The winds have turned colder and slowly winters have walked in giving relief from the humidity of the monsoon! Sweaters, Mufflers and winter coats are all set to make their place in closet. Interestingly, it is the much awaited season of the year and especially for all the foodies. 

Winter is full of activities like food festivals, flower shows, exhibitions,camp fires etc. It is quite possible to make winter a wonderful time filled with more fun and joy, just by following certain tips of winter health care. Boost your immunity throughout winter by consuming or adding fresh veggies and fruits to your diet. We are abundantly blessed with seasonal fruits and vegetables during winters. Mahatma Gandhi says “to spend lavishly on fruit is real economy. You cannot keep good health without fresh fruit.”I love and enjoy our winter foods that are packed with natural oils,vitamins, and with lot of good fat (ghee) and other nutrients. 

So here are some of my favorite foods that you will all relish this winter season. 

  •  Gond ka ladoo (or Dinkache Ladoo is very familiar sweet dish in Maharashtra)– These laddo’s are rich in omega 3 fatty acid and ghee that helps to lubricate your bones, so forget about your calories and have at least one in a day. 
  • Undhyo- Gujaratis favorite dish which is made from peas, beans, and brinjals. It should be added in intake.
  • Ponkh (green jowar , bajara , wheat – hurda) -  loaded with protein, good carbohydrate, fiber, calcium, iron and vitamins like B1 and B2. Some of my favorite nutritious food never which I would suggest that should be never missed in winter are bajra khichdi, hurda pattis , hurda chat with lemon and salt , bajra and jowar halwa, chilla. These could be your winter special snacks!
  • Pange (made of wheat flour) with vegetable Chana dal and ghee – full meal good combination of fats, proteins, carbohydrates and fiber and vitamins. Makki ki roti and Sarson ka saag -  Makkais good source of phosphorus . It is good combination of proteins and carbohydrates. 
  • Sarson ka saag rich of omega 3 fatty acids. vitamins and minerals present in mustard greens  promotes proper functioning of the immune system,regulate digestive processes, develop bones and other ligaments connecting the bones, monitoring the bowels and digestive tract. 
  • The presence of vitamin E in mustard greens in significant amounts is proven excellent to take care of skin and hair during winter. Peas (various kinds of seasonal green peas) – Peas rich in high protein, fiber, vitamins with complex carbohydrate. Usually we eat boiled or roasted legumes but you can also try making dal (Amti) from this. You can make patties or cutlet from this .
  •  Gajar halwa – in winter don’t miss gajar (Carrot) halwa. Carrot is a good source of carotene (vitamin A). Since it has minerals like sulfur, chlorine, and sodium contents close to its skin, So don’t peel off its skin only wash it. Beta carotene is low in raw carrots but it rises to thrice when carrots are cooked. As Vitamin Ais fat soluble vitamin it can easily absorb with fat so you can add ghee, dry fruits and coconut to maximize its benefit.
  • Bajra roti – Jowar is common in winter we can eat bajra with gur (Jaggery) and ghee. The Bajra is rich in amino acids & as compared to wheat grains it is easily digestible. Bajra contains niacin, a vitamin that plays a crucial role in lowering cholesterol levels, thereby preventing heart disease. Several studies have suggested that bajra has cancer-protecting properties. Not only bajra lowers the risk of development of diabetes in healthy individuals but also increases insulin sensitivity. In winter, take a reasonable quantity of dry fruits, nuts, ghee, saffron, dates, seasonal fruits and vegetables which will help to keep you warm as well as fit and healthy.

Participate in marathon and cyclothon to keep activate yourself. Eating well, getting enough sleep and staying active are all important during winter to help keep you and your family healthy and to support your immune system.