Our Body requires additional warmth and energy to be active and healthy. When winter arrives, our digestive processes slow down, and we may find ourselves feeling lazy and tired. But winter foods provide ample nutrients that not only make our body warm from the inside but also give us the required boost of Energy to fight the cold and infections. Winter foods include lots of nutrients and health-promoting ingredients like spices, Dry fruits, and vegetables that possess the properties of warming the body. After consuming such foods, we not only experience the effect of being warm but also lead a Healthful life.
1. Gond Ke Ladoo (Edible Gum Ladoo
Why it warms the body:
Gond is an agent that generates heat in the body, is bone-strengthening, and works well in winter, especially in women and the elderly.
Ingredients:
1 cup Gond / edible gum
½ cup wheat flour
½ cup ghee
¾ cup powdered jaggery
¼ cup chopped dry fruits (almonds & cashews)
1 tsp carom seeds powder
Step-by-Step
Put the ghee in the Kadai and fry the Gond on low flame until it becomes puffy, and then remove and crush it lightly.
In the same ghee, roast the wheat flour until it is golden brown.
Add crushed gond and chopped dry fruits.
Turn the heat off and let it cool.
Add jaggery powder and cardamom.
Make small ladoos of the mixture. Store in an airtight container.
2. Moong Dal Halwa
Why it warms the body:
Moong dal is an energy-giving food that helps in maintaining the Body’s temperature for several hours by providing strength to the body
Ingredients:
1 cup moong dal (soaked overnight)
¾ cup ghee
1 cup MILK
1 cup sugar
Dry fruits, for garnish
Step-by-step
Make a coarse paste of the soaked moong dal.
Add Ghee to a heavy pan and put the dal paste into it.
Roast on low flame, stirring constantly, till it turns golden brown and has an aroma.
Add milk gradually and mix well.
Add sugar and cook until the halwa thickens. Garnish with dry fruits and serve warm.
3. Til (Sesame seed)
Why it warms the body:
It has functions such as generating heat and enhancing immunity.
Ingredients:
1 cup sesame seeds
¾ cup jaggery
1 tsp ghee
Step-by-Step
Dry roast the sesame seeds until they `crackle`. Let them cool for a short while.
Melting the jaggery in a little water will give a thick syrup.
Now add some sesame seeds and mix well.
Apply grease to your hands and shape into ladoo form when they are warm.
Allow them to cool
completely prior to storage.
4. Sarson Ka Saag (Mustard Greens)
Why it warms the body:
Leafy winter greens: They increase digestion efficiency. They protect against cold.
Ingredients:
Mustard leaves, Spinach, Bathua (Mixed Greens
Garlic, Ginger
Maize flour
Ghee and Spices
Step-by-Step
All greens need to be washed and boiled until they are soft.
Grind them into a coarse paste.
Heat ghee in a pan, add garlic, and salt
Add green paste to this mixture and cook on low flame.
Add maize flour to make it thick. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve hot with makki ki roti and butter.
5. Dry Fruit Milk
Why it warms the body:
Dry fruits offer immediate warmth, strength, and quality sleep in the winter season.
Ingredients:
Milk
Almonds, Walnuts,
Dates or Jaggery
A pinch of saffron
Step-by-step
The almonds should be soaked overnight and peeled.
Grind all dry fruits to form a paste.
Boil milk and add the paste.
Add jaggery or dates if sweetness is desired.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes
Drink warm before sleeping.
6. Vegetable Soup with Indian Spices
Why it warms the body:
Hot and spiced soups are beneficial in the cases of digestion and common cold.
Ingredients:
Carrot, bean, cabbage
Garlic, Ginger
Black pepper
Step-by-step
Add oil and sauté garlic and ginger.
Add the chopped vegetables to the pan and cook for 2 minutes.
Add water, salt, cumin, and pepper.
Boil for 10-15 minutes
Serve hot.
Winter is that season of the year when our bodies require more attention and healthier foods to maintain our bodies warm and sound. Cold weather lowers our body temperature and digestion rates, which may cause our bodies to feel weak or make us more prone to catching common colds or coughs. Consuming the right type of food in winter helps our bodies produce more natural heating substances that keep our bodies full of energy throughout the entire daytime. Winter foods have ingredients that have higher protein values.
“Foods such as ghee, jaggery, and whole grains like oats and barley act as good heaters. Other foods like sesame seeds and dry fruits also make an important contribution towards retaining the body’s warmth. Winter sweets such as Ladoos and Halwa may be considered highly Nutritious as they not only boost the appetite but also relieve Joint Pain. They also improve blood circulation.”
Green leafy vegetables like mustard greens, spinach, and fenugreek are abundant in vitamins and minerals during winter. These increase the Digestive system of the body and Immune capacity of the body, as well as protect from Seasonal diseases. Other spices such as Garlic ,ginger, Black pepper, Cinnamon, and Cloves have Excellent capabilities of warming the Body from inside.
Hot foods and drinks are especially beneficial during winter. Warm soups, herbal teas, and milk with spices help relax the body and keep it hydrated. In this respect, drinking warm fluids also prevents throat infections and improves metabolism. Avoiding cold and processed foods during winter helps the body maintain balance and stay healthy.
Overall, seasonal, fresh, home-cooked food taken in winter keeps the body warm, strong, and active. When we eat according to the season, our body responds better, immunity becomes stronger, and we feel comfortable even in cold weather. Eating mindfully and incorporating traditional winter foods is the simple way to enjoy winter in a healthy and natural way.
Winter is the season when we should give our body some warm, healthy, and according to season foods. Consuming proper winter foods not only helps in regulating the body temperature but also keeps such people active throughout the winter days. Homemade foods and natural ingredients are the best way to protect ourselves as well as keep warm in winter. If we properly choose winter foods, we can enjoy the winter season to the fullest.
