Words by Lauren Nugent of Eat Smart Nutrition
As the cooler weather sets in, our food and drink choices tend to change. We drink more hot drinks such as Hot Chocolates, teas and coffees. We eat more hot breakfasts, stews, casseroles, soups and slow cooked meals. This need not mean you expand under your thick jumpers if you make some smart food and drink choices.
Drink Smart
If you struggle to drink enough water in cooler weather, trying drink warm water. Not only does it help you warm up, but it helps keep you hydrated. The weather tends to be drier in winter, so your fluid requirements are similar to a summer day but you are unlikely to feel thirsty.
You might also like to try herbal teas such as fruit based tea, peppermint, camomile or maybe ginger and honey if your immune system is fighting off the winter lurgy. Black tea and coffee are also an option, just watch your milk and sugar intake. Hot chocolates, while tasty, do contain more sugar and milk so be smart with your indulgence!
Eat Smart
Start the day off with a warm bowl of porridge. Its best to use traditional rolled oats, you may like to soak them overnight to decrease cooking time in the morning. You may like to add fresh or dried fruit, a few nuts and a small drizzle of honey, golden syrup or a teaspoon of sugar. Eggs and baked beans are another warming breakfast option.
For snacks, you might like to include a cup of soup to help warm you up. You can also heat your apple or pear (fresh or tinned) with some low fat custard as a warm fruit and dairy snack.
A salad is not as appealing in Winter so why not warm your veggies up by making them in to a soup! A veggie based soup, maybe with some chicken, beef or beans added for extra protein makes a great lunch. You can use the canned varieties for a quick option, just choose one with plenty of veggies and some protein to keep you full. A slice of toast is a nice addition to soup, keep it to 1 or 2 slices if you choose to dip! A small portion of last night’s dinner is another good way to warm up without spreading out.
A steaming bowl of pasta or a stew with lashings of mashed potato sounds great on a cold winters night, but this is likely to lead to an expanding waistline. Check out the Eat Smart blog www.eatsmartdiet.com for Smart Winter recipes that are not only healthy but also tasty!
Have an Eat Smart Winter!
