The length of the day is shorter and temperatures are at their lowest for the year. We withdraw more and more at home, sitting in front of the TV, wrapped in a blanket with a variety of junk food on our laps, from potato chips to pizza and hamburgers.
Junk food is the perfect comfort food and seems to satisfy us even more on cold nights.
Our winter weight is directly related to the extra calories and saturated fats hidden in our favourite comfort foods.
Yet there are foods that provide comfort without helping us pile on the kilos. Certain foods have been used since ancient times in various Chinese, Indian and oriental countries that modern science has begun to study.
This means that some foods have certain capabilities in the digestive process, affecting each of us who consumes them in a manner determined by our genetic nature and structure.
When the temperature drops, people that tend to feel the cold more will start reaching for foods that will cause a warmer feeling, stimulating certain neurotransmitters in the body. Conversely, people who manage the cold better tend to overheat and suffer blisters in the mouth when eating those types of food.
If you belong to the group that struggles through the colder months, the following foods will help you pass a warmer winter and finally throw away your blanket safety net.
Sesame seeds: Both black and white sesame seeds are known to provide heat to the body after digestion, so you have an excuse to try different cakes or buns with sesame seeds – just do not overdo it.
Garlic: Drops blood pressure and bad cholesterol, has anti-microbial properties and can raise body temperature. For those who, in fact, suffer from bronchitis and asthma, garlic in a vegetable soup will be the best medicine.
Ginger: Well known to us, it can help if you have a cold and fever, and can raise body temperature. Try ginger in cooking, tea, soups or cooked vegetables; just watch the amount you use, as it is hot.
Cinnamon: A hot coffee, tea or a little rice pudding (rizogalo) is definitely useful with a bit of cinnamon. As well as the sweet aroma, it will relieve some of the symptoms of a cold.
Onions: Like garlic, onion has antibacterial properties and is great for cold winter nights – but not so romantic. Add to soups or salads.
Cumin seeds: They give flavour to cooking, taste to green vegetables, while making you feel warm and comfortable.
Pepper: Belongs to the spicy spices, meaning it will raise your body temperature and you can add it everywhere (in reasonable quantities). It’s also great for asthmatics.
Clove: Freshens breath, helps bloating and flatulence and is also known for its antiseptic properties. Try it in sauces or desserts.
Fennel: Aromatic with pharmaceutical benefits, fennel is good for the stomach and can even be used after meals to help in digestion. That extra help in digestion also heats us up.
Peanuts: Boiling peanuts enhances antioxidant concentration in the peanuts. Be careful only not to overeat as it can cause gas.
Saffron: Besides working as a natural antidepressant, the saffron (crocus saffron or otherwise) has healing properties and a rich taste.
Beans: They are a good source of protein, which is both necessary and provides us with fibre leading to an increase in body temperature, without the bad cholesterol or saturated fats found in the basic source of protein, meat.
What foods should be avoided?
It is advisable to stay away from sandwiches with white bread, processed potato chips, carbonated drinks, cold coffees, cucumber, alcohol, rice late at night. Take care not to eat a large portion at dinner, as it overloads your metabolism and disrupts the digestive process and your temperature.
Try out some of my winter recipes.