5 foods that will banish winter blues

While lack of Vitamin D contributes to these blues, the exact reason remains unclear. Now for those of you who may dread the winter, we’ve got some good news. Lead the good life consuming food leaving you so warm and fuzzy that you forget what sadness is. What makes it better is that nutritionists actually recommend it! Here’s your saving grace this season:

 Include more fats

We’re serious. It’s human tendency to brush off fats as unhealthy but they’re necessary within the human body. All the ladoos and excess ghee that have been a part of the desi tradition during the cold months are actually essential to your winter diet. Fats not only slow down nutrient absorption so that you can go longer without feeling hungry but also provide necessary fat-soluble vitamins such as: A, D, E and K.

Hot Food

From freshly made parathas with a dash of butter, to some pakodas and chai, are a few things that give your body warmth. Just like a bowl of warm soup or hot chocolate make you feel better instantly; hot food is great to fight winter blues. If these meals are cooked at home, often the house gets a lot warmer too. Another win win!

Chicken

Chicken is considered to be a natural anti-depressant. Having a nice big bowl of chicken soup will not only give you the homely feel but also enhance your mood, keep stress away and be the perfect way to hit the bed. Added advantages of chicken are that it is a metabolism booster. High metabolism enables you to burn calories and manage your weight better.

Kashmiri Kawha

Kahwa tea is a traditional Kashmiri drink. Known as ‘magic tea’ it’s infused with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, etc. saffron being the signature spice. Sweetened with honey, it makes for a delicious health drink which warms your insides leaving you absolutely content.

Sweet Potatoes

The best part about sweet potatoes is that it is versatile; roasted, pureed, steamed, baked, or grilled. It’s delicious either way. Not only are they low in fat and have a high-fibre content which produces more warmth (burns more calories) on digestion, but also are they a good sources of iron, Vitamin C and D and help build immunity.

Other than this, be warm and stay active. Keep exercising and hydrating and enjoy this beautiful season. End this year and welcome the next like a boss.