The coldest months are here. Yay!!! We can finally take out of the closet our favorite boots that make us look so sexy! We also have some warm coats and sweaters on hand that will protect us from the low temperatures.
But with winter, we must readjust not only our fashion but also our diet.
Cloudy days and cold temperatures bring with them the proliferation of some diseases. Besides, these climatic conditions weaken the immune system leaving us more vulnerable to bugs and infections.
Find out about the best food that will keep these discomforts at bay, so you spend this winter in excellent health.
The most delicious and easy to make winter food to improve our mood
Tea and herbal teas
These drinks will keep us warm and provide us with numerous benefits to our health.
Tea contains a small number of nutrients, but its high levels of antioxidants, without a doubt, is the most significant benefit.
Polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins are powerful anti-inflammatory substances that support our health and well-being.
Consuming them can help get rid of free radicals and decrease cell damage in our bodies. Thanks to these actions, tea helps reduce the risk of chronic disease.Â
Herbal teas are not far behind. Chamomile, mint, anise, rosemary, dandelion, valerian, linden, and even orange or lemon leaves can be used to prepare a delicious drink that will stimulate your immune system.
They are rich in antioxidants and packed with healing benefits. They help us alleviate the common cold symptoms, relieve joint pain, and improve moodiness during cold and cloudy days.
Hot chocolate
Who doesn’t fancy a cup of hot chocolate during the winter?
This craving is not a random desire of our body. Chocolate is thermogenic, which means that it speeds up our metabolism, making it easier for us to warm up.
It is also loaded with antioxidants, probiotics, and numerous nutrients that help prevent diseases and even improve our mood.
When preparing these delicious drinks, always remember that refined sugar is one of the worst foods for your health. Sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Boost the flavor with vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon. My mouth is watering right now!
Winter foods cure-all to relieve pain and respiratory symptoms
Spices and condiments
Do not hesitate to get your hands on all the spices and condiments you have in your kitchen this winter.
Ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, basil, oregano, garlic, onion, pepper, rosemary, thyme, parsley … an endless list of flavors that will not only serve you to make your food delicious but also as a first aid kit.
Spices and condiments have antiviral and antimicrobial effects. They help alleviate ailments due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Some of them, such as ginger, turmeric, thyme, garlic, and onions, are very useful in fighting coughs, sore throats, and the common cold. They help with heavy digestions. And they provide a large number of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
Learn all the amazing benefits of Ginger.
Bone broth
The miraculous properties of grandma’s soup are not a myth.
Her secret lies in making this potent broth with the bones of the animals we eat. No waste!
Its healing power is due to its high concentrations of minerals and amino acids. Besides, bone broth is a food loaded with collagen, which will help us keep our intestines, skin, nails, hair, bones, and joints healthy.
Do your joints hurt with the arrival of cold temperatures? Bone broth is a fantastic balm for healing from within.
Fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C
Our body does not produce vitamin C, nor does it store it. So, it is essential to include many foods that contain this vitamin in our daily diet.
During winter, foods rich in vitamin C will support the function of our immune system.
Among the foods richest in vitamin C are guava, red and green peppers, kiwis, strawberries, oranges, grapefruits, lemons, tomatoes, and broccoli.
Cruciferous Vegetables
These plants are rich in glucosinolates and phytonutrients. They help reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and face winter with better energy and vitality.
Among them, we have cabbage, Brussels sprouts, arugula, bok choy, kale, radish, turnips, mustard greens, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Oily Fish
Fish such as tuna, wild salmon, mackerel, and sardines are Omega 3 rich. This fatty acid is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. So, eating fish will help you reduce joint pain, protect your brain, and mental health. Besides, the nutrients in oily fishes will improve your skin’s appearance and support your heart and lungs’ health.
Also, by increasing the oily fish consumption, you will up the intake of zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, niacin, and selenium, and Vitamins A, B12, and D. All of them essential to keep our well-being, especially during winter.
If you want to know more about anti-inflammatory foods this video might interest you.
Comfort food for winter blues
Oats
During winter, our body works harder to keep us warm. This is why more energy is expended, and we find ourselves hungrier during the cold months.
Choosing nutritious foods rich in nutritional fiber will help us satiate cravings for high-calorie foods. Oats is an excellent example.
Oats is also rich in antioxidants, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, and B Vitamins.
Besides, it’s very versatile. You can prepare it as a porridge for your breakfast, put a handful in a bowl of soup, or you can grind it and use it for baking bread, muffins, and cookies.
Not to mention that its topical use improves the appearance of the skin.
Sweet root veggies soups
It is crucial during winter to maintain our consumption of vegetables. Remember that 4 to 8 servings will maintain optimal health.
However, many of the vegetables we eat are not in season during the colder months. And most of the time, we don’t even feel like eating a salad. This because it is a dish that cools the body, more appropriate for the summer.
There is a versatile and inexpensive seasonal vegetable that will ease your cravings: root vegetables.
Carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, potatoes, onions, ginger, turnips, radish, and fennel are perfect ingredients to add to your menu. With them, you will be preparing delicious and comforting meals during winter.
Soups are great to warm up and cure the winter blues when the temperatures drop. Without a doubt, one of my favorite winter food.
And it’s not just exquisite, but it comes with many nutrients that these root veggies absorb from the soil.
I hope you will stay warm and healthy this winter. Let me know in the comments if you like to eat soups as much as I. And of course, if you have any recommendations, I would love to hear them.
