It can be hard to stay on track with healthy eating when the weather is turning colder and, while in the summer we crave fresh salads and cold foods, during the winter most of us favour hearty stews, warming soups and generally ‘starchy’ comfort foods. So, it is not only our wardrobe that needs to change at this time of year, but also the way we cook and prepare our foods so that we can keep giving our body all the nutrients it needs to face the chilly temperatures.
With a few simple tips adjusting your diet to the winter season you can still carry on with your healthy eating! My key recommendations to stay warm and well nourished this winter are:
Choose complex carbohydrates
The lack of sunlight during the winter contributes to SAD (Seasonal Affective disorder) or ‘winter depression’ which is associated with strong cravings for carbohydrate rich foods like cakes, biscuits and breads. These cravings affect most people during this time of year whether you are suffering from SAD or not, and the best thing to do is to stay away from all ‘the white starchy foods’ (bread, pasta, cakes, muffins and so on) and choose a healthier option such as complex carbohydrates. These break down slowly and release glucose gradually into the bloodstream, maintaining a steady flow of energy. Some of the best choices include whole grains like millet, quinoa, buckwheat, oats, brown rice, legumes and vegetables.
So, swap your sugar loaded cereals for some warming porridge in the morning. Oats (choose organic and not the instant variety) are high in zinc (important for immune function) and beta-glucans a specific type o