When the season of low temperatures arrives, most of the people crave to consume foods with too many calories to combat the cold, winter foods have too much fat, but although they can be very tasty it is not at all healthy to consume excess fat. also, after this season passes you will be able to notice the extra kilos that have been gained.
It is true that to combat the cold not only is it enough to opt for warm clothes and turn on the home heating, but it is also necessary to eat a balanced diet with certain foods with properties that are capable of preventing diseases such as colds, flu, bronchitis, etc.
Healthy foods to fight the cold
Choosing the right healthy foods will help you fight the cold with its low temperatures and maintain your health and figure without having to opt for salads all the time, since this dish is ideal for the summer.
Eating a diet with nutritious and healthy foods that are capable of providing nutrients and increasing body temperature and thus keeping the body healthy this cold season is very simple, you just have to choose the following list of foods.
Brussels sprouts
Storing these mini cabbages in the fridge can only help you beat the cold this fall. In addition to being full of fiber, Brussels sprouts contain high levels of vitamin C. This small green leafy vegetable definitely helps prevent the cold and its consequences by giving you a good dose of vitamin C (try to eat it a lot this winter). The bitter taste in some sprouts may displease you at first, but fried in olive or coconut oil, with garlic and onion, it will help to squeeze out their sweetness. Check out our recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Garlic that we have in our archives and make space to add it to your list of recipes for this winter.
Ginger tea
If you are thinking of reaching out for a cup of tea, opt for ginger tea. Ginger contains thermogenic properties that keep you warm. Due to its heating powers, ginger can also increase metabolism. Researchers have found that men who drank ginger tea felt less hungry during the day. Fight body ache this winter season by incorporating this drink into your daily routine.
Infusions
Herbal infusions are ideal for maintaining the ideal body temperature this season. You should choose herbs or plants that have properties that are capable of preventing the classic winter diseases. For example, you can drink chamomile infusions, it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which relieves the symptoms of tonsillitis or angina. Citrus infusions, such as orange tea, have vitamin C, which prevents and cures colds. Infusions also help improve digestion, others purify the body, etc., you can drink a cup after each meal or between meals.
Lemon
Lemon has beneficial health properties, it is perfect to use during the winter since it is rich in vitamins C, it is anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, increases defenses, detoxifies the body and can also be added to meals or infusions.
Spinach
Spinach is one of the vegetables that can be added to winter dishes, in addition to being tasty, it supports the immune system, it is rich in antioxidants, it can be consumed raw or cooked.
Lentils
These are rich in calcium, protein and are also low in fat, this helps to build muscle mass for this reason they are perfect to consume in winter while building the body for the summer, since a healthy diet and an exercise routine during the winter season allows you to get into summer in shape. Lentils are ideal to consume in soups and stews, but these should never be too fatty.
Hot chocolate
Entertaining yourself with a cup of delicious hot chocolate, and better yet, healthy, is the best way to warm up your body. Preparing a healthy hot chocolate is the goal, because, not always, a hot chocolate will be the best option if it does not include the right ingredients for your health. If you are a big fan of chocolate and you want the best, check out our healthy hot chocolate recipe, where you will see how to prepare it with the best ingredients for better digestion and use.
Bananas
The banana is a remarkable fruit rich in vitamins B and magnesium, two elements that help thyroid and adrenal glands to regulate the body temperature in cold weather. A large banana serves up to 10 percent of your daily needs for magnesium and a healthy dose of B vitamins. Add it to your breakfast cereal or eat with two tablespoons of natural peanut butter for a snack. Make banana peanut butter pancakes to add more magnesium and B vitamins to your plate. With this in mind, there's no way you're going to fall victim to the flu and blues this winter.
Healthy seasonings
For the dishes to be much tastier, they should be seasoned with garlic, onion and ginger, these have properties that are capable of fighting classic winter diseases. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, like garlic and onion, in addition they strengthen the immune system.
Oats
Prepare flavored oatmeal and make it your first meal of the day. As it gets colder, it's the right time to eat warm oatmeal. Oatmeal contains whole grain fiber and plant-based protein, just a bowl of oatmeal, and it helps curb hunger. Cold weather makes you lazier and forces you to spend more time in bed. Oatmeal contains a powerful starch called beta-glucan, which revitalizes the energy within you.
Broths
Another ideal dish for days with very low temperatures are broths, it is important not to make too greasy broths, it is better to choose to make them based on vegetables. Broths and infusions are ideal to keep the body hydrated and to fight the cold, since in the winter season it is common to drink less water, therefore these can help the body stay hydrated.
Soup recipe to combat the cold
Ingredients:
· Olive oil (2 teaspoons)
· Chop between 4 to 5 beets
· Peeled and chopped potato
· 1 grated carrot
· Pepper
· Bay leaf
· Water
· Peppers
· Spinach to be chopped
· Rosemary to taste
· Lemon
· Sea salt
To make this soup you must first heat the olive oil with the celery to make it sauté. Add a bay leaf, grated carrot together with potato, beet, spinach and water. This should be simmered, covered, for at least 40 minutes, as beets can take time to cook. Then you should add the lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika and rosemary. With this you already have a powerful bowl of soup to combat the cold.
What you should not consume in winter
It is recommended that during cold seasons, you can choose to avoid certain foods and drinks that can cause your body temperature to drop significantly. For example, some of the foods and drinks that you should avoid are the following.
Alcohol
It is common to drink alcohol during the winter to get warm, and it is really effective and healthy if you only drink it in moderation and on special occasions if your body is fit for it. However, it is not recommended for some bodies with certain health characteristics, since it has many calories and also causes circulation problems.
Avoid sugar in cold season
Cold weather and hot chocolate go hand in hand, but many doctors believe that too much sugar can weaken your immune system. Sugar is very craving in cold weather, but it does nothing to protect us from common winter illnesses. One study found that subjects who had simply consumed a large amount of sugar were not able to fight bacteria.
Dairy in excess
Some professionals recommend not consuming dairy in excess, since it is believed that these cause mucus and phlegm, since you could have an allergy to these. For this reason, if you are one of those who like dairy, you may need to avoid overeating or eliminate them completely, if you suffer strong relapses of flu during the winter.
Lung health is vital for a person’s overall health. The lungs are self-cleaning organs that will begin to heal themselves once their exposure to pollutants stops, for example, when someone quits smoking. After the lungs have had exposure to pollution, such as cigarette smoke, a person’s chest may feel full, congested, or inflamed. Mucus gathers in the lungs to catch microbes and pathogens, which contributes to this feeling of heaviness.