7 clever tricks for people who are always cold

It seems like there are two types of people in this world: those who run hot and those who run cold. If you’re in the latter camp, you know that the struggle is real. You’re the one constantly sneaking off to turn up the thermostat, downing hot beverages no matter the season, and you always come prepared with layers. If you’re always cold no matter what, check out this list of seven tips and tricks to ensure you stay warm and toasty:

1. Get Your Iron Levels Checked

If your teeth are always chattering, a lack of iron may be to blame. According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the symptoms of iron deficiency (otherwise known as anemia) is cold hands and feet. Iron helps your blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. A lack of iron can cause a sluggish thyroid, leading to hypothyroidism, which makes the problem even worse. A simple supplement may warm you right up!

Adobe

2. Use Sandwich Bags On Your Feet

When you’re always cold, your extremities (hands and feet) often bear the brunt of it. There is nothing worse than trudging through rain or snow and getting your feet soaked, totally exacerbating the problem. To prevent this, try this simple hack: Place some plastic baggies over your socks before you slip on your shoes. Genius!

Amazon

3. Get A Toasty Mug

You already know that when you’re freezing, a hot chocolate, coffee or tea can be a godsend. Well, this innovative mug warms up your hands while you sip your hot beverage. According to the product’s website, “the ergonomic, enveloping form of the handle keeps the heat in so your both your drink and your hands are kept toasty.” Why didn’t we think of this?

Sabrina Fossi

4. Wear Tights Or Leggings Under Your Pants

When I was a kid, my mom always insisted on bundling me up in long underwear under my clothes in the winter. While traditional long underwear may look less than flattering under a fashionable outfit, tights or leggings can do the trick just as well and keep your legs extra-warm! Even better, you can now get fleece-lined tights!

tights photo
Flickr | thevelvetbird

MORE: Amazon sells heat-up pants for the person who’s always cold

5. Get A Heated Blanket

Sometimes you can’t control the temperature in your environment, i.e. at work. And many workplaces do not allow space heaters because they can be considered a fire hazard. Is there any solution? Yes! Warm up with a personal heated blanket or shawl.

Amazon

6. Eat Complex Carbs And Whole Grains

You may have heard that spicy foods can warm you up, and we’ve all broken a sweat after eating some extra-hot wings. But there are some other surprising foods that can actually warm you up too, including complex carbs and whole grains like quinoa and oatmeal.

“Because of the fiber, whole grains and other complex carbs like potatoes and lentils require more energy to break down than simple carbs like cookies and white bread. This process not only keeps you fuller longer, but because the body is working so hard to digest your food, it may also increase body heat,”  Lauren Minchen MPH, RDN, CDN and a registered dietitian and nutritionist based in New York City, explains to Eat This, Not That.

 

Confetti quinoa
Flickr | SaucyGlo

7. Get A Space Heater

This may sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by the difference it can make. When I was struggling with less-than-consistent radiator heating, a simple space heater was a lifesaver for me. Check out the best space heaters from Don’t Waste Your Money including those that are ideal to place at your desk.

propane, portable heater on floor
Yourbestdigs.com

MORE: The best gifts for people who are always cold

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About the Author
Kate Streit
Kate Streit lives in Chicago. She enjoys stand-up comedy, mystery novels, memoirs, summer and pumpkin spice anything.

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