Using Food to Keep you Warm!
It is natural to think that eating or drinking cold things will cool your body and that hot foods and drinks will do the opposite and keep you warm. But – this is not always the case! Think about all the cuisines that have a high spice content. These mostly originate in countries where there is very warm weather – India, South East Asia and Africa. The reason is quite simple – spices make you sweat and sweating helps lower your body temperature and cool you down.
Conversely – ice-cream can have the opposite effect and actually help your body become warmer. This is because of the high fat and protein content which make your body work harder to digest. When your body has to work harder, it naturally increases your temperature.
Brown rice is a good addition to your menus in winter. It is full of complex carbohydrates that are difficult to digest. This which makes your body warmer than if you were to eat processed foods like white rice or cereals.
Some of the other foods that can boost your winter warmth are:
Ginger: Not only is this wonder food very warming, but it also does a lot to boost your immunity. A great double act for colder weather to help to ward off colds and flu.
Parsnips: So tasty when roasted and a great addition to casseroles and stews. They not only warm you, but they are excellent for lowering blood pressure and reducing stress on your heart.
Beef: Beef is higher in fat than most other types of meat and whilst this may not be good news for anyone on a weight-loss diet, it is a great meat to eat during the colder months. The extra fat helps insulate your body to keep you warm. It is also very high in iron which is necessary for improving your blood flow and creating warmth in your body.
Leeks: They can be used in place of onions and add a wonderful taste to most winter dishes. They have an impressive concentration of anti-oxidants that really help with circulation to reduce coldness in your extremities.
And let’s not forget everyone’s favourite – a delicious mug of delightful hot chocolate… There is nothing better than curling up in front of the TV or with a good book with a mug of steaming hot chocolate to keep you warm and smiling on the inside. If made with squares of dark chocolate, the flavonoids (a type of antioxidants) really help reverse the damage done by free radicals and give your health a good boost too.
Try this Parisienne Hot Chocolate next time you need some warmth and comfort… Be warned though – it is rich and luscious!
You will need:
- 2 cups of low fat milk
- 85 grams Quality dark chocolate
- ¼ cup Processed Cocoa powder
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 1 Tblsp Cream
Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for decoration (if desired)
How to make it:
Place a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water making sure the water doesn’t touch the bowl. Put in the milk, chocolate, cocoa and sugar and mix with a whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. When it is hot enough – stir in the cream and heat through. Pour into mugs and top with cream and chocolate shavings. Serve and enjoy.
Hint: Make double the mixture – everyone will want seconds!
