Top 10 Energy Food for Winter Season, Energy Booster Food for Winter Season...

Top 10 Energy Food for Winter Season

In winter, our body craves for rich food which provides warmth along with nourishment. We need warming foods to satisfy this craving. Any vegetable that takes time to grow, and in which the edible part grows beneath the surface of the ground is usually warming and a good vegetable to eat in winter. Certain dry fruits (dates), nuts and oilseeds (sesame seeds) are also warming. It is also a time of the year when you may want to eat more spices than in the summer months.

All animal foods fall into the warming category, including lean dairy, meat, fish and poultry. Whole-grain cereals, proteins and healthy fats too provide much-needed energy to keep warm. The most warming vegetables that are good for your body are root vegetables like carrot, potato, onions, garlic, radish, yams, sweet potatoes, beets, turnips, etc, and hearty winter greens like palak, methi, sarson, muli, pudina, etc.

1.Complex Carbohydrates

Good carbs and whole grains like oats or whole-wheat pasta are said to generate serotonin which helps balance your mood and satisfies your hunger. 

2.Quinoa 

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that contains more protein than any other grain. The grain is so rich in amino acids that it is a rare vegan source of complete protein, high in lysine, methionine and cysteine—ideal for post-workout meals to help build muscle. It is also high in foliate, magnesium and manganese, making it a nutrient-packed source of carbohydrates for long-lasting energy levels. Quinoa is a great replacement for wheat or refined carbohydrates as it can help support a healthy cardiovascular system, blood pressure levels and bowel health. Simply switch out a grain, like bread, rice or pasta, for quinoa and feel those energy levels rise. Be sure to look for fair-trade quinoa.

3.Avocado

The monounsaturated fats in avocados apparently help lower blood pressure, keeping your mood calm and balanced.

4.Coconut

Coconut is the ultimate energizer because it contains MCT's (Medium Chain Triglycerides) Look for low sugar macaroons i.e. honey that will reduce the glycemic index of the treat. Coconut water based smoothies that give you an instant lift. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge in your body giving you an added lift.

5.Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is said to have positive effects on brain endorphins, resulting in a feeling of comfort and balance. How about almonds and chocolate together for a mood-powerhouse?

6.Goji berries

Energy boosting goji berries (rich in Vitamin A, B, C, E and potassium) have been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to help increase energy and enhance the release of hormones. Goji increases the body’s ability to handle stress and support healthy mood, mind and memory—all while giving you the get-up-and-go energy needed to get your workout to the next level. Goji is also beneficial for increasing blood flow, which helps to oxygenate all of the cells and tissues of the body, including the sex organs, which increases libido—that’s why they call goji the 'Happy berry of Tibet'. 

7. Green Tea

Tea is emotionally soothing for many people in and of itself, but green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid some say improves mood while reducing stress.

8.Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are packed with healthy fats, fibre and protein. Essential Fats in seeds provide long-lasting energy particularly for longer runs or swims over an hour. They also contain manganese, magnesium and zinc, which provide additional energy support to maximize gym time. To avoid excess sugars and oils that can be added to many popular trail mixes get creative and make your own! Combine pumpkin seeds, almonds or hazelnuts with hemp hearts and sugar free dried fruit. 

9. Fish Oil

 While winter will ignite your love of high fat, high carb snacks, opt for Vitamin D rich foods such as healthy fish i.e. salmon, black cod, and sardines. Fish oil w D works if someone does not like fish! Vitamin D reduces Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which means they can experience low energy and sadness as a result of decreased sun exposure.

10. Slow Burning Carbs with Protein

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that contains more protein than any other grain. The grain is so rich in amino acids that it is a rare vegan source of complete protein—high in lysine, methionine, and cysteine, making it ideal for post-workout meals to help build muscle. It is also high in folate, magnesium, and manganese, making it a nutrient-packed source of carbohydrates for long-lasting energy levels. Quinoa is a great replacement for wheat or refined carbohydrates as it can help support a healthy cardiovascular system, blood pressure levels, and bowel health. Simply switch out a grain, like bread, rice, or pasta, for quinoa and feel those energy levels rise. Be sure to look for fair-trade quinoa.