Winter always gives people a cold feeling, especially those who are physically weak and prone to cold hands and feet. When the weather is cold, our first reaction is usually to add clothes to keep warm, but this can only maintain surface warmth. To better resist the cold, it is advisable to focus on dietary regulation and let the body generate heat on its own. This is the fundamental way to combat the cold. So what should we eat in winter to avoid feeling cold?
Increase calorie intake for winter nutrition
In winter, the cold climate easily affects the endocrine system of the body, increasing the secretion of thyroid hormones and adrenaline, which promotes and accelerates the breakdown of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, the three types of heat-generating nutrients. This leads to excessive heat loss from the body. Therefore, in winter, it is recommended to consume more foods rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, such as lean meat, eggs, fish, dairy products, soy, and soy products. These foods not only contain nutrients that are easy for the body to digest and absorb, but also rich in amino acids, which can help increase cold resistance and immune function.
Eat vegetables and potatoes to supplement vitamins in winter
Vitamin deficiency weakens the body's resistance, especially in winter when various diseases are prone to occur. Many vegetables are rich in vitamins, such as cabbage, radish, and bean sprouts. However, green leafy vegetables are relatively scarce in winter. In such cases, it is advisable to eat some potato-based foods, such as sweet potatoes and potatoes, which can supplement vitamins and have a detoxifying effect.
Supplement minerals to resist cold in winter
When the body lacks certain minerals, it can feel particularly sensitive to cold in winter, such as calcium, iron, and iodine. Calcium deficiency directly affects the excitability and contractility of the heart muscles, blood vessels, and muscles. Iron deficiency can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, low body temperature, and cold hands and feet. Therefore, eating foods rich in calcium and iron in winter can help improve the body's cold resistance. Eating foods rich in iodine can promote the secretion of thyroid hormones, increase the body's heat production capacity, enhance basal metabolic rate, accelerate skin blood circulation, and effectively resist the cold.
Foods rich in calcium: milk, soy products, oysters, fish, shrimp, shellfish, etc.
Foods rich in iron: animal blood, pork liver, egg yolk, soybeans, sesame, black fungus, red dates, etc.
Foods rich in iodine: kelp, seaweed, spinach, cabbage, corn, etc.
Eat spicy food in moderation to resist cold in winter
When the weather is very cold, it can be helpful to eat spicy foods such as chili, pepper, and ginger to keep warm. Eating them in moderation can not only stimulate appetite but also promote blood circulation and improve the body's cold resistance.
What kind of meat to eat in winter to resist the cold
In winter, it is advisable to increase the intake of staple foods and fats, ensuring sufficient intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. This allows the body to generate heat on its own, which is the fundamental way to keep warm. You can eat more meat such as beef, lamb, and quail, which have the effects of nourishing the kidneys, warming the middle, and replenishing qi and blood. They have excellent cold resistance properties.
Recommended Winter Recipes for Keeping Warm
Lamb Porridge
Ingredients: 100g fresh lamb, 100g glutinous rice, salt, spring onion, ginger.
Instructions: Wash and slice the lamb, chop the spring onions and ginger. Rinse the glutinous rice, then add it to the pot with the lamb and seasoning. Add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat until it becomes porridge.
Benefits: Lamb porridge nourishes qi and blood, warms the spleen and stomach, and strengthens the essence. It is suitable for people with deficiency of yang qi, deficiency of qi and blood, and weak lower back and knees.
Sautéed Pig Liver
Ingredients: 1 pound of fresh pig liver, salt, cooking wine, shredded ginger, ground pepper, light soy sauce, monosodium glutamate, cornstarch.
Instructions: Wash the pig liver and cut it into thin slices. Marinate it with salt, cooking wine, shredded ginger, ground pepper, light soy sauce, monosodium glutamate, and cornstarch. Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan, fry one side of the pig liver until it turns golden, then flip it over. When both sides are golden, add minced garlic, shredded spring onions, and a little soy sauce. Mix well and serve.
Benefits: Pig liver is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, which can increase the body's cold resistance and have a good protective effect on blood vessels. It can alleviate abdominal pain caused by cold intolerance.
