As we head towards the season of icy cold months, keeping ourselves warm and healthy becomes very important. Eating a healthy and nutrient-dense diet may help us battle the cold weather. According to Dr. Mukta Vasistha, H.O.D Nutrition and Dietetics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, “We must focus on a balanced diet, especially during harsh weather like winters. It is imperative to add every food group to your diet to reap their benefits.” While winter fruits and veggies like carrots, beetroots, radishes and pomegranates etc. will provide us with ample of nutrition, here is a list of healthy alternatives that can easily replace your usual unhealthy food items and keep you warm.
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is made from the ground or rolled seeds of oat grass (Avena sativa). It is cooked as cereal or used as an ingredient in baking.
Wild oats were eaten as early as the and Bronze Ages. The Romans cultivated it. The Teutons and the used it to make gruel. Often growing weed-like amongst wheat and barley, oats thrive in cold climates with a short growing season, hence its prevalence in Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Germany. In those countries it became
a basic foodstuff well into the nineteenth century. Haggis—a blend of oatmeal, goat organs, onions, and spices that are roasted in pieces of goat stomach—is still enjoyed as a traditional Scottish meal.
Oatmeal is packed with fibre and protein and is good for heart and weight loss. Many health experts around the world vouch for the health benefits of oatmeal and recommend consuming a bowl of oatmeal daily to avoid any heart-related ailments. A bowlful of hot masala oats with veggies can be a real treat to your taste buds and your health.
2. Green Tea
Listed below are the possible health benefits associated with green tea. Green tea was used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to control bleeding and heal wounds, aid digestion, improve heart and regulate body temperature
.
According to Bangalore-based nutritionist, Dr. Anju Sood, “Green tea is power-packed with antioxidants and polyphenols; however, it is still a type of tea that has caffeine in it. Therefore, one must not consume more than 3 cups in a day. Drinking it early in the morning can be a good time as our metabolism is the highest during that time. You may drink it in the evening too as it is the time when our metabolism tends to dip.”
3. Raw Honey
All the Honey we sell at Honey & Spice is 100% Raw and unprocessed which means it’s the real Honey with all the nutrients intact. If you are looking to lose weight or boost immunity or treat allergies or even to use Honey as a natural face pack, then Raw Honey is the way to go. Order your jar of Raw Honey from Honey & Spice today and reap the real benefits of this miracle food.
4. Trail Mix
Everyone has their own nutritional and taste-related needs, so we listed these mix ideas without set ratios or measurements. There are no rules for trail mix—combine whatever sounds good!
Trail mix these days goes way beyond basic (good old raisins and peanuts). From sweet to savory, there are thousands of combinations to appeal to any palate or snack craving. Combine any favorite (dry) ingredients and stash the mix in an airtight container in a to prevent spoilage, and you’re good to go.
If you are someone who loves to munch while working, driving, studying, cooking or shopping, then a handful of dried nuts and seeds is an ideal on-the-go snack for you. Trail mix is a mixture of nuts, seeds, cashew, pumpkin seeds, melon seeds, dried pineapple, almonds, walnuts et al. Power-packed with protein and dietary fibre, this snack mix helps you stay full and healthy.
