A Healthy Diet For Winter!

Energy food for winter

As we all know, India is a country which has 4 seasons & every season has its own food delicacies. Now winter has come & in this weather, one can feel lethargic and low. Binge sugary snacks, biscuits and energy drinks, which often lead to unnecessary weight gain. This time around, pick from these healthy options to boost your energy levels as well as your mood. Here are some food choices which can improve health in winter!

1. Beetroot: - bright coloured foods such as beetroot are an excellent source of energy during winter. It also helps to boost your mood, is low in fat, rich in vitamin c and full of antioxidants, which increase your energy. Beetroot helps to produce nitric oxide, which helps relax your blood vessels. This, in turn, increases the blood flow in the body, giving your energy levels, a boost.

2. Bananas:- whatever the season, bananas are a powerhouse of energy. They contain carbohydrates, potassium and vitamin b6, all of which boost your energy. It also contains a good dose of fibre, which makes you feel fuller throughout the day.

3. Sweet potatoes:- they provide complex carbohydrates and are high in fibre. The high fibre content slows the rate of digestion, which means that the energy is released in a slow and a steady manner. Also, complex carbohydrates break down much slower and are stored in the liver or your muscles to be used later.

4. Fish-: fish is a superfood that is loaded with vitamins d and b2 (riboflavin), omega-3 fatty acids along with minerals like as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. Eating fish will help you to deal with fatigue during the winter months. Fish also contains omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for brain health as it has anti-depression effects.

5. Dark chocolate-: one of the best ways to deal with the winter blues is to indulge in dark chocolates. Dark chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which increases energy and mental alertness. It also contains magnesium, which is essential for production of serotonin. Lack of serotonin can lead to depression.

6. Seeds: - flax seed, pumpkin seeds, omega-3 fatty acids. It also helps in maintaining blood sugar. 

7. Cabbage:- the anti-inflammatory, digestive-health-promoting cruciferous vegetable we call cabbage has been grown during winter for centuries.

8. Citrus fruits: - nothing saps your energy like a bout of cold and cough. Infections, no matter what kind of they may seem, always have a way of getting you down-and-out. The best way to beat the odds is to boost your immunity with generous doses of vitamin c. Studies show that citrus fruits - rich in vitamin c - help improve energy levels, by cleansing the body of toxins and improving immunity.

9. Quinoa:- if you’re looking for the ultimate energy-boosting grain, look no further than quinoa. Not only does it contain iron that helps with energy metabolism, but it’s also full of energy-producing magnesium.

10. Oatmeal: -oatmeal has a few things that will provide you with hours of energy: carbs, fibre, and a whole plethora of b vitamins. Make a bowl for breakfast, top it off with a handful of berries and a scoop of peanut butter, and your day will instantly be off to a great start.