How to eat healthy in winters, as per Ayurveda!

Winters make all of us vulnerable to diseases. Exposure to the cold temperatures suppresses the immune system and slows down our metabolism. The greatest challenge in this season is to keep oneself active and healthy.

So eat healthy to stay fit as per ayurveda by following below tips:

Massaging or Abhyanga 

Abhyanga is referred to massage your body with warm oil. Applying oil on your body before exercising and shower every day in winters can keep you warm and your skin healthy. The oil penetrates deep in the tissues and keeps your skin moisturised.

Exercise daily

Regular exercising is important in all the seasons be it summer or winter. It helps to burn extra calories, keep you active, strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

​Avoid cold food items

Any cold or raw food items must be avoided in this season. Cold juices, smoothies, coffee and raw foods can make your body stagnant. Instead, drink warm soup, herbal tea and spiced turmeric milk.

Spices

Spices not only add aroma and taste to your food but also helps to keep you warmer. Besides, spices are also psychologically comforting and help to lift your mood in the grey season. They can control blood sugar, enhance circulation and promote good digestive health.

Root vegetables

Winters are a season of root vegetables and adding them in your diet is a good option. These vegetables are dense in nutrients like vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, and iodine. They keep you fuller and prevent overeating, which is a common problem in the cold season. It also helps to maintain your blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of diabetes. Eat more carrot, sweet potatoes, beetroots and pumpkin.

Add healthy fats

Add more healthy fats like ghee, mustard oil and coconut oil butter in your diet. Nidhi says that Fats are absorbed by the deepest of the tissues, which helps to keep your skin moisturised and prevent dryness. Besides, fats are required in winters for the absorption of vitamins A, E, K and D. The deficiency of these vitamins, particularly of vitamin D can lead to depression and may even impact your immunity.

​Whole grains

Whole-grains are good for health in every season. It is packed with several essential nutrients and prevents us from several kinds of health ailments. Grains like oats, barley, and maize helps to keep you warm in the cold season. As per Ayurveda, the digestive fires are too high in winters and eating whole-grains can train your body to break complex carbs easily throughout the year.