It’s that time of year when all we want to do is snuggle deep into our warm blankets.

In the winter, our bodies begin to crave foods that are warm and make us feel warm from within.

Have we ever thought about how it works? Because the body’s temperature rises during metabolism during the winter, it’s best to eat foods that take longer to digest. Cravings are also influenced by fewer daylight hours.

Here are the foods that you must consume in winter to stay warm:

1. Cereals:

Oatmeal, porridge, and whole wheat preparations are great ways to start the day. Even though we often crave pizzas and pastas, it is better to eat them only occasionally because they will not keep our bodies warm and will only have a temporary effect because simple carbohydrates digest quickly. Pregnant women and new mothers can enjoy vegetable-enriched porridges or oatmeal. Children can be served a whole wheat sandwich, hot milk with cornflakes, or rolls with egg or vegetable stuffing.

2. Soups:

Soups are an excellent choice because they contain a lot of vegetables and keep our bodies warm from the inside out. Soups made from pulses, gourds, and barley are good options and can also be a main course when carbs are added. With a dash of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and ginger, you’ve just had the healthiest meal of your day. These are all very healthy options for expecting mothers. Soup can also be enjoyed as a midnight or evening snack by lactating mothers. Soups can be served to children as an evening snack after their playtime to fill their stomachs while also keeping them warm.

3. Fruits:

Fruits grown locally during the winter months are frequently beneficial. Some of the best options include bananas, strawberries, kiwis, apples, plums, litchis, papaya, custard apple, and pomegranate.

Bananas contain magnesium, which aids in body temperature regulation. Children can be given bananas or dipped in homemade peanut butter. Pregnant women should avoid papaya and instead eat citrus fruits, pomegranates, and bananas. Lactating mothers can eat all of the fruits listed above as a snack, preferably during the day.

4. Dry fruits and nuts:

Almonds, cashews, and walnuts are high in good fats and aid in temperature regulation. Figs, dates, and olives are also good options because they are commonly used in cold-weather countries. Dates are high in iron, and combining a hot herbal concoction with a date will provide you with exactly what you need. Pregnant women can eat a fistful of dry fruits per day.

Lactating mothers can also enjoy a fistful of dry fruits or have them made into a laddoo. Children who enjoy eating dry fruits can be given a fistful every day. They can also add powdered dry fruits mix to their milk or cereal mix.

5. Spices:

Spices are an excellent source of thermogenesis. Because spices are frequently used in Indian cuisine, this easily becomes a part of our daily diet. Ginger, cumin, pepper, sesame, and cinnamon are among the standouts. Ginger can be used in tea, soup, or as a seasoning in any curry. Cumin helps your body stay warm for longer periods of time. As a result, add cumin liberally to your dishes. Cinnamon powder can be used to enhance the flavour and metabolism of salads, hot chocolate, and lattes. Spices can be added to soups or regular food preparations for pregnant women.

6. Honey:

Honey, either alone or in salads, will also help in the winter because it is traditionally used to treat coughs and colds. Honey can be included in the diet of a pregnant or lactating mother as long as she does not have a history of diabetes. Only after the age of one year can children begin to consume honey.

7. Hot Beverages:

This is great news for those who enjoy hot beverages in the winter because they warm the body from within. Coffee is an excellent choice if consumed no more than twice per day. During this season, hot chocolate, tea, or simply a cup of warm milk will come in handy. Caffeinated beverages should be avoided by pregnant women until delivery. They can substitute haldi milk, decaffeinated beverages, soups, and so on. Lactating mothers are permitted to consume two cups per day. Children can drink hot chocolate but should avoid coffee and tea.

8. Ghee

Ghee helps to boost your immune system. It can be used in any of your recipes, or in the winter, you can combine or alternate vegetable oils with ghee. Ghee can be used in pregnant, lactating, and child food preparations.