Bite into the winter chill
14 Nov 2013 10:05 PM GMT
Unfortunately, comfort food can be quite fattening, and the added reluctance to exercise in cold weather means putting on weight in the upcoming winter.
We all know cold weather demands extra calories to keep warm, but the energy requirements of summer and winter are not poles apart. Eating out occasionally is not bad, but watches out for the trans-fat laden snacks. Mirchis and samosas prepared in roadside joints tend to be cooked in re-heated oil or lard that is rich in artery-clogging trans-fats. If you must have mirchis or pakoras, make them at home with fresh oil. Water is the most neglected nutrient in winter, so don’t let your body dehydrate this winter. The cold, dry air draws water away from the body. Sip water at regular intervals throughout the day.
To get the best, eating with the season is very essential. Modern food processing and worldwide distribution have made every variety of fruit and vegetable available all year-round. But traditionally, vegetables and fruits have been seasonal. And research suggests that eating with the season is healthier as there is a variation in the nutrient content of veggies when they are harvested off-season.
The best to eat this winter would be Apple, Oranges, custard apple, berries, carrots, mustard leaf, peas, turnips, radishes, spinach, fenugreek leaves, bajra, oats, maize, millets, porridge, beans, soya beans, lentil, herb, spicy, low fat snacks, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and an alcoholic drink or two are ideal comfort foods in winter. Other important ingredients like ginger, garlic, cinnamon and turmeric have got antibiotic and antifungal properties and will keep cold, cough and sinus related problems at bay.
Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, black and white sesame seeds and flax seeds are nutrition-packed for cold days so they can be the munchies of the winter season. Orange juice, guava juice and coconut water which not only tastes well, but is rich in vitamins as well. You can also have Hot Soups, fruit chaat and sprout chaat which can be refreshing as well as healthy. For me oatmeal, walnut, garlic-ginger, winter squash and chicken sandwich are the best thing to eat as it helps you avoid winter blues, skin from dying out, keeps cold and flu away, prevents weight gain and keeps your energy up.
We all know cold weather demands extra calories to keep warm, but the energy requirements of summer and winter are not poles apart. Eating out occasionally is not bad, but watches out for the trans-fat laden snacks. Mirchis and samosas prepared in roadside joints tend to be cooked in re-heated oil or lard that is rich in artery-clogging trans-fats. If you must have mirchis or pakoras, make them at home with fresh oil. Water is the most neglected nutrient in winter, so don’t let your body dehydrate this winter. The cold, dry air draws water away from the body. Sip water at regular intervals throughout the day.
To get the best, eating with the season is very essential. Modern food processing and worldwide distribution have made every variety of fruit and vegetable available all year-round. But traditionally, vegetables and fruits have been seasonal. And research suggests that eating with the season is healthier as there is a variation in the nutrient content of veggies when they are harvested off-season.
The best to eat this winter would be Apple, Oranges, custard apple, berries, carrots, mustard leaf, peas, turnips, radishes, spinach, fenugreek leaves, bajra, oats, maize, millets, porridge, beans, soya beans, lentil, herb, spicy, low fat snacks, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and an alcoholic drink or two are ideal comfort foods in winter. Other important ingredients like ginger, garlic, cinnamon and turmeric have got antibiotic and antifungal properties and will keep cold, cough and sinus related problems at bay.
Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, black and white sesame seeds and flax seeds are nutrition-packed for cold days so they can be the munchies of the winter season. Orange juice, guava juice and coconut water which not only tastes well, but is rich in vitamins as well. You can also have Hot Soups, fruit chaat and sprout chaat which can be refreshing as well as healthy. For me oatmeal, walnut, garlic-ginger, winter squash and chicken sandwich are the best thing to eat as it helps you avoid winter blues, skin from dying out, keeps cold and flu away, prevents weight gain and keeps your energy up.
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