For Hot Food
Imagine this…. “At this moment I am in the living room of my mother in Santa Fe, looking out the window as thick snow flakes gently fall. Since I live in Atlanta, this is even a surprise to me – a white Christmas could be the norm for most of the country this year, but it looks like Atlanta is in the shop instead of a wet Christmas.
So, needless to say, the falling snow is exciting for me and my family, except for one thing: we freeze! ”
Fortunately there are better ways than to run hot on the thermostat. And one of them is eating meals that are naturally warm you up. If you find you chilled to the bone, try these tips to your food warm from the inside:
Eat What’s in Season
There is a reason that root vegetables are at their peak as the weather turns cooler: Chinese medicine believes that food grown in the soil warming food. Try the hearty winter squash boiled or steamed greens.
Eat Foods that take longer to grow
There is a belief that food that a longer growth period, are warming more than those harvested earlier. This is part of the reason why the above squash and root vegetables are good to eat during cold weather. Animal protein, including fish, chicken, beef and pork, are nourishing and warming during cold weather, while vegetarians can also onions, garlic, nuts and eggs enjoy.
Spice It Up
Season your food with natural warming spices such as chile powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (fresh or ground) and curry powder. This warming spices can stimulate blood circulation and many can also stimulate your immune system. Add chili powder to casseroles, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg over oatmeal or baked goods, and head to your favorite restaurant for spicy Thai or Indian curry or noodle dishes (or create them yourself).
Enjoy liquid based foods
Dehydration is something we care about in the summer than in winter, but you can easily dehydrated in cold weather, too. That is why eating soups and stews, and drinking hot drinks like tea or hot cider, especially good for you. Plus, the warmth of these foods and beverages will automatically raise your internal temperature.
Consume Whole Grains
Cooked oatmeal cereal in the morning, stew barley, brown rice, whole wheat pasta or quinoa for lunch or dinner – are all great choices for winter meals. These complex carbohydrates can help warm your body fuel to the cold, especially if you’re planning a sort of outdoor activity, be it skiing or shovel the driveway.
Now that winter is in full swing, these foods help you stay warm and toasty during the long months ahead.
What do you eat your food warm?