Winter has settled in and with it, not only brings colds and flu, but also less reason to be outdoors and a burning desire to keep warm. While we hibernate, we tend to eat for comfort, mostly foods that are filling.
In our minds, we think that food, along with heaters and fireplaces, helps with feelings of warmth. What we don’t realise is that we also need to boost our immunity during this time.
But typical, hearty winter food generally leaves us full and renders us couch potatoes, and before we know it, winter is over, and the extra kilos have piled on. But don’t despair, you can send that post-winter weight gloom packing.
Here are some nutritious foods that can help boost not only the immunity of yourself and your family, but your mood too:
Go bananas!
The winter drives us all crazy – but did you know bananas have a lot of vitamin B and magnesium, which are important for your thyroid and adrenal glands to function properly? These glands help regulate body temperature. Bananas can also boost your mood and preserve your memory, among other health benefits.
The greener, the meaner
Green veggies such as spinach and asparagus are high in folate, a vitamin that may help reduce symptoms of depression.
“Folate is needed in the brain for the synthesis of mood chemicals like norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.”
A glass of warmth
Our bodies require amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to keep strong. The intake of all necessary minerals and vitamins can require a lengthy shopping list but one glass of a fortified milk-based drink such as Nestlé Everyday, will boost your family’s immunity, and ensure added vitamins for a refreshed mood.
Bottoms up
A simple way to help your body stay warm this winter is to drink water. Water keeps your body functioning at its best and helps regulate your internal temperature.
“People are less likely to drink water when it’s cold outside because they don’t feel as thirsty, but carrying a water bottle with you will serve as a reminder.”
Warming winter mornings
Start your day with a hot breakfast. Research has shown that this can improve your cholesterol and provide important vitamins and minerals while releasing the right endorphins to get your brain fuelled.
Food is as much about our nutrition, as it is about our state of mind and during the colder seasons, this is even more so. We want warmth and comfort to help deal with the biting winter, but we should not compromise on nutrition and mood upliftment. After all, nutrition is about balancing your diet to support all your unique needs, but it doesn’t have to be boring.
- This article was compiled by Anne-Marie de Beer, a registered dietitian and nutrition, health and wellness manager for Nestlé Africa.
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