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Keeping warm is tough this time of year, especially with record low temps across the country. Where I am, it isn’t too bad, but we are facing a cold snap and tons of rain. That means more binge-watching, more staying indoors, and more tasty soups!
If you want to make the most out of your time (and money) indoors, here are a few tips I use to stay safe and warm in the winter.
Eat warm
Don’t overindulge too much, but a little more fat can go a long way. Foods high in healthy fats, such as avocado, nuts, salmon, and olive oil do the trick. Extra fat helps speed up metabolism, which keeps your body warm. If you’ve set a new year’s resolution to stay away from fat (like me), try soups, spicy food, hot coffee, or tea instead.
Three-feet rule
Your space heater by Best Buy is a great way to keep warm on a budget, but it can also be highly flammable. Sidestep this danger by remembering the three-feet rule: Keep anything that can catch on fire at least three feet away from your space heater. Flammable things include clothes, paper, rugs, bedding, and curtains. Keep your heater on a hard, non-flammable surface and to turn it off before you leave the house.
Keep extremities warm
Hands and toes are the first to feel the cold, so keeping these parts warm is a must. Wear thick, non seep-through shoes or boots. Pair with gloves from Target.
Get some awesome winter gear from Christy Sports to keep yourself warm all season!
Skip the booze
One “tip” I learned from college (and I’m sure you learned it too) is that alcohol keeps your body warm because of the “burning” sensation you feel when you take a shot of hard liquor. But like lots of stuff you learn outside the classroom, it’s a lie! Alcohol actually reduces your core temperature since it inhibits the reflex to make you shiver (your body’s natural way of distributing heat) and makes you sweat (your body’s natural way of keeping you cool, which drives your core temperature down even more.
Only you can prevent house fires
This should go without saying, but don’t leave a fireplace unattended when in use. The three-feet rule applies here too, so keep anything flammable away from the hearth. Think about placing a screen guard to keep children and pets away from the open flame. This might sound odd, but use your fireplace sparingly. The fumes and smoke from your wood go in the air, which can do a number on the environment.
Protect your pipes
Just when you think the cold couldn’t get any worse, at least you have hot water, right? Not if your pipes are frozen. To keep your pipes working, let your hot and cold faucets drip overnight and open cabinets so warm air can get around the pipes under your sink.
Pool noodles
A lot of heat can escape through the openings of your home, even if all doors and windows are closed. A big culprit is the gap underneath your doorway. Cut a pool noodle in half, and then cut it to fit under your doors. This will keep more heat in and save you a bit more on your heating bill.
Have any more warm tips? Leave a comment below!
