Winter is here! The festive season is also here! Well, we understand why there might be a lot of eating during the season. You find yourself eating to keep warm or just eating because of the festivities. While there is nothing wrong with a little bit of indulgence, it is good to take care of yourself by watching what you eat and to keep fit through exercise. Let’s learn below how you can outsmart the cold season with healthy foods.
Porridge and Oats for Breakfast.
This is definitely the healthiest way to get started. Move from the traditional caffeine in tea or coffee and try this combination. Remember to try to avoid binge eating, by looking at alternatives that can regulate our appetite and keep you full for longer hours. The two also contain fiber which reduces cholesterol and blood pressure. You can spice it up with nuts, berries or dates.
Tip: You should also think of saving when purchasing food this winter. You can actually take advantage of Walmart coupons and other offer ads to get nice deals on food products and groceries on their stores in nearby locations or online.
Low-fat Unsweetened Dairy Products
Want to keep the bacteria and infections away? Low-fat dairy products will do the trick for you. The probiotics found in yogurt, for example, boosts your immune system. It helps the body resist contamination and aid recovery in case of an infection. Milk is a great source of zinc and a great alternative if you don’t prefer porridge.
Boost your Zinc Food for High Energy Levels
We mentioned that you need to keep fit during the season. Wondering why? If you come to think of it health and exercise go hand in hand. However, for this season you need to keep fit because you are susceptible to viruses that cause flu or colds. Eating foods rich in zinc helps to support your immune system by growing and repairing body tissues. You can try meat, fish, lentils, beans, and nuts.
Grain and Nuts to Maintain Blood Pressure.
Did you know that during winter you may experience an increase in blood pressure? Well, this according to studies happens because during winter, the heart pumps faster and blood vessels tense up causing an increase in blood pressure. For these reasons, you might want to increase your nut, grain and vegetable intake. Try millet, oatmeal, spinach, cashew nuts, beans, etc. Such foods lower the risk of high blood pressure.
Do More Vegetable Soups.
While this sounds like a hard decision to make, it is also the best you could ever make. Soup doesn’t have to be boring. Spice things up with ginger, garlic, paprika, vinegar or lemon. Imagine a creamy carrot sweet potato soup or a butternut squash chipotle chili with some avocado for lunch. While enjoying these soups, your body is also reaping all the benefits. All you need to do is relax and wait for summer and enjoy body goals.
More Fruits, More Vegetables!
There is that famous saying “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away”. We bet you want to keep the doctor away this winter, don’t you? Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins A and C which protects you against immune system deficiencies and cardiovascular diseases. You might want to change your mind about the ugly looking celeriac which thrives during winter. It is not only rich in fiber, low in calories but also rich in vitamin C. Other vegetables and fruits to go for include; carrots, turnips, sweet potatoes, avocadoes passion fruits, pomelos, and oranges.
Final Thoughts:
These are just some of the healthy foods to add to your plate this season. While at it, you must also try to keep fit by exercising regularly. To complement these measures ensure you don’t overwork and get as much rest as you can.
Author Bio:-
As an editor for all content at Outreach Monks, Clay Pattrick leads the team with his simplistic approach. Other than that he is a foodaholic and a family man!