Stay healthy with the best food picks this winter!

As the nights become longer, your thoughts turn toward warming pies, stews and roasts, and other comfort food for winter warming. There’s nothing wrong with indulging a little over the winter months but, the question is, how do you make sure you get all the nutrition your body needs?

Here are some of the food picks you can enjoy this season: 

1. Breakfast date with porridge

Start your day with a healthy breakfast that will keep you full of energy until lunchtime. Oats cooked in warm milk with dry fruits of your choice is one option you can go with to start your morning. You can top up your breakfast game by garnishing the oats with nuts or seeds and seasonal winter fruit such as cranberries, pears, or dates.

2. Choose vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables 

Add vegetables like sweet potatoes, tomatoes, red peppers, and citrus fruits to your meals as they contain a considerable amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the immune system and energy levels, especially essential if you regularly exercise.

3. Look for sources of zinc

During the winter months, we can come into contact with cold and flu virals. So, it’s a good idea to load up on foods that keep our immune system functions properly. Zinc can help you keep your immunity in check. Food items such as oysters, spinach, and legumes are rich in zinc.

4. Eat more iron-rich foods or take supplements

Iron is what highly supports a healthy immune system. Foods such as red meats, lentils, and green leafy vegetables are good sources of iron. If you’re not getting all your iron requirements from food sources alone, consider taking a natural iron food supplement.

5. Increase your intake of fish, cheese, and eggs

Vitamin B12 helps your immune system and also contributes to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue. Moreover, it also helps keep those winter blues at bay by producing serotonin - a chemical responsible for regulating mood - in your body. 

Fish such as salmon and cod, and food items such as milk, eggs, and cheese, are a great source of vitamin B12. 

6. Swap sugary foods for sweet root veggies and soups

Winters can make us reach for sugary ‘comfort foods’ that can be bad for our waistline and energy levels. The good news is, there are lots of winter foods that are nutritious and comforting. 

Ever tried roasted root vegetables? They are delicious and sweet and, when complemented with soups, make for a great lunchtime option. 

A healthy lifestyle is just as essential as a healthy diet. Staying positive, exercising, and getting a good night’s sleep are significant contributors to the overall quality of your life.

Get your healthy game on and give your diet a high priority. Keep praying to Allah (SWT) for a healthy life, for yourself and your loved ones. With so many delicious options on the menu, there is no reason for you to delay starting a warm and toasty diet in the chills!