Hot chocolate, vetkoeks muffins and scones is the order of the day during cold, windy weather. Healthy food is far from our minds when we trying to keep warm, but we can’t allow winter cravings to ruin our summer bodies. Here are some do’s and don’ts to stay warm and healthy at the same time.
Hot chocolate vs. infused tea: Although a warm sweet hot chocolate sounds like a far better option, it contains a lot of unwanted sugars that will increase your daily calories which can affect your weight. One cup is equal to almost 6 slices of bread. Tea might sound boring but with added fruits and herbs the taste might surprise you. Rooibos tea is a great antioxidant which means it helps fights harmful substances we obtain from our environment daily, lemon and orange are enriched with vitamin c which helps reduce the chances of catching a cold or flu and adds a bit of sweetness, with less calories as compared to sugar or honey. Ginger and mint are also a great add they are both good for digestion, and give tea a pleasant aroma.
Veggie and meat Soup: Perfect combination to get the benefits of vitamins and minerals. While garden salads may leave us cold this winter, soup should be your winter best friend. Not only does it warm the body, but you get to add all kinds of vegetables which are packed with nutrients and with your choice of meat or chicken you get a complete balanced meal. Beans and lentils are also a great add, not only for nutritional benefits but it also helps to keep you fuller for longer
Cover up during exercise: Whilst in summer we wear crop tops and shorts to workout, winter is a great opportunity to burn more fat. The more covered up you are with clothing, during work out the more you sweat and the more fat you burn. This is something that is not doable during hot summer days, so keep up the work out and take advantage of losing weight during winter.
Winter fruits: Take advantage of the fruits available in winter, oranges, grapefruit, naartjies, pawpaw, kiwi and guavas are enriched with protective nutrients such as vitamin C and bioflavonoids to help boost the immune system from colds and flues. At least one of these fruits with each meal will fill you up, guard your body and it’s low in calories.
The season of winter is not quiet the most ideal when trying to loose weight or maintain weight, how ever you don’t want throw away all your hard work in the nearest dustbin so keep harm and eat smart……