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6 can't-miss ideas for staying warm in Utah this winter

6 can't-miss ideas for staying warm in Utah this winter

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When the weather outside turns frightful, keeping yourself warm can be anything but delightful. If you find yourself shivering on the street or on the couch, it’s time to find some fun — and unexpected — ways to keep your cheeks rosy and your core temperature up.

Bundle up

So you’re shivering on the couch. What do you reach for first, a blanket or the thermostat? If you cringe thinking about your next electric bill, rejoice. You’ll warm up faster by putting on an additional layer than by cranking up the heat. Try a soft, luxurious Minky Couture blanket for some cozy warmth. You'll pay for it quickly with the money you save on your heating bill.

Bake a pie

‘Tis the season to enjoy a slice of warm apple pie or whatever variety tickles your taste buds. While you’re slaving away in the kitchen, you’re bound to stay warm. Not only will the rolling, patting and mixing help boost your body temperature, but a hot oven will also warm your kitchen (and your bones). And since most pies start out at about 425 degrees, your cheeks will be toasty in no time.

Turn on the fan

OK, so you probably don’t reach for the ceiling fan cord when you’re shivering in your fleece jammies. But what you may not know is that heat in your home rises to the ceiling, where it might sit indefinitely (not doing you any favors). If you’ve got a ceiling fan, turn it on low in a clockwise direction to push the warm air to where it’s doing you some good.

Chow down

There’s a reason they call it comfort food. Chilly weather might make you want to chow down on mac 'n cheese, potato soup or your mom’s tuna casserole, and you’re not alone. According to NPR, most people feel hungrier in colder weather, and that might be due to primitive impulses to stockpile for the winter ahead. When you’re hungry, reach for foods scientifically proven to warm you up, like coffee, ginger, peanuts and brown rice.

Get used to it

Think you can’t take the cold? You might be surprised how well your body can adapt when forced. According to LiveScience, a person usually expires when their body temperature drops to 70 degrees F, however, how fast this happens depends on how used to the cold a person is. If you want to acclimate quickly, spend more time outside (in the cold), take colder showers or drop your thermostat a degree or two.

Drink the soft stuff

If the mercury dropping makes you want to pick up a stiff drink, resist the urge. Sure, a hot toddy or Irish coffee might sound like a nice way to warm up on a cold winter’s day, but alcohol won’t do you any favors. According to The New York Times, alcohol actually decreases your core body temperature — even as it gives you a sensation of warmth. If you want some warmth that sticks around, reach for the hot chocolate.

Even better, remember the most basic cold-weather survival tip: shared bodily warmth. Grab a friend and a warm blanket and cuddle up while you watch a football or basketball game or your favorite movie.

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