Eat Right Food in Winter Season

Eating a healthy meal is as important in winter as in other seasons of the year. Healthy eating habits should not drop with a drop in temperatures. We still need a well-balanced diet with lots of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Ayurveda believes that the digestive fire within us is stronger in the winter months. There is also a marginal increase in the basal metabolic rate in winter. Perhaps this is what makes us hungrier in winter than in summer. Unfortunately, many people load themselves with high calorie and high fat foods in winter in order to satiate their hunger. This not only adds weight to the body but also reduces immunity.

Some studies done in countries with long dark freezing winters have shown that cholesterol levels increase during this season. Though the reasons are not specific, one of the reasons for this increase might be due to eating high fat foods in winter.

Winter is the time of the year when one gets tempted to eat comfort foods like hot bhajias, pakodas, piping hot samosas etc. It is very easy to gain weight feasting on these foods.

Here is a healthy diet for the cold months:

Eat plenty of vegetables in the form of clear soups, boiled or baked. Salads though healthy might not be tempting in the cold season

A couple of fruits everyday are needed Hot brown rice, whole wheat toast, hot phulkas, warm pasta, oats or ragi porridge will make a sumptuous carbohydrate dish

Include whole pulses like rajma, moong and channa because they are filling and nutritious. You can keep yourself warm with herbal teas. If needed, use minimal amounts of honey to sweeten the herbal teas

Include spices and nuts in the diet. Nuts are filling and nutrient-packed. Alternative therapists believe that some spices like pepper, ginger and garlic give warmth to the body and are useful in winter

Luke warm water is a nice way to make sure your water requirement is met and you don’t shiver

Stay away from fried foods and rich desserts. Even if you get tempted to snack on hot bondas, make sure you burn off the calorie loads by adequate exercise

Alcohol and caffeine have a mild dehydrating effect. Don’t overload yourselves with these beverages in order to keep warm