IT’S the season of cold and rain; we must therefore do things according to the weather. It is not just by dressing, but how we eat also matters.Hot DrinksThis is the time to drink all the tea you can to keep warm, even if a hot drink is not your favourite drink – believe you me, this helps. I like holding my tea mug and it provides the warmth even before I drink the content. Hot liquid into your system gives you instant internal warmth that you need at this time. A cup of hot chocolate/milk will sooth you greatly.SoupFor those who do not favour tea, here comes your favourite. Try mushroom, vegetables or chicken soup to keep you warm. Like tea, anytime is soup time – but since the cold bites more in the morning and evening; a hearty soup or stew with lots of well-cooked root vegetables and spices will warm you up immediately.Whole grainsNot only do carbohydrates give your body energy, but eating whole grains in hot milk can help you keep warm. Oats, barley and weetabix will give your body the energy and fuel it needs to keep warm.Whole grains are also a good source of B vitamins and magnesium, and have some selenium as well. These nutrients are important to the function of your thyroid and adrenal glands. The glands help regulate body temperature, and tend to slow down in colder weather.CinnamonDid you know that spices boost your metabolism which generates body heat? Cinnamon is one of them. During this time try and include more spices in your meals, even just a little bit sprinkled on top. Cumin, coriander, turmeric, cloves, paprika, pepper, nutmeg and allspice are other good ones to incorporate as well.Ginger Whether you take in tea or coffee, ginger is one of those things that warm you up very fast. It works for me. I take my black sugarless tea with lots of ginger. Ginger not only keeps you warm but it also boosts your digestive and immune systems to keep you nourished and strong in the cold.
