Eat these foods to stay warm
When winter has its icy grip on your area, it can be difficult to stay warm, even under several layers of coats. Keep your body at the perfect temperature by eating these foods that keep you going even in the freezing cold:
Ginger
This delicious root helps keep your body warm and has been shown to boost immune system function and aid in digestion. Use your online cooking class skills to toss together a delicious ginger orange stir fry or try carrot ginger soup to fuel your body and stay toasty even during the coldest of wintry days.
Spices
Some spices, like hot peppery cayenne, will make you sweat, causing you to lose heat. Avoid those spices and instead cook with cumin, nutmeg, allspice and paprika. They help increase metabolism, which generates heat and will keep you warm. These spices also increase blood flow to your limbs, which are often the places on our bodies that get cold the quickest.
Hot beverages
We’ve all had that delicious spreading warmth from each sip of a warm beverage during the wintertime. Not only will tea or coffee keep you warm, but it also helps to hydrate you, which is important when it comes to heat retention. Just be sure your drink isn’t so hot it burns your mouth. To make a less sugary version of hot chocolate, use several squares of dark chocolate instead of the powdered drink mix. Opt for milk instead of water to add some calcium and get a thicker texture. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, an antioxidant that can help protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Oatmeal
This whole grain is a plant-based protein that is full of fiber and will keep your body running all day. It can also help to lower your cholesterol. You can easily customize your oatmeal to be even healthier by adding fresh or dried fruits and nuts for a delicious snack or meal at any time of the day! Add a dash of honey for some sweetness and you’re also adding antioxidants and antibacterial agents that ease cold symptoms.
Other whole grains
Rice, quinoa, barley, buckwheat and other oats are complex carbohydrates. This means it takes a while for your body to break them down. The process involves a series of chemical reactions which take time and work to keep your body warm. Enjoy oatmeal for breakfast, a rice bowl for lunch and stew with barley for dinner and you’ll be toasty all day long.
