Winter is officially the season to feel hungry - all the time! So why not take this opportunity to supplement your body with nutrient-rich foods that provide warmth along with nourishment?
During this time of the year, getting out of bed takes considerable will power, resulting in frequent breaks in workout routines and spending more time indoors. Moods may swing to extremes, which often leads to overeating due to stress or boredom. All of this thanks to the cosy weather and the ultra-cosy setting at home!
Winter foods to include in your meals
Produce that grows underground is the best kind for the body, such as carrots, turnips, beets, sweet potatoes, radish and yams and winter greens like spinach (palak), fenugreek (methi), spring onions, etc. Certain dry and fresh fruits, spices and herbs that are warming in nature also make it to this list.
Carrots: A powerful antioxidant and a rich source of vitamin A. Gajar ka halwa is a season favourite!
Sweet potatoes and yams: These are high on nutrients and a rich source of fibre, vitamin A and potassium. They are known to reduce inflammation, help in relieving constipation and improve immunity. Yam fritters (shallow fry) and sweet potato fries are fairly underrated but are extremely addictive and delicious, while being healthy.
Leafy greens: As much as they look boring, leafy veggies are a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Winter is incomplete without Sarson ka saag, methi theplas and palak paneer.
Fresh and dried fruits: Papaya and pineapple provide warmth to the body. Amla is loaded with vitamin C and numerous dishes are prepared using it during the season, such as amla-chutney, amla muraba and so on.
Dates are again heaty and highly consumed during the winter as they are a good source of iron, magnesium, calcium and vitamins (C and B3). If not in their dried fruit form, dates can be added as an ingredient in laddoos/barfi or in milkshakes/smoothies.
Spices, herbs and seeds: The cold season calls for including warm spices like black pepper, ajwain, mustard, suva, etc. in cooking. Mustard, black pepper, ajwain and suva seeds are excellent remedies for cough and flu, digestion, stimulating appetite and increasing blood circulation.
Methi is known to be beneficial for bone and joint conditions that often surface during winter. Turmeric is an anti-microbial immunity booster, which is why haldi-dhoodh is a season favourite. Til laddoo/chikki (sesame seeds) is a sweet snack that will warm your body and soul. Sprinkle it on breads, salads, noodles or pastas and any dish will become healthier and tastier.