Warm Up with Winter Foods

Soups

Choose soups rich in vegetables like pulses, gourds, and barley for a nutritious meal. Season with spices like cumin, cinnamon, and ginger. Ideal for expectant moms, lactating mothers, and as a filling snack for kids after playtime.

Dry fruits

Almonds, cashews, and walnuts offer good fats and help regulate body temperature. Figs, dates, and olives are excellent options, especially in cold climates. Pregnant, lactating women can benefit from a daily handful of dry fruits, and kids can have powdered dry fruits with milk or cereal.

Spices

Spices like ginger, cumin, pepper, sesame, and cinnamon contribute to thermogenesis in Indian cuisine. Pregnant mothers can incorporate spices, while kids should have minimal amounts. Lactating mothers can enjoy cumin water and ginger but should moderate spice intake.

Amaranth

Amaranth and bajra, are rich in starch, serve as excellent energy sources during the inactive and cold winter days. Their slow-digesting properties help sustain energy levels throughout the day.

Hot Beverages

Enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, tea, or warm milk. Pregnant moms opt for alternatives, while lactating moms can have up to 2 cups. Kids can enjoy hot chocolate but avoid coffee and tea.

Shalgam (Turnip)

Winter delights like turnip, radish, and sweet potatoes are rich in energy and help maintain body warmth. Due to their slow digestion, these vegetables generate more heat. Enjoy a warm stew for dinner, garnished with leafy greens.

Honey

In winter, it keeps you warm, extensively used to combat colds, coughs, and flu, offering various health benefits such as digestive relief, immunity boost, and skin benefits.  Safe for pregnant and lactating mothers without diabetes history.

Mustard

Mustard seeds, commonly known as Sarson, are renowned for their warming properties. Mustard oil is also beneficial for massaging the feet, ensuring warmth and coziness in severe winters.

Ghee

As per Ayurveda, Ghee aids digestion, balances body heat, prevents constipation, boosts immunity, and soothes sore throats. It  strengthens immunity, in winters, consider combining or alternating vegetable oils with ghee.

Jaggery

"Gur" or jaggery, rich in iron, aids digestion, provides warmth in winter, and offers health benefits like relieving constipation and boosting metabolism. Consume a small amount after meals for optimal results.

Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds, consumed in various forms like halwas and chikkis, are excellent for maintaining body warmth in winter. Packed with calcium and iron, you can enjoy sesame seeds by creating ladoos with jaggery and sesame seeds.