The best way to stay warm is to combine healthy fats with spicy food. Chef Karan Talwar shares some winter secrets
With the arrival of winters, you might have already started to crave for hot meals. But if you choose warm dishes and beverages as well as those that can also raise your body temperature, then you’ll have a double defense this season. Winter can make us lethargic and moody. As temperature drops, the body needs more energy to stay warm.
Certain food has more warming effect than others due to phenomenon called diet-induced thermognesis. The body uses more energy to digest some foods (those rich in protein and carbohydrates). This improves the body’s metabolism and cellular activity that produces more heat.
Fat & spice
Fat plays an important role in insulating our bodies and keeping us warm. It’s important to include heart-healthy fats like those in nuts, avocados and olive oil in our daily diets. The best way to stay extra warm is to combine those healthy fats with spicy foods like chili peppers and seasonings made from chilli peppers. It increases our body temperature, creating a warming effect.
Cappuccino
The temperature of hot cappuccino can make you feel warm on a cold winter morning.The amount of caffeine in just one cup of coffee can temporarily raise your metabolism by up to 15 per cent. When your metabolism goes up, it rightly raises your body temperature.
Soupy delight
Soup is a must-have during winter months because it warms us from inside out. A tinge of spice added to the soup makes it a perfect heating agent.
‘Tea’totaler
A cup of hot tea is always nice to curl up with on a cold evening. For the most warming benefits, try ginger root tea. It has a warming sensation that comes slowly but lasts longer. You can purchase pre-made ginger root tea bags but try making it yourself to get full benefits. Grate fresh ginger root, place it in water and simmer it for 10-12 minutes. Then just strain and have it.
There are many special cuisines which add more warmth to the body. Winter is the best time to enjoy a hearty meal of paranthas and halwas. While green vegetables take a backseat in Northern India, makai ki roti and sarson ka saag are hot picks.
Winter is also the time to enjoy oranges, grapefruit, guava, amla and lemons for your supply of Vitamin C. In Gujarat, undhiyu is a must which is a spicy vegetable dish. Many people also love bajra ki roti with garlic chutney.
(The writer is MD and head chef, Kitchen Kraft Catering)