Dietitians of Alaska

Guiding You To Better Health

czarina • October 24, 2025

Ways to Be Active (and Healthy!) When It’s Cold and There’s Less Daylight

The Alaskan winter sets in with shorter days, colder air, and long stretches of darkness. It’s easy to slip into hibernation mode. Staying active and eating well during these months can make a world of difference for your energy, mood, and overall health. Here are some realistic and science-backed ways to stay moving and nourished when the temperature drops and the daylight fades.

Move Your Body

Woman in kayak on turquoise water, looking at mountains with hands on head.

  1. Embrace indoor activities.
    Try resistance bands, yoga, or bodyweight workouts at home. Online workout videos, fitness apps, or even virtual dance classes can keep your body moving without having to brave the cold.
  2. Make errands your exercise.
    Park farther from store entrances, take stairs instead of elevators, or do short 10 minute movement breaks throughout the day. Small bursts of movement add up!
  3. Explore winter sports.
    If you enjoy being outdoors, bundle up and try snowshoeing, skiing, or ice skating. These activities not only boost cardiovascular health but also help you soak up natural light an essential during low-sunlight months.

Did you know?
Just 15–30 minutes of exposure to daylight (even when cloudy) can help regulate your body’s internal clock, improve mood, and support vitamin D production!

Nourish Your Body the Alaska Way

Dietitian Tips for Winter Wellness:

  1. Boost your Vitamin D intake. With limited sunlight, Alaskans are especially prone to vitamin D deficiency . Fatty fish like salmon, halibut, and sardines are rich natural sources. Ask your dietitian if you should consider a vitamin D supplement.
  2. Support your immune system with colorful foods.
     Add bright vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and kale, and fruits like citrus, berries, and apples. These are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that help your body fight off colds and fatigue.
  3. Prioritize omega-3 fatty acids.
     Cold-water fish and even plant-based sources like walnuts and flaxseeds can help reduce inflammation and support brain health which is important during darker, slower winter months.
  4. Stay hydrated, even in the cold!
     It’s easy to forget water when it’s chilly, but dehydration can lead to fatigue and dry skin. Warm herbal teas or lemon water are great cozy options.

Light, Movement, and Food: A Winter Trio

Winter in Alaska doesn’t have to mean low energy or cabin fever. Staying active in creative ways and choosing nutrient-rich foods can help you feel strong and centered all season long. So lace up those boots, open the curtains to let in light, and nourish your body with wholesome local ingredients. Your body and your mood will thank you.

At Dietitians of Alaska, we’re here to help you navigate your wellness journey year-round. Contact us to learn more about individualized nutrition plans, vitamin D support, and meal ideas to keep your body fueled through the winter.

< Older Post

Share this article

Recent Posts

Woman in a kitchen reaching for a pot. Brightly lit with lemons and vegetables on a countertop.

How a Dietitian Can Help You Understand the Root of Your Weight Struggles and Create a Personalized Nutrition Plan

August 20, 2025
When it comes to managing your weight, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—and that’s exactly why working with a registered dietitian can be a game-changer. At Dietitians of Alaska, we believe that understanding why you’re struggling with your weight is the first and most important step toward real, lasting change. Weight issues can stem from a wide… The post How a Dietitian Can Help You Understand the Root of Your Weight Struggles and Create a Personalized Nutrition Plan appeared first on Dietitians of Alaska.
Couple smiling at a doctor, who has a hand on the woman's shoulder. They are in an office setting.

Why Consulting a Registered Dietitian is Essential for Personalized Nutrition Plans

August 20, 2025
When it comes to achieving your health and wellness goals, choosing the right diet plan can feel overwhelming. With countless fad diets and conflicting advice, it’s hard to know what’s best for you. That’s where a registered dietitian (RD) comes in. A dietitian is not only a trained expert in nutrition but also a partner… The post Why Consulting a Registered Dietitian is Essential for Personalized Nutrition Plans appeared first on Dietitians of Alaska.
Two people seated at a table, enjoying drinks. One wears a black jacket, the other a brown one.

Get the Right Help: Dietitian vs. Nutritionist Explained

By Kimberly B • May 10, 2025
When it comes to getting serious about your health, diet plays a huge role—but who should you turn to for expert advice? The terms “dietitian” and “nutritionist” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Depending on your goals—whether it’s managing a medical condition or simply improving your eating habits—it’s important to know the… The post Get the Right Help: Dietitian vs. Nutritionist Explained appeared first on Dietitians of Alaska.
Promotional graphic:

Line One: National Nutrition Month – How Food Connects Us

By Kimberly B. • March 19, 2025
Food is a common thread for humanity. It can break barriers and connect people across all walks of life, that’s why the theme for National Nutrition Month in March this year is “Food Connects Us.” On this Line One, host Dr. Justin Clark and Dietitians of Alaska for a discussion about food and tradition, health… The post Line One: National Nutrition Month – How Food Connects Us appeared first on Dietitians of Alaska.
Radio show graphic:

Line One: Dietitians of Alaska – Deconstructing fad diets

By Kimberly B. • December 11, 2024
What do intermittent fasting, paleo, and keto all have in common? These are fad diets that offer rapid weight loss and a magic bullet to improve chronic diseases. While they are popular, many of these diets have limited data to support their claims, and in some cases can actually be unhealthy. Join host Dr. Justin… The post Line One: Dietitians of Alaska – Deconstructing fad diets appeared first on Dietitians of Alaska.
Woman with red hair in workout clothes smiles on a paved path outdoors.

Jennifer B.

By Kimberly B. • July 9, 2024
After bariatric surgery, Jennifer, an associate broker for a real estate company, continued to work with Staci Kloster, a registered dietitian at Dietitians of Alaska. The requirement to meet with her dietitian was annually, but Jennifer chose to go every 3 months to hold herself accountable and make sure she was hitting the goals she… The post Jennifer B. appeared first on Dietitians of Alaska.
Woman sits smiling on wooden steps, wearing black top, jeans, boots. Outdoors, cloudy sky.

Federica S.

By a5f53770_admin • June 25, 2024
“I’ve struggled throughout my entire life. During my childhood, my mom would fix our plates. I would eat that, but when I was putting my dish away, I would sneak more food. I’ve tried so many diets over the years and even bought pills from watching infomercials to try to lose weight. I did lose… The post Federica S. appeared first on Dietitians of Alaska.
Dr. Justin Clark with three women at a desk with audio recording equipment. They are smiling in a studio.

Line One: Dietitians of Alaska – Exploring Diets

By Kimberly B. • May 14, 2024
December 13, 2023 There’s a lot of reasons someone might want to change their diet. From conditions like diabetes, to celiac disease, or just the desire to lose or gain weight, the endless options of diets make it difficult to know what will work, and what’s actually healthy. That’s where the help of a registered… The post Line One: Dietitians of Alaska – Exploring Diets appeared first on Dietitians of Alaska.