Eat Greens, Beat Winter Blues | December Walk with a Doc

A bit of early morning frost didn’t keep our intrepid walkers away last Saturday! More than 70 folks bundled up to enjoy hot Starbucks coffee, raffle prizes and conversation before an invigorating loop walk around beautiful Coot Lake in northeast Boulder.

Sporting a Santa hat, Dr. Nelson Trujillo talked about seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can dampen moods during winter. Many of us try to cheer ourselves up by eating traditional "comfort foods," which tend to be high in saturated fats, salt and/or "simple" carbohydrates like refined flour and sugar. Unfortunately, that approach tends to backfire since those foods tend to cause chronic inflammation, which negatively affects mood and overall health, Dr. Trujillo said. They also tend to be low in brain-supportive nutrients like antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

Dr. Trujillo urged Walk attendees to choose "Greens over Blues," meaning to add as many green and colorful fruits and vegetables as possible to their daily diets to boost mood and energy. As usual, he also recommended walking "10 minutes out, 10 minutes back" every day. Getting outside and being physically active have been shown to improve mood, overall health and longevity.

Upcoming Walks

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 5:30 p.m.
Join us for a special holiday edition Walk with a Doc in conjunction with the City of Boulder Parks & Recreation department. Grab friends and family and head downtown for Creekside Caroling on a guided walk around Boulder’s Civic Area. There will be prizes, dancing and singing, hot chocolate and delicious refreshments -- and Dr. Nelson Trujillo sharing healthy holiday survival tips. Caroling begins at 5:30 p.m., walking tour begins at 5:45 p.m. Click here for more information.

Saturday, Jan. 12, 8 a.m.
Join us for our January Walk with a Doc at East Boulder Community Park (5560 Sioux Drive). You don't want to miss Dr. Andrew McBride from Boulder Creek Family Medicine talking about "How Lifestyle Medicine Can Keep You Well." Get details at BCH Walk With a Doc.

Please enjoy the photo slideshow of all the fun we had at the December walk!