setting to choose healthier meal options. When dining out, seek out restaurants that offer dishes abundant in vegetables, high quality protein, and fresh local ingredients. Opt for soups, curries, baked, grilled, or steamed options to complement your wellness journey, while enjoying the beautiful cooler weather.
Here's a beautiful warming recipe:
Coconut Curry with Winter Vegetables:
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
2 cups mixed winter vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower), chopped
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tin of cooked chickpeas
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish
How To Make It!
In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and curry powder. Cook for another minute, stirring continuously to release the flavours.
Pour in the coconut milk, vegetable broth, and add the mixed winter vegetables. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the cooked chickpeas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the flavours to meld together for a few more minutes.
Serve the coconut curry over steamed rice or with naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness.
This wholesome coconut curry is packed with nutritious winter vegetables. It offers a perfect balance of flavours and warmth, making it a comforting and healthy choice for your winter meals in North Queensland.
And don't forget about the amazing Cotters Market on every Sunday in Townsville's Flinders Street to stock up on fresh, clean, local fruit and veggies!
4.Stay Active:
The mild winter temperatures and all year round sunshine in North Queensland, are calling out for you to stay active. Take advantage of the weather by engaging in outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, or cycling. Take a trip to Magnetic Island and let the cooler weather and beautiful clear skies inspire your fitness goals.
5. Get Enough Sleep:
Winter nights in North Queensland offer the perfect temperature for restful sleep. Prioritise quality sleep by maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and turn the air-conditioner off so that you can breath in fresh air that will help to rejuvenate your body and mind.
6. Plan Ahead:
Winter in North Queensland offers plenty of wellness opportunities. Research local wellness activities, such as rejuvenating spa experiences, yoga retreats, or immersing yourself in natural hot springs and refreshing cold water holes like Crystal Creek.
The benefits of swimming in cold water is now very well documented!
7. Have fun!
As you embark on your winter journey in North Queensland, embrace the magic of the season and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Let the amazing weather, beautiful landscapes and opportunities for wellness activities motivate you to reach your health and fitness goals.
Embrace each moment of the North Queensland winter and enjoy it fully, because soon enough it will be gone and the sweatiness shall return. During this time of the year be sure to stay present, take plenty of time for relaxation and allow the joy of the season to uplift your spirit and propel you towards your goals.
By following these seven tips, you can make the most of your winter in North Queensland while nurturing your health and vitality. With that being said, embrace the mild temperatures, bask in the abundant sunshine, plan your adventures and thoroughly enjoy the beautiful part of the world that you live in. Safe travels, cheers to healthy living and may all of your dreams come true!
Kate - Founder of Nutrition Queensland
Photography - Josephine Carter Photography.