Our daily food intake can impact our health in many ways. A well-balanced can help maintain a healthy weight, provide nourishment, and improve immunity. Foods possess different qualities and can help keep you warm in winter. It is natural to crave foods and drinks that provide warmth during the cold months.
Your metabolism decreases to conserve energy to keep your body warm during winter. Hot food and drinks can also increase your body temperature to make you feel comfortable. Foods that stay in your system longer and keep you cozy.
Food or beverages that provide you with essential nutrients to fight off winter diseases in our winter diet. The winter season is the perfect time to boost immunity, as foods exclusive to winter can help boost immunity.
Table of Contents
Healthy Foods & Drinks to Warm You Up in Cold Weather
Some of these you may already consume but may not be aware that they can help you in winter. Other foods and beverages you may love to have in the chilly weather. Following is a list of things you can eat to keep warm in winter.
1. Soups
A personal favorite, soups are the superfoods for winter. Drink them hot, and they can provide your body with heat. Soups, especially those with bone broth, pack a high level of nutrition that can be immunity-boosting. Soups are easy to make. You can add oats, pulses, vegetables, and meat to make them according to your taste.
There are a variety of soup flavors to choose from, such as cream soup, chicken and vegetable soup, or whichever you prefer, but be cautious of the calories you consume. Some soups may be healthy, while others may be high in calories, resulting in weight gain.
2. Coffee
There is no denying that a cup of hot coffee can make you feel warm, but did you know that it does not have anything to do with it being hot? Iced coffee may be more capable of providing heat to your body. Coffee contains caffeine that helps boost metabolism and has a thermogenic effect that warms the body.
Drinking coffee in the morning can help you wake up and keep you focused. You should not drink coffee at night because it can disturb your sleep. Do not add excess sugar to your coffee, as it can lead to an increase in weight.
3. Chai
Chai, known as tea in English, is a hot beverage Pakistanis drink twice or thrice daily, especially in winter. Many people also enjoy chai from dhabas. Chai tea can provide you with warmth when it is cold outside. It can help ease the symptoms of a cold and provide relief when you have a sore throat.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a plant that is a staple in Pakistani cuisine. It is a natural vasodilator, which eases the vessels and increases the blood flow in your body. Ginger can have a warming effect on your body and helps keep you snug. You can consume ginger in dishes or drink ginger tea to benefit from it.
Ginger is also good for your digestive health and weight loss, so adding ginger to your diet can keep you toasty in the chilling winter.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric (Haldi) is a spice readily available in all households. It is an ingredient in many Pakistani dishes, and many people also use them for their healing properties, such as applying it on sunburn. It is a heat-generating spice that can keep you warm on cold winter days.
It also has anti-inflammatory that can prevent free radical damage to your body. It also prevents chronic illnesses due to its antibacterial properties. You can also mix it in milk, which can also be advantageous in keeping you warm.
6. Dry fruits
Dry fruits are the perfect snack in winter as they are full of fats that can naturally increase your body’s heat. Dry fruits produce heat in your body, but they also have excellent nutritional value, which makes them a fulfilling winter snack.
They are also a rich source of antioxidants that can benefit the skin and improve immunity. All dry fruits, such as almonds, peanuts, cashews, and others, have health benefits, including increasing body heat. You should be aware that a handful of nuts may benefit you, but overeating them can cause health issues, such as digestion problems.
7. Root vegetables
Root vegetables are vegetables that grow under the surface. Many Pakistani dishes also contain root vegetables and are readily available in the market.
Root vegetables, such as carrots, turnips, and potatoes, take time to digest as they are rich in complex carbohydrates, which are a potent source of fiber. They help you stay warmer for a longer time. You can roast them and eat them raw or add root vegetables to soups and stews to make them effective.
8. Cayenne
Spicy food may not help in helping you stay warm in the long term, but cayenne is a different spice. It can warm you up as it contains capsaicin, which generates heat in the body. As it digests slowly, it can make you feel warm.
It also increases gastric flow, which makes it a gut-friendly food. Capsaicin is also present in Jalapeño and can keep you warm in winter. You can use cayenne in different dishes for an extra kick.
9. Hard-boiled eggs
Many street vendors sell hard-boiled eggs in winter, especially in northern areas of Pakistan. Eggs can naturally raise your body temperature and make you feel better in the cold.
Eggs are also a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals that helps build immunity and fight diseases. It is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. It can also help you fight the winter blues and lift your mood during the cold season.
Eggs are readily available in any supermarket and are easy to prepare at home. You can also add them to salads and curries or eat them raw. Plus, they are rich in healthy fats, making them a fantastic addition to your diet.
10. Iron-rich foods
Foods that are potent in iron, such as spinach, provide your body with heat. Iron improves hemoglobin levels, which allow oxygen to travel smoothly across your body and keeps your body warm.
It can also raise your energy levels and help you stay active during chilly weather. Foods with a high amount of iron are everyday meals, such as legumes, dry fruit, oats, red meat, etc.
11. Complex carbohydrates
Foods that contain complex carbohydrates can keep you warm as they stay in your system for longer. Even though you may crave simple carbohydrates, they pass through the digestive tract more quickly than complex carbohydrates.
Everyday foods, such as whole grains, legumes, meat, etc., contain complex carbohydrates. Even if you eat them often, you can add a little more in winter to make you warm.
Other ways to keep yourself warm
Winter can be harsh for some people, especially those with asthma, arthritis, psoriasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Winter can be brutal in some areas of Pakistan, especially in December and January. You may need to take some extra measures to stay warm, which include:
- Exercising or any physical activity can warm your body.
- Wear an extra pair of socks – Keeping your feet warm can keep you cozy in low temperatures.
- Take a Warm bath – A warm bath can give warmth in cold weather.
- Use heating pads – You can use them when resting at home, as they can provide your body with heat and comfort.
Many ways can keep the cold away, and you may be tempted to crank up the heat indoors, but keep in mind that keeping the heaters on without ventilation in winter can lead to issues like dry skin. It can also aggravate respiratory problems.
Conclusion
Your winter diet needs foods that can help you stay warm and boost your immunity. Many diseases increase in winter, such as colds, flu, and respiratory illnesses.
Many health problems also increase in winter and keep your immune system healthy. A proper diet with all essential nutrients can help you stay warm during winter and provide warmth and comfort.
Many foods and beverages can fight the cold by increasing body heat. Foods that stay longer in your system are generally more beneficial in keeping you warm. Some spices, like turmeric and cayenne, can also help increase body heat. Other than this, cold coffee can also keep you warm.
Hot beverages, such as soup and tea, can also provide warmth. Most of these foods can also improve your immunity.
Food may not be the only way to keep yourself warm. If you feel extra cold in winter, other methods, such as exercising, warm baths, heating pads, and wearing an extra layer of clothing, can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fruit is best in winter?
Oranges are the best fruit for winter as they provide Vitamin C and are a good source of fiber.
Which Vitamins are essential in winter?
Vitamin D, C, E, B, and iron are important to take in winter.
