Healthy foods for winter

The fall is officially here- the season of days getting shorter, mercury dropping, sleeping more, and our stomach craving delicacies. In such cases, we tend to eat food that keeps us warm, which mostly are unhealthy, because we are not aware of which food items can keep us warm while being healthy. Thus, resulting in unwanted weight gain and other health hazards like obesity and insulin resistance, and other well-known hazards of over-unhealthy-eating.
In the present days of transition to winter and upcoming winter, it is necessary that we switch to warm foods that do not mess with our health or weight. Below are some food items that will keep you warm in the frost.

1. Oatmeal

Oats are gluten-free whole grains which makes them one of the healthiest grains on this planet. They contain antioxidants, Avenanthramides, and Ferulic Acid. These ingredients make Oats and Oatmeal incredibly nutritious and help in keeping the body warm.

Pro Tip: After you are done boiling Oats in milk, turn off the flame and add jaggery as per taste. This would taste better than sugar and also be healthy and warm. Do not add jaggery while the porridge is boiling as it may spoil the milk.

2. Black Bean

Black beans, also called Turtle beans, are a good source of protein and fiber. These little black beans help strengthen bones, protect the heart, help with blood pressure problems, and many more health benefits.
Black Beans can be consumed in many forms and dishes but our personal favorite for the autumn and winter is Black Bean Soup with Ginger, which is also a heating ingredient and keeps other health ailments at bay.

3. Avocado

Avocado contains carbohydrates, potassium, and healthy fats, which take a while longer to digest and thus, are great food, salad, and snack for the frost. Also, eating avocados can lower Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels. They are truly a savior that you can savor.
Avocados can be made into a variety of dishes like Dips, Dressings, Snacks, Pasta Sauces, Salads, Smoothies, Sandwiches, Toasts, Desserts and even Toppings.

4. Sweet Potato

Sweet Potatoes are a lot more than just potatoes that are sweet. These starchy root vegetables are a storehouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. They promote gut health, support vision, and are a great ingredient for main dishes and snacks too.

5. Nuts

We often have a habit of munching on packaged snacks if we are hungry and even if we are bored. Those packaged snacks are neither healthy nor do they support heat production in the body. This is where nuts come in- they are healthy for snacking on and will keep you mellow. They can be Pistachios, Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, or any nut you like. They all are healthy.

6. Soups

Drinking soup before meals can warm and soften your stomach for better digestion of food. Soup is beneficial in keeping you hydrated, is healthy and nutritious, and can leave you bowl-licking due to its rich taste.
Below are some soup recipes to try this season-
● Hot and Sour Soup
● Sweet Corn Soup
● Lemon & Coriander Soup
● Vegetable Soup
● Palak Soup
● Tomato Soup

7. Turmeric Milk

Why not end the day with something warm when we start it with warmth? Sleeping is kind of tough in the chill. It takes longer to dose off and even if you do, you are still cold.
Turmeric Milk is the best preference for frosty nights, which is a great antioxidant, helps reduce tiredness and joint pains which are prominent during the season. Thus, it turns out that Turmeric Milk is highly beneficial and recommended by experts.

Winter is the gloomy season for the majority of the population. Thus, it is necessary to eat certain foods that boost your mood while keeping you in good health. The food and food items mentioned above are all proven to be beneficial in keeping you warm in the healthiest way. Stay healthy!