Seasonal eating is eating foods that are available in a season. Different fruits and vegetables grow in different seasons. That’s why we see mangoes in summer and oranges in winter. As winter is in full swing, several fruits and vegetables are thriving, which offer diverse flavours and nutrition. Continue reading to know which seasonal foods will provide you with the right nutrition and how you can benefit from it.
1. Switch to Sesame Oil swishing
Oil pulling or swishing is considered one of the best practices to prevent tooth cavities and other oral and gut issues. Lavleen Kaur, the best dietitian in India, often recommends this practice to clients for its health benefits, such as prevention of tooth decay, reduction/eradication of bad breath and many more. She recommends coconut oil swishing but acknowledges that during winters, coconut oil becomes hard. So, she suggests sesame oil, which not only helps strengthen the gums but also helps in liver cleansing.
2. Opt for drinks that have less cooling effect on your body
Jeera (cumin) and Dhaniya (coriander) water are often recommended as morning drinks, but they have cooling properties, which make them unsuitable for winter. However, one can have methi seeds (Fenugreek) water for their enormous health benefits during winter.
3. Dry fruits are good for every season
Many people do not like eating fruits in the morning during winter. If you belong to this group, you can have dry fruits in the morning. But ensure you soak almonds and walnuts before eating as they contain enzyme inhibitors, which makes them harder to digest. food packaging design companies, Soaking helps break down these enzymes, making them easier to digest. However, ensure you don’t eat too many dry fruits, as they are heavy foods and can increase your weight.
4. Seeds are good to eat in any season
You can consume any type of seeds in winter seasons to get the essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and fibre they provide. You can germinate them to enhance their nutritional value and make them more beneficial for you. Germination elevates the availability of nutrients in the seeds, making them optimal to eat during the winter seasons. Palms, dates and figs are other delicious and nutritious foods that you can enjoy in winter.
5. You can have a parantha but with a twist
Many people think that eating parantha during winter will make them gain weight, which is true to some extent. But if you add other flours (atta) in moderation, such as Bajra and Jowar in your parantha, you can enjoy Gobhi ka parantha, methi ka parantha and any other parantha that you want to eat and still stay healthy this winter.
6. Eat seasonal vegetables and fruits
Vegetables such as spinach, methi (Fenugreek), and shalgam (turnip) are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which make them great to consume during winter. Also, fruits such as oranges and guava are rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system, protects against chronic disease, etc. So, incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet will allow you to enjoy distinct flavours and give you a diverse range of nutrients.
7. You can have peanuts, gajak and pinni
Peanuts, gajak and pinni are everyone’s favourites during winter. But many people might not know that these are rich sources of vitamins, proteins and minerals. But don’t eat them in excess. Also, take gajak and pinni as a mid-snacking meal rather than them taking after a meal. You can also reap the benefits of having amla, which is abundant during winter, by making amla ki chutney, amla ka achar, etc, at home.
8. Take herbal drinks
Cold and cough are prevalent during winter, and herbal drinks can help by providing relief. You can prepare a healthy herbal drink with Tulsi leaves and black pepper. But remember that Tulsi leaves are known to lower blood pressure, so if you have a lower blood pressure problem, better to get an online diet plan from a dietitian or get a consultation from a health care professional. You can take an herbal drink infused with ginger, turmeric and mint if you have low blood pressure.
9. Have your dinner before sunset
Remember during winter, the sun sets early, so you should have your dinner between 6 to 7 pm. This will offer several benefits, including improved digestion and alignment with circadian alignments. Also, eating dinner early will help you make a healthy sleep schedule, facilitating early wake time and sleep time. And when you rise early, you will have the time to exercise and keep yourself physically fit.
At last, seasonal eating offers you a lot of benefits by providing you with the nutrition of seasonal delicacies, fruits and vegetables. So, enjoy the unique taste of winter seasonal foods and nourish your body with the nutrients it offers. Have a healthy and delicious winter!