GREEN PIECE: Beat winter naturally

Rich in powerful antioxidants, green tea is a great way to boost your immune system.

It’s hard to believe that it’s already 2012, and the holidays are over. It’s cold, and it’s January, and sadly, it always seems like there isn’t a whole lot going on around this time of year. By the middle of the afternoon, you probably find yourself slumped over your desk or wherever you are and forcing yourself to stay awake. This year, instead of grabbing an energy drink or coffee, try a natural way to revive your winter energy funk.

I know it’s easier said than done, but instead of your everyday afternoon coffee, try switching to green tea. Green tea is rich in powerful antioxidants that boost your immune system and will keep you feeling healthy. It’s also known to act as a stress-reliever, which is great for the winter blues. And if you’re looking to lose a few pounds for the New Year, tea contains no carbohydrates, fats or proteins, unlike coffee. Tea companies are also much more involved with eco-friendly and fair-trade processes. Because tea weighs so much less than coffee, less fossil fuel is required to ship and export it around the world, making it much more green.

The food you eat plays a big part in how you feel each day as well. If you’re stuffing your face with cookies, chips and burgers, then you probably won’t feel so great. Eating less meat and more fruits, grains and vegetables can help you feel better and help the environment. Eating meat contributes heavily to global warming because raising animals for food on factory farms produces high amounts of greenhouse emissions. You should also avoid soda and maybe introduce new things into your diet like lentils or even quinoa (a grain seed that is high in protein).

Aromatherapy is a great way to boost energy and beat those winter blues and can be used in a variety of ways. NEPA has so many different places you can go to pick up aromatherapy products. Thrive Wellness Center (647 Wyoming Ave., Kingston) offers a variety of products and services that focus on healing the body physically, emotionally and spiritually. If you’re unfamiliar with the services and products, Thrive’s staff will happily educate you along the way. It’s a great place to get started and to lift yourself up out of your winter slump. Only a few more months of winter left, so keep your energy up!