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Overindulgence in fatty and ultra-processed foods becomes a winter ritual. Obesity can be caused by an inactive lifestyle and poor eating habits, which can lead to a variety of health problems during the cold months.
As winter approaches, the desire for holiday sweets and comfort meals might be enticing.
However, Nutrition Consultant Dr Meghana Pasi, who is affiliated with the Arogya World MyThali Program, provides vital insights and tips on how to keep healthy during the winter season.
Dr. Pasi promotes the advantages of making homemade sweets with love. This helps you to avoid not just processed sugars, artificial additives, and preservatives, but also dangerous components such as hydrogenated oils. Cooking at home, as opposed to commercial sweet vendors or bakers, ensures a healthier and more customized touch to your goodies.
Try healthier sugar alternatives
Swap out refined sugar with healthier alternatives like fresh fruit pulp, dates, figs, honey, or jaggery. Enhance the sweetness of your dishes with a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, or nutmeg.
Dr Pasi suggests delightful options such as orange oats rabdi, apple pancakes, lauki halwa, apple kheer, dates and nuts roll, anjeer roll, and besan or ragi laddus. However, moderation is key.
Go for grains
Reduce the use of refined wheat flour (maida) and opt for whole wheat flour or other millet flour. This not only adds fibre but also introduces additional vitamins and minerals to your diet.
Mix the nuts
Elevate the nutritional value of your goodies by incorporating nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. These additions provide a good dose of proteins and heart-healthy fats.
Cook smart
Swap deep frying for healthier cooking methods like roasting, baking, steaming, or grilling. Impress your guests with dishes like steamed momos, baked samosas, grilled veggies, and a paneer platter.
Make a colourful platter
Rather than succumbing to sweets and fried snacks, serve a vibrant fruit platter. Fresh fruits like apples, pears, pomegranates, and oranges not only delight the taste buds but also offer essential nutrients.
Keep healthy snacks handy
Maintain a stock of ready-to-eat munchies like roasted channa, peanuts, fruits, tender coconut, nuts, chikki, makhana, and curd. These nutrient-rich options require no cooking and keep you fueled throughout the day.
Control your portion sizes
Indulge in treats but practice moderation. Take a piece and share the rest with others, ensuring a balanced approach to your festive delights.
Be mindful while eating
Savour each bite and pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Mindful eating can help prevent overindulgence and promote a healthier relationship with food.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial. Staying hydrated aids in appetite control and encourages healthier food choices, contributing to your overall well-being during the winter months.
