Winter is the season that demands a little extra care for your body. The cold weather season is to nourish and nurture your health. In Ayurveda, there is a significant emphasis on balance, to keep the body warm and the Agni (digestive fire) strong. And, it is necessary that you intake foods in the absolute right way, especially during winters. ‘How’ you have your food makes a big difference. Here are the answers to what you eat, and how you should eat-

Amla with honey

Did you know that the superfood Amla when eaten with honey gives some amazing results? When eaten raw, its soreness irritates the throat. But when you have it with honey, there are some added benefits, which include-

The Vitamin C in Amla when combined with the antioxidants of honey enhances immunity and combats the free radicals. It becomes your weapon to fight against infections and diseases.

Amla adds to the collagen production that benefits to the skin. Honey’s antimicrobial and moisturizing properties can make the skin healthier.

The dietary fiber in Amla supports digestion and the enzymes in honey maintain a healthy gut at the same time boosting metabolism.

Nutrients in Amla support vitality and natural sugars present in honey are a quick healthy energy source.

Not to forget that both amla and honey have anti- inflammatory properties which is just a reason more than enough to consume amla and honey together.

Seasonal greens instead of some cool, raw fruits

Eating seasonal green leaves during the winters is the most beneficial thing you will have in the season. Mustard, Spinach, Kale, broccoli and cauliflower, these are the leaves you must switch to in winters. The seasonal greens are rich in Vitamin C that boosts the immunity, Vitamin K which helps in blood clotting, also the Vitamin A that is important for the eyesight.

When we talk about raw fruits like tomato and cucumber, they have a cooling effect, which is best suitable for summers. So, in your winter salad and foods, add the greens instead of some cool fruits and veggies.

Warm milk only

Having milk and its byproducts is a beneficial choice in winters. They have Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, calcium and proteins. But, having it warm is the key. Because cold milk can increase mucus production during winters. Warm or lukewarm milk with a pinch of turmeric, i.e. the golden milk is an immunity booster which also reduces inflammation. Having it at night results in an improved sleep. Therefore, have warm milk instead of cold milk.

Sweet potatoes with spices

Sweet potatoes are widely eaten during the winter season. But do you know that it can cause bloating, if eaten plain? Adding cinnamon or black pepper to the boiled sweet potatoes can prove helpful. The spices improve the digestion and can also balance the sweetness of the potatoes.

Similarly, the root vegetables like carrots, turnips, beets, can be sliced and slowly roasted with olive oil in an oven. This caramelizes their sweetness.

Chapattis with ghee

Do not skip ghee. That’s it. Ghee is highly recommended for joint lubrication, improved digestion and providing warmth during winters. Indian staple chapattis that necessarily include ghee shall not be eaten without it. Without ghee, it becomes hard to digest the chapattis. The dollop of ghee on chapatti brings down its glycemic index and has fat-soluble vitamins, thus aiding in weight loss. Ghee also prevents free radicals. Plus, within sometime the chapatti becomes dry. Therefore, make sure you have your roti with ghee spread only.

Dal with hing or ginger

Asafoetida or ginger in your tadka is necessary during the winters. It’s not for the spicy feel, it has got more to do. The dals that you consume during winters, especially the masoor and urad form a heavy meal for the stomach. Hing and ginger are helpful in the digestion. Therefore, make sure you do not forget to add these in the tadka, especially in the winter season. The other spices are already doing their part for your health.

Switch to a creamy porridge

It is healthy to have fresh yoghurt and nuts in this harsh cold season. Having it separate and at different time of the day can be cumbersome, you may even skip any. Why not start your day with porridge instead? You can make a creamy natural porridge with fresh yoghurt, stewed fruit and nuts for a healthy and complete breakfast. Adding cinnamon makes you full for the coming day.

It will give you zinc, fiber, iron, potassium and anti-oxidants. Therefore, switch to porridge in winters that fuels you up for the entire day. Banana, blueberry and almond is usually used in the topping.

Thus, have your foods with a little fixing, if you have been taking it the wrong way. It’s just a little change that can make the foods healthier and beneficial.