The inevitable cold weather is here and it’s going to keep on coming. With that comes the sniffles, sneezing, and overall leakage of the mid to upper face region. And then there is the actually physical sensation of being cold, which – this Caribbean girl will tell you – sucks!
SO much. While it ain’t “Ontario” cold, we Vancouverites still need to take the same precautions as all our neighbours to the east.
Lower temperatures mean more sickness, and with the added stress this time of year it is of most importance to do everything you can to keep warm in order to avoid getting sick. Being cold drops overall immune response, lowering our body’s ability to fight illness, leaving us susceptible to, well, feeling pretty crappy.
Now, there are many ways to keep warm, such as layering up and wearing the proper outside gear (those winter toques and scarves are no longer reserved for hipsters and trendy folk). Other options include making a fire, growing a beard, or drinking a hot boozy Christmas beverage ('tis the season, after all).
But food is also a great way to keep warm during the winter months.
Certain foods can increase your metabolism, which means there are more chemical reactions happening in your body giving you heat and energy, and because digestion increases the body’s temperature, skipping meals is not a great idea.
Here are some great foods that will help you keep warm this winter
Ginger
Boosts your immune and digestive system and helps you keep warm. Ginger increases feelings of warmth and well-being. Stick some ginger in your meals or just have it as a straight tea. Boom!
Spices
Cinnamon, cumin, paprika, nutmeg, and allspice help to generate heat in your body, increase your metabolism, and are a great delicious addition to those hot winter drinks. Vegan eggnog anyone? Or regular one, whatever you are into.
Coconut oil
All healthy fat will help you keep warm but coconut oil is not only good for cooking and eating, but can also be used as a moisturizer, helping you from losing heat through dry skin.
Hot soups, stews, and broths
An obvious one and a tasty one. Get your slow cooker out and create some hot nourishing pots of yumminess. This classic comfort tummy-loving food will keep you cozy all night and winter long.
Whole grains
Complex carbohydrates (like oats, barley, quinoa, and brown rice) not only give you much needed fuel for your body but also gives your body immediate warmth. They are full of B-complex and magnesium helping your thyroid and adrenals regulate your body temperature better.
Hydration
We lose moisture in cool climates for a few different reasons, including the fact that increased blood flow to the kidneys make us urinate more often. So drink your water people.
Spicy foods
Now I ain’t talking spicy to the point where you may need to seek medical attention for minor mouth burns cause...ouch! I’m talking about adding spicy seasonings like paprika, cayenne, or anything made from chili peppers, as they increase your body temperature creating amazing warming effects.
RECIPE: Ginger carrot soup
3 cups carrots, peeled and sliced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
Grated zest of 1 orange
2-3 tbsp fresh grated ginger
Juice of 1 lemon
1 ¼ cups organic orange juice
1 ¼ cup of water
⅔ cup broth
⅔ cup coconut milk
Bring 1 1/4 cups of water to a boil in a large pan and add the carrots, ginger, garlic, orange zest, and juice. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are soft. Add the lemon juice. Allow to cool a little, and then blend until smooth. Return to the pan and reheat, thinning with coconut milk and broth until just below boiling.
