Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels
As days are getting shorter and colder in winter, we normally feel less energised. We desire comfort food and are not much in the mood for working out. To strengthen your immune system and increase your chances of avoiding any winter illnesses, prioritising good eating habits and including a variety of essential nutrients in your diet can help.
Rethink comfort food
Puddings, pies, and other comfort foods, as well as carbohydrate splurges, are at their most comforting when the weather turns gloomy, but if you want to feel cosy and energised rather than just incredibly full, you might want to reconsider these winter comfort food choices. Try experimenting with healthy options that fuel your body instead of draining it of energy. That means you can have a tasty substitute for hearty holiday fare that will help you thrive during the winter months.
Add colours to your plate with fruits and veggies
Include some colourful, nutrient-dense foods in your cold-weather diet in addition to the greens, like red and yellow peppers and tomatoes. It can be difficult to find fresh fruits and vegetables during the winter so use their frozen variations. It is simple to find root veggies like turnips, carrots, etc. They are rich in beta-carotene and vitamins A and C. Also excellent sources of iron include lentils, beans, and leafy green vegetables. Frozen broccoli and cauliflower are as good as fresh ones, as well as frozen berries. Kiwifruit, bananas, and citrus fruits are some of the fruits you can find in the winter and can be included in your healthy meal routine.
Related Post
Photo by Vanessa Loring on Pexels
Add vitamins to your diet
During the winter, it’s crucial to acquire your recommended daily requirement of vitamins and minerals, but as most of us spend a lot of time indoors, our bodies may lack some of them. So go for some supplements to make up for the insufficient intake of vitamins. There are plenty of them on the market to choose from.
Vitamin supplements, like vitamins C, D, and zinc, will help you stay healthy in the winter. Collagen is a vital component of bones, skin, muscles, and other body parts. Amino acids, which are the components of protein, are present in healthylife collagen supplements. Some may also include other nutrients, such as vitamin C, folic acid, or zinc, which are important for maintaining good skin and hair.
Eat more fish and eggs
Eggs or seafood containing plenty of B12 will lessen sleepiness and lethargy and improve your mood. The omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D are found in fish like tuna and salmon. Eggs are a powerful food source of protein and amino acids that can help you stay focused. And they are easy to cook and be consumed as an on-the-go snack throughout the week.
Have soup and spices
One of the healthiest meals to get you through the winter comfortably is a hot bowl of soup. You should look for meals with a lot of greens and water as the base. You’ll feel revitalised after eating a warm soup dish with some vegetables and chicken broth. Add some whole-grain crackers and voilà. Cream, beef soup, and too much salt are things you should avoid.
All your senses will be warmed by the fragrance of fresh herbs and spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg, and cloves throughout the winter. Spices not only enhance flavour but also provide a lot of health advantages. Even when used sparingly, spices all contain potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients.
Photo by Foodie Factor on Pexels
Whole grain, nuts and seeds
Healthy carbs from whole grains power our bodies’ functions effectively. Oats and other gluten-free grains and millets must be taken throughout the winter. These give you satiety sooner, digest more slowly, and keep you feeling energised longer. They are rich in B vitamins, fibre, antioxidants, and micronutrients including iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Though eating nuts and seeds is advised all year long, doing so in the winter is especially beneficial because these foods are good sources of energy and beneficial minerals. They are a wonderful substitute for meat and dairy products in the diet because they are protein-rich.
Consume more dairy products
A fantastic wintertime food option is milk and various byproducts like yoghurt, cheese, etc. These have high amounts of calcium, proteins, vitamin B12, and vitamin A will help you not get the common winter colds. Yoghurt with an active culture contains probiotics that are helpful for your digestive system.
In conclusion
Everything being said, the key is to continue to eat a variety of well-balanced, healthy meals to avoid overburdening your digestive system at a time when your body is focusing its energy on keeping you warm and functioning.
