All food that you put into your mouth has some impact on your body. It is important in the colder weather to fuel your body with food that help raise your body temperature. These are foods that can take longer for the body to digest. The scientific name for this process is called thermogenesis. Foods that are high in fats, proteins and carbohydrates take the longest to metabolise, which are known as complex foods.
Bananas
Bananas are full of many health benefits, like magnesium and vitamin B. These are important for your thyroid and adrenal glands to function properly. These glands help regulate body temperature as well as boosting mood and preserving memory.
Ginger Tea
Of course the hot ginger tea will help make you feel warmer on a cold day. But ginger is also known to help digestive health and may stimulate thermogenesis. Ginger will help your body warm from the inside out, this is called diaphoretic.
Oats
Start your day with a hot breakfast of oats or other types of porridge. Oats are a great source of whole grains and fibre. Fibre improves cholesterol and will make you feel full. In addition to keeping you full and warm.
Coffee
One of the benefits to drinking coffee is the caffeine. Caffeine increases your metabolism, which can raise your body temperature. If you love iced coffee you are in luck! Ice coffee had more caffeine in one cup than a hot cuppa. But if the cold weather stops you from ordering iced coffee, you’ll still get the same benefits from a hot cup of coffee.
Red Meat
Iron is very important to help carry oxygen throughout your body. People with low iron (anaemia) may notice cold hands and feet or feel tired easily. But eating red meat can also supply vitamin B12, which contributes to healthy nerves and a strong immune system. In winter, these are very beneficial vitamins and minerals to gain daily.
Kumara/Sweet Potatoes
Kumara/sweet potatoes and other root vegetables need the most energy to digest, which as you know will raise your body temperature. They are high in vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium, sweet potatoes can add fibre and other nutrients to a warm winter meal. There has been research that kumara and sweet potatoes have been linked to eye health as well.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash have high levels of vitamin C and potassium that will give you a boost in your immune system. Dietary fibre also helps keep your digestive system healthy. As well as making a delicious warm winter meal.
H2O
A simple way to help your body stay warm this winter is to drink water. Water keeps your body alive and regulates your internal temperature. Dehydration will cause your core temperature to drop, this can lead to hypothermia. Many people are less likely to drink water when it’s cold outside because they don’t feel as thirsty but you may want to carry a water bottle with you to as a reminder, that water is a must.
No Alcohol
You might know the saying that a shot of whisky can keep you warm. But whisky and alcohol in general, actually lower your core temperature. You may feel warm at first but you won’t stay warm over time. Alcohol stops your ability to shiver, this is a natural response to a raise in body temperature. Drink inside and stay warm naturally!
What food in this list surprised you?
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Written by Sophia Ivory
Curly hair and she don’t care, this stylish babe plays by her own rules. With a love for dance and all things body positive, you’ll usually find her searching out the latest fashion trends and digging through local thrift stores. Word of warning, don’t bring your dachshund around her, she’ll want to keep it.
Check out her Instagram for all things goals! @sophiaivory
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