4 Foods You Should Eat More of During the Winter
January 23, 2017
During the cold winter months, many people crave warm, heavy comfort foods like baked casseroles, creamy chowders, and decadent baked goods. While these foods are tempting, eating them in excess won’t make you feel your best. Too many carbs and sweets make you feel tired and sluggish; they can also lead to longterm health problems. If you combine sweets and carbohydrates with more sedentary hours indoors, it’s easy to gain five or even ten pounds during the winter season. Instead of opting for heavy choices, try eating these four foods instead:
Omega 3
During the winter months, the cold, dry weather leaves many people with dry skin. While it’s important to use hand lotion and moisturizer all year long, you can replenish some of the moisture in your skin by eating foods that are high in Omega 3, like fresh caught salmon and walnuts.
Citrus
Citrus fruit is at its juiciest during the winter months, and since vitamin C is thought to help fight illness, it makes sense to increase the number of vitamin C-rich citrus fruits you eat. Load up your grocery basket with oranges, grapefruits, and nectarines. Try adding a sectioned orange to your breakfast smoothie or grabbing a clementine for a snack at the end of a long day.
Brussels Sprouts
Like citrus fruits, Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamin C. They are also a great source of fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and other vitamins. Try roasting them in olive oil, which helps bring out the flavor.
Ginger Tea
A hot cup of ginger tea will not only warm your hands, it will warm your whole body. Ginger helps boost metabolism and promote blood flow. It can also help you feel full longer, ease nausea, and relieve body aches. Try about three grams of fresh ginger in a cup of hot tea.