Winter Fuels

Cold weather almost dictates that we eat more than we usually would just to provide the fuel to keep going during these frigid times.The problem is we reach for sugar and fat laden foods and drinks instead of going healthy. The best bet is reaching for the same fuels we do in the summer. The healthy stuff is always the best.

Most of us reach for a hot cocoa .  This is fine , comfort drink, perfect once in a while, after a day after shoveling. However it's loaded with sugar That  doubles if you pile on marshmallows and whipped cream on the cocoa   It is true that the winter dehydrates us (just look at how much  body and hand lotion you go through right now ) but don't just drink anything like it , soda or a sugary coffee drink.Think water or a healthy juice like the BAI 5 brand. Another choice is hot herbal tea.A good chamomile or peppermint work just as well as a soothing hot chocolate without all those extra calories. Any herbal tea is perfect to drink before bedtime. There's no caffeine to give you a second wind and most are blends that bring on feelings of peacefulness and restfulness. Choose these too when you go to your favorite coffee shop. Again they're not loaded with whipped cream or syrups  yet still warm you up. If you must have a sweetened drink, then add natural dark honey to it.

We tend to eat more in during these cold snaps too. Many pile on the calories , feeling the fatter you are the less you'll feel the cold. That's not true.Your body  deserves to be fed healthy foods no matter what the season.Take advantage of the cold weather to create homemade soups and stews. You can start off with any kind of stock from vegetable to chicken to beef and fish. Add an assortment of beans, veggies and whole wheat pasta or brown rice . A great chill chaser along with being  heart healthy is chili. It's chock full of so many good nutrients from proteins to all important vitamins and minerals. Another booster is Vitamin D foods. There tends to be more cloudy days now and we don't receive the amount of this all important vitamin. Choose rich in Omega 3 foods like salmon, mackerel and egg yolks to combat this.. Beta carotene is another needed nutrient and is found in yams, carrots and sweet potatoes. Bake sweet potato chips with olive oil and sea salt for a fun good for you snack. If you are craving a sweet then go for an oatmeal raisin cookie.These have fiber and are usually made with brown sugar and whole wheat flour instead of the usual bad white stuff.

Cold weather requires fuel. Feed your body with good for it drinks and foods to run properly. You'll feel better and ready to conquer those snowy days and icy blasts..