With winters setting around, we are enjoying the cold, crisp breeze after months of scorching summer. Finally, it is time for warm clothes, drinks, and food!
And as the temperature turns down, it is necessary to give your body the required warmth. During winters, the human body demands more energy to support metabolism and keep it warm. It is because as the temperature falls, the metabolism of our body slows down to conserve energy. And this becomes one of the prime reasons behind us feeling sleepy and lethargic during winters. Another thing about winters is that we tend to eat more and go on a calorie binge to warm up or just to feel comfortable. So, we have made it simple for you by bringing you a round-up of five healthy foods that will keep you warm and boost your energy.
Honey
One of the main reasons for not consuming too much honey during summers is its warm nature. It is the perfect food to keep your body warm during winters. The best part about this form of sweetness is that it strengthens your immune system and keeps you away from cough and cold. So you can try adding a few drops of honey into warm water or directly have a spoonful of honey every day to keep yourself warm.
Root Vegetables
These vegetables are the best when it comes to nutrients! They grow underground, hence absorbing the maximum amount of nutrients from the soil for the plant to grow. They keep the body warm as it takes a lot of time to digest them, generating more heat in the body. The best ones are turnips, ginger, onions, turmeric, sweet potatoes, etc. All of these provide the right amount of energy required for the winter season.
So, the next time you go grocery shopping, do not miss out on these veggies! You could prepare some delicious soupy stew to keep yourself warm during winters.
Dry Fruits
The best way to satiate your cravings to nibble on something or the other is by snacking on a handful of dry fruits!
Dry fruits and nuts are the small wonders of nature! Yes, peanuts, dates, cashews, almonds, raisins are the best sources to generate heat in your body. They are power-packed with nutrition that helps boost immunity, skin and hair health. Also, they have a good amount of an antioxidant (phenol) that clears your system of free radicals and acts against the process of aging.
Dry fruits are the quickest way to build immunity without compromising on taste.
Citrus Fruits
Most of the citrus fruits are in their sweetest and juiciest form during the winter season.
Apart from adding a burst of sunshine into your winter days, these fruits like oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits have a lot of health benefits for you. These fruits are a storehouse of Vitamin C that strengthens your immune system and takes good care of your skin and hair. Also, they are an excellent source of fiber that helps improve your digestive health and aid the process of weight loss. One thing that makes them different from other fruits and vegetables is their higher ratio of soluble to insoluble fiber. Oranges, in particular, are high in soluble fiber that helps take down cholesterol levels.
Winter Vegetables
Though most vegetables thrive through spring and summers, some can tolerate extremely cold weather. It is because of the presence of a higher amount of sugar in them. As a result, they freeze at a lower point, which makes them survive in cold conditions. One of the healthiest of them is Kale. This leafy vegetable is a winter must-have because of all the good vitamins, minerals, antioxidants.
Another good option is Brussels Sprouts. These are rich sources of vitamin K that will take care of your bones and heart. Also, they have high amounts of fiber and alpha-lipoic acid. These are crucial elements to keep well-balanced blood sugar levels. Some other veggies that you should have in winters are carrots, red cabbages, parsley, radishes, and many more.
However, it is all about maintaining a well-balanced diet to support the needs of your body. All those healthy foods that we consume are meant to give us energy. But there are some foods that are tailormade for the winter season. So, at the end of the day, it is all upon you to pick and choose the right food that will provide adequate warmth and immunity throughout the winters! I hope this blog is helpful to all those looking out for maintaining good health and fitness this season.
