When winter starts, we always hear our parents saying “no ice- creams, no cold drinks, isn’t it? Everyone is concerned about diet and health in winters and in times of pandemic. Recently I heard a news that celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar suggested that in winter which food we must include in our diet. She suggested the foods that we should include in our winter diet are pulses and milk which gives us proteins. It boosts our immunity, weight loss and skin health.
During winters, cold weather leads to a drop in our body temperature, thereby stimulating our appetites. From balmy summer to cold winters, the resultant heat loss demands compensatory strategies resulting in increased good intake for its thermic effect and so we need to change our diet plan too. Many people especially the old and aged ones are facing joint problems, weight gain,etc. Sneeze, cough, cold, vitamin D -deficiency, constipation are also some of the common health problems we may be facing during self Quarantine.
As winter steps in dry skin and hair fall become a cause of concern, reaching a diet with nutrient-rich foods may help deal with all problems, but by following just a few tips one can enjoy good immunity, good skin and overall good health. To begin with, we should include Bajra, also known as pearl millet during winters. Bajra is a versatile food rich in fibre and Vitamin B as it promotes muscle gain and helps us get dense hair with great volume. It is a heating rain source that should be taken in winters.
Goond is a kind of raisin that helps lubricate joints soothe digestion and strengthen bones, along with managing menstrual problems and gas issues. Also, we can turn it into laddu or Goond Pani by roasting in ghee and Sprinkle with sugar because it is a good source of a healthy diet. We should also include all kinds of fruits, vegetables in a diet especially during the fasting season. Fruits and vegetables are rich in fibre, have good bacteria and promote weight loss and eye health.
Sesame seeds also called til can be taken as Chikki or gajak. Sesame is rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamin E and it is also good for bones skin as well as hair. Well, we can do so much with peanuts too like having them as a snack or include them in other recipes like salads and sabzi. Peanuts are rich in proteins, vitamin B, amino acids and polyphenols.
We should let our moms cook meals in ghee because ghee is an invaluable source of vitamins and minerals and healthy fats. Delicious homemade butter can also be used to enhance the taste of foods. My grandma always used to tell me that white butter helps with joint lubrication and skin hydration.
