How to Keep Body Warm in Winter? Foods That Keep You Warm All Winter Long

Importance of Maintaining Body Warmth in Winter

The winter season brings plummeting temperatures that can make it quite difficult to stay warm. As the mercury drops, our bodies have to work harder to maintain a core temperature of around 98.6°F. Failing to keep your body warm in winter can lead to serious health issues. It is therefore important to take steps to maintain adequate body warmth during winter.

1. Eat warm, hearty foods: Foods like oats, soups, stews etc are excellent options as they provide sustained energy release and keep you feeling full for long. The act of eating itself raises your core temperature.
2. Drink warm beverages: Warm drinks like tea, coffee, broth provide instant warmth from within. Choosing whole milk over low-fat varieties adds extra calories.
3. Layer clothing appropriately: Wearing several thin layers is better than a few thick layers. This traps warm air between the layers. Also wear hats, gloves and scarves to cover exposed areas.
4. Be active indoors: Do indoor exercises like dancing, yoga or jogging on the spot to raise your body temperature.
5. Take warm baths: A warm bath raises core temperature and helps muscles relax.
6. Use a space heater: A space heater can take the chill off one room and allow you to stay warm.
7. Eat spices: Spicy foods like ginger, garlic, chillies cause the body to generate its own heat.
8. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps the body’s warming mechanisms function optimally.

Role of Food in Regulating Body Temperature

Our diet plays a key role in helping us maintain an internal temperature. Certain Indian foods are especially good at raising the body’s temperature when consumed. Consuming the right warm Indian foods can make a big difference in staying cozy during winter.

1. Dalia: Dalia is a nutritious breakfast cereal that releases energy slowly and keeps you full for long. 
2. Daal soups: Warm daal soups like moong daal or masoor daal soup provide hydration along with protein and comfort.
3. Masala chai: Warm masala tea with milk is a favorite winter drink that boosts metabolism.
4. Dry fruits: Raisins, dates, figs provide instant energy and keep stomach warm.

Warm Foods to Include in Your Winter Diet

1. Gud or Jaggery

In order to keep your body warm during winter, it is essential to incorporate thermogenic foods in your daily diet. Certain Indian foods are especially good at raising the body’s temperature when consumed. Having gud mixed in warm milk or eating gud laddu is a comforting winter treat.

2. Spices and Herbs

Spices like ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cloves and herbs like tulsi are excellent thermogenic ingredients. When eaten, they increase metabolism and induce sweating which allows the body to shed more heat. Ginger in particular contains compounds that trigger heat generation within cells. Add liberal amounts of these spices to your soups, daals and curries.

3. Root Vegetables

Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, radishes, turnips are packed with vitamins, minerals and complex carbs. When cooked, they release sugars slowly for sustained energy release. Their starchy nature keeps stomach and intestines warm, improving digestion. Include these roots in your daily meals for added warmth.

4. Whole Grains

Whole grains like wheat, jowar, bajra, ragi are rich sources of complex carbs, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They promote thermogenesis when consumed. Have brown rice, ragi porridge or bajra khichdi on cold mornings. Whole grains regulate blood sugar and metabolism for natural warmth.

5. Til

Til or sesame seeds are one of the best thermogenic superfoods. They contain special compounds like sesamin that induce heat production after eating. Til ladoo or til chikki are traditional snacks that provide comfort and warmth during winter.

6. Almonds

Rich in healthy fats, proteins and minerals, almonds are the perfect snack for winter. Their high calorie content maintains energy levels. They also contain special thermogenic compounds and regulate metabolism. A handful of soaked almonds makes for a satisfying snack that warms you up.

Hydration and Warm Beverages

Staying hydrated from the inside is just as important as layering up externally to maintain body warmth.

Water regulates various processes and helps transport nutrients and remove waste. 

What better way to drink water in winter than in the form of warm, comforting beverages?

Sipping on warm drinks provides instant heat to the body from within.

1. Hot Tea

Tea is packed with antioxidants and has mild thermogenic properties. Green tea contains ECGC that boosts metabolism. Black tea contains caffeine and theaflavins for energy release. Warm masala tea with spices like ginger, cinnamon and cloves is especially soothing. The act of drinking also hydrates as it raises core temperature. Keep yourself warm with a cup of tea.

2. Warm Milk 

Milk is a powerhouse of proteins, calcium, vitamins and minerals. Warm milk with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg is a classic winter nightcap. Milk contains special proteins that induce thermogenesis. Warm milk before bed also aids relaxation and sleep. For extra warmth, try adding gud or date pieces to warm milk for a comforting night drink.

Snacking for Warmth

During winter, it is important to eat more frequently in smaller portions to keep the metabolism running high. Smart snacking on thermogenic foods provides comfort and sustains energy levels. Reach for these warm snacks that satisfy hunger pangs and raise body temperature.

1. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts like almonds, walnuts and seeds like pumpkin, sesame are portable sources of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. They induce thermogenesis and regulate metabolism for hours. Soaked nuts are easiest to digest. A small pack of mixed nuts makes for an instant energy boost on winter days.

2. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content is rich in antioxidants, minerals and stimulants like theobromine. It contains compounds like phenylethylamine that induce heat production. A small square of dark chocolate provides warmth without extra calories. Opt for homemade chocolate fudge or balls.

3. Gajak and Chikki 

These traditional Indian sweets are made with nuts, jaggery and spices. Being dense in nutrients, they provide sustained release of energy. Gajak contains sesame seeds and chikki is made with peanuts or til. Their high calorie content maintains warmth levels between meals. Reach for these homemade sweets to snack on through the day.

Conclusion

To effectively combat winter chill, focus on including thermogenic superfoods in your daily diet. Eat smaller meals and snacks more frequently. Choose warm home-cooked foods made with spices, herbs, nuts and seeds. Staying hydrated with warm drinks is also important. Listening to your body and adding an extra layer when feeling cold is key to maintaining core temperature. With some simple diet and lifestyle tweaks, you can stay cozy all winter long.

Shop Shahi Gajak and Chikki for Winter Warmth!

If you want to enjoy traditional Indian sweets that provide hours of warmth from within, look no further than Shahi Gajak and Chikki. At Shahi Food Products, we craft our gajak and chikki using premium ingredients like sesame, peanuts, jaggery and spices. Shahi Gajak and Chikki are dense in nutrients, calories and thermogenic compounds. Bite into our homemade Gajak or Chikki and feel the comforting heat spread through your body. With Shahi Food Products by your side, you can beat the winter chill and stay warm all season. Visit our store or shop online now!