Winters is the time to nourish our body and increase our Immunity. With winters craving for sweet and healthy food increases. This may lead to weight gain so we need to eat mindfully. According to Ayurveda in winters Kaha dosha leads to heaviness and slows our pace of life. Cold weather also aggravated joint pain and stiffness in body. This happens due to aggravated Vata Dosha. Ayurveda says we need to keep kapha and Vata dosha in balance in order to lead a healthy life during cold weather.
What to eat duringWinters?
Eat sweet, Sour,Salty foods instead of bitter, astringent and pungent·
- Bajra /Makkai/Multigrain roti· Ragi pancakes, oats and moong daal cheela, Beetroot Uttapam & idli
- Seasonal Green Leaves– Sarson ka saag, Methi and Palak Roti, Amaranth leaves bhaji ,Bathua Raita
- Add Hing and desi ghee to avoid flatulence during saag prepration and Eating Gud(jaggery) with saag will ease digestion.
Weight loss Winter Drinks·
- Fresh Juice - made ofCarrots, beetroot, orange , Amla not only helps in weight loss but builds immunity as it is packed with vitamin c, Iron and antioxidants.·
- Cinnamon – Adding a pinch of this spice in food burns your excess fat·
- Cumin(jeera Water) -Soak overnight a tsp of cumin in a glass of water and boil to half next morning. Drink this first thing in the morning.·
- Golden Tea – Tulsi, ginger and turmeric tea (Kachi haldi) will burn your fat and save you from cold and cough.
- Vegetable soup - Fresh coriader, spinach ,beetroot, carrot, pumpkin can be added to soup along with raw turmeric,black pepper & hing. This soup increases your digestive fire and boosts metabolism.
Winter Snacking
Sesame seeds keep you warm and are calcium rich so very good in joint pains.
Chaulai jaggery ladoo– Light to eat and will fulfill your sweet cravings
Dates, Walnut and Almonds raise heat in the body thus boosting your metabolism. Roasted Makhanas can serve you as winter snacks.
Enjoy winters but with a healthy diet . Stay active . Exercise at least 30 - 40 minutes a day.