The sweater weather is here. No more humidity, no more scorching heat. Now you have the biting cold and the freezing wind. You may read this with a sigh of relief or with lines on your forehead. These are the categories of bifurcating people in winter – those who do not like winter and those who do.
If you’re here reading this blog, you likely belong to the first category, the set of people who absolutely hate winters – those who keep rubbing their hands, and grinding their teeth because their bodies cannot bear the biting cold.
The second category may include someone who doesn’t feel the cold at all. They’re probably outside, enjoying winters wearing only a few layers of clothing.
Ever wondered why? Stay tuned, we’ll be giving you the scoop. Along with it, we will also be suggesting some foods that can help you stay warm in winter.
Why do some people feel colder than others in winter?
One’s metabolism, body fat percentage, and lifestyle habits are the factors that determine their propensity to feel colder or warmer in winter. If you feel colder than others, you may have a slow metabolism to blame. Bodies with slow metabolism struggle to generate body heat, hence you feel colder than others. People with a faster metabolism may feel warmer in winter as compared to other people.
Secondly, your body fat percentage also counts – in fact it is the most important. Layers of fat protect the body from cold. Consequently, people with higher body fat percentage tend to feel warmer in winter. While some lean people, with lower body fat percentage, may keep shivering in winter.
Foods that keep you warm in winter
So, what can you do to keep yourself warm? Besides pampering your taste buds with a cup of hot chocolate, sitting in front of a bonfire with friends and family, staying in the blanket all day, and wearing a hundred layers of clothing?
Thankfully, some foods can help you stay warm. Here’s a list.
Onions
Onions are known as the powerhouse of energy for a reason. Turns out, onions can produce heat inside the body, keeping you warm. In addition to that, they give you a boost of immunity, helping you stay protected from infections and diseases in winter.
Ginger
Here’s something else from the kitchen shelf that may help you keep warm in the biting cold. With its healing and thermogenic properties, ginger can boost metabolism, and improve blood flow, all of which can help you stay warm in winter.
You may consume raw ginger root immersed in hot water. Alternatively, you may add ginger to your tea to enjoy the warming benefit.
Desi ghee
Desi ghee is not the enemy but the friend you need all around the year, especially in winter. Ayurveda already hails it as an easily digestible fat that not only keeps your bones strong but also keeps you warm in winter. An icing on the cake is that it can help with digestive issues that most people experience in winter.
Honey
A pinch of honey to your favourite food can give you what you need this winter – warmth and better immunity.
Dry fruits
Trust us, dry fruits are way better than a bag of chips. After all, what better way to warm yourself than sitting in front of a bonfire while munching dry fruits? That said, dry fruits can be your go-to munchies this winter. Being high in fat, they can generate heat within the body, to keep you warm
Eggs
“Sunday ho ya Monday, roz khao andey?”
Does this ring any bell? We bet you do.
While eggs are something you should eat every day – be it summer or winter, they can be extra beneficial in winter. Having a good amount of fat, eggs can keep your body warm.
Soups
This may not come as a surprise, does it? After all, is it even winter if you’re not drinking a bowl of soup while being wrapped up in a blanket? Hot liquids such as soup can provide you the much-needed warmth this winter. Feel free to add chopped-up veggies to make soups more wholesome than ever.
Jaggery
Here’s another food item hailed by Ayurveda. The good old jaggery is renowned for its hot potency. It speeds up metabolism, producing heat and helping you stay warm in the biting cold.
Closing thoughts
So, we hope you’re now in the kitchen, looking for these items in the pantry. You don’t have to be afraid of winter now because keeping your body warm can become easier with these food items. It’s time to cherish the cold season. Enjoy watching the snowfall, the cold foggy mornings and bonfire nights with your loved ones! While you are at it, don’t forget to take care of your health. Follow these tips and get your annual medical check-up done to ensure you and your loved ones stay away from health-related dilemmas.
