Winter is the time to stay indoors, snuggle under the blankets, and lounge near warm fireplaces. Winter is often accompanied by high consumption of highly fatty and sugary foods. This intake is not met with adequate exercise during the chilly season. This leads to unnecessary weight gain and numerous other health problems.
Maintaining an optimum diet during winters is vital and can be done efficiently with a little planning. Here’s how to get started with a perfect winter diet.
Stay clear of highly processed foods
Highly processed and refined foods are extremely high in fat and sugar. It is shallow on nutritional value and causes rapid blood sugar and insulin spike in the body. Some of these are bread, cookies, cakes, and pasta. You may have significant cravings for these foods in the winter season, and it’s important to make smarter choices. Replace the processed foods with whole grain-based and fiber-rich foods that nourish your body and also are delicious. Some of these foods are quinoa, brown rice, millet pasta, oats, and whole wheat cakes.
Stay hydrated
Due to a fall in temperature, there is a decrease in sweat loss, and the regulation mechanism is slowed down. This leads to a suppression of thirst. It’s essential to stay well hydrated to replenish all body water stores required for critical metabolic functions. If you are looking for delicious ways to drink water, do what the nutritionists would say, eat your water. Include warm soups, broths, and stews in your daily diet. A hot cup of flavorful soup is a delight in winter evenings. Add all vegetables, beans, and proteins, and you will have a comfort meal bowl in your hands. You can also order healthy takeaway foods like Pho, soups, and much more.
Incorporate good quality protein every day
Having a proper protein intake is a prerequisite to stay healthy in winters. Sufficient protein intake will give you satiety and stop you from bingeing on unhealthy foods. These foods have a lower glycemic index and keep your blood sugar parameters normal. Include adequate lean meat, fatty fishes, eggs, nuts, and pulses daily.
Consume more fresh vegetables and fruits
Another talented food group to include is fresh fruit and vegetables. These will ensure you get enough minerals and vitamins daily. They are also extremely high in antioxidants and will keep your immune system healthy. Winter is associated with several seasonal diseases and allergies, and a robust immune system is critical to prevent these at bay. Do not overeat starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes to avoid unnecessary weight gain.
Eat healthy fats
Including plenty of healthy fats in your diet is crucial for winters. Fat is required for insulation and heat generation in winters. Including healthy fats can boost your metabolism and give you adequate energy. One key point here is to remember not to overdo it. Portion control is the key. Adding lean meat, fatty fish, eggs, nuts, and avocados to your daily meals can be the best way to get your large dosage.
Eat seasonally
Eating seasonal foods during winters is what you should always remember. Seasonal foods are a treasure of nutrients and are natural powerhouses for increasing immunity. Eat a lot of local fruits and vegetables. Some seasonal winter foods are red carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, strawberries, jowar, jaggery, and much more. These foods are great in combating seasonal diseases like cough and cold.
Consume more probiotics
Probiotics are essential for good gut health. Winters may cause a toll on your system, and including probiotics in your diet will keep your gut healthy. Eat plenty of Yoghurt and curd during winters.
Thus following these during winters can give you a healthy body and a balanced state of mind. Winters are comforting times, and nourishing foods will create a delightful experience for you.