As the temperature drops the body needs extra calories to keep itself warm and healthy. While you might resort to pizza, burgers, chinese soups and roadside bhajiyas to kill the warmth, these would just end up increasing your daily calorie intake and shall surely gift you some extra kilos.Rather than consuming these its best to consume seasonal foods as they are inexpensive,nutritious and fresh. Not just that seasonal foods can strengthen your immunity and help fight the flu virus.


Here is a list of foods which you consume during the winter season-

1. Sweet potato

Sweet potato is a great source of beta-carotene,Vitamin C which are known to boost ones immunity and impart you with the necessary warmth during winters.Sweet potato is also loaded with fiber which can keep you full for longer duration and help in keeping the hunger pangs at bay.You can have boiled and mashed potato with a dash of rock salt and pepper as your mid-morning or evening snack.

2. Carrots

Carrots again are a great source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C which can help in keeping the flu virus away.Carrots help in building up your immunity and can strengthen the respiratory system efficiently.Not just that your eyes and skin remain healthy too.Add grated carrots to your pulav,khichdi or make a beautiful looking salad out of it.Additionally you can also make a smoothie or vegetable juice by mixing carrots,spinach and some beetroot.

3. Grapefruit/Oranges

Citrus fruits like grapefruit ,oranges are a great source of vitamin c which can boost your immunity and fight off the foreign invaders (flu virus) really well.These fruits can add a zing to your wintery mornings and keep you healthy.These are also a good source of flavonoids which can help reduce bad cholesterol 'LDL' and increase the levels of Good cholesterol 'HDL'.Make a fruit bowl with citrus goodness or add it to a glass of smoothie.

4. Dates

Dates are truly a superhero and the best food for winters.It can not only help you in staying warm but can provide you with nutrients like iron,potassium ,Vitamin A ,Vitamin K,niacin,copper,magnesium and pantothenic acid.The fiber content in the dates can help in lowering your cholesterol and diabetes levels.Consume 2 dates in  a day,add it to your salads and smoothies and enjoy a lovely wintery day with ease.

5. Pomegranate

Pomegranate is loaded with antioxidants and hence can help in fighting off the free radicals which can be produced in the body due to various environmental and physiological factors.It can also help you in fighting the flu bug and build up your immunity.The LDL levels are also lowered considerably due to its consumption.Have a pomegranate,add it to your fruit salad or make a smoothie with it.

A chilling winter morning with a cup of ginger tea.