When the temperature drops, so do our energy level. When one is exposed to freezing temperatures over a period of time, the metabolism reduces to conserve energy and heat. During such a time, a walk down the stairs or standing in the kitchen for a few hours may not help. With the advent of winter, one normally starts gorging on rich foods that not only fill the stomach but also increase the weight.
Nutritionist and Dietitian Avni Kaul shares a variety of healthy Indian foods that you can eat to keep yourself warm and fit this winter.
Dried Fruits and Nuts
Many of you have warm milk with cereals in the mornings to charge up for the entire day. To keep your body warm during the day, you can add nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to your breakfast table. To give a twist to your usual cereal or warm milk with Dalia (porridge) or oats, try and include dried fruits such as apricots, raisins, and figs.
Ginger and Tulsi
Nothing helps to beat the winter chills like a warm cup of tea with ginger and Tulsi (Basil). In Indian tradition, Tulsi is considered holy due to its multiple benefits. Tulsi has anti-bacterial, anti-biotic, and anti-viral properties that help in keeping the body healthy. You can add this herb not just to your teas, but also to your salads and dips. On the other hand, ginger can be used in several ways from teas, stews to food to eating raw ginger if you have a bad throat.
Leafy Greens and Root Vegetables
Green beans, amaranth, carrots, radish, onions are some of the top varieties that can help you stay both healthy and warm this winter. These foods are good sources of nutrients such as beta-carotene and vitamin C. Including them with your dals, vegetables, and soups will benefit you with an assortment of nutrition that complements your daily fitness routine.
Spices
Indian food is renowned to be rich because of its array of spices in each meal. Some of the common spices that can help you to stay warm, in shape and provide a delicious meal are mustard, asafoetida (Hing), black pepper, fenugreek and cumin seeds. Catching the flu or cold during winter is quite common. Hot liquids like vegetable or chicken soup will help you by keeping flu or cold away. Hot liquids fasten up the process as seasonings of onions and pepper travel in the vapour and help open the nasal passages. Other than this, mixing dry fenugreek to your Rotis and dals for lunch or dinner, could give you not only an appetizing meal but also generate warmth within the body.
Whole Grain, Cereals, and Pulses
Jowar (Millet), Bajra (Pearl Millet), Makkai (Maize), Jau(Barley), Ragi(Finger Millet) are some of the common whole-grain cereals that could be included in your roti that accompanies your favorite Dal or vegetable so that you do not miss out on the fun that winter foods have to offer you. Similarly, pulses such as Moong Dal could be used not just for dinner but can be savored in the form of Halwa as well if you are craving a healthy sweet meal.
Ghee
There is a popular belief that ghee is not bad for your health, especially weight. Some studies also prove the same. But moderation is the key while consuming ghee. Consuming it in moderation not just helps you stay warm but will also help you have healthy skin during the dry winters as well.
You may also refer to our previous blog on ghee and its effect on weight by visiting at: https://nutriactivania.com/can-eating-ghee-supports-weight-loss-by-top-nutritionist-in-delhi-avni-kaul/
