It seems that our desire to be healthy drops when the temperature drops. Perhaps it’s because we spend less time indoors, which allows us to eat more and gain weight. Perhaps it’s because cold holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, and Thanksgiving) are associated with large meals, desserts, and high-calorie beverages like beer, wine, and champagne. Or maybe we are wired to add fat protection when it gets cold.
We can adapt to whatever the cause of our bad cold-weather habits and be more fit when the sun shines.
You want to feel satisfied and full. Although sugar cookies taste great, you will find yourself craving more. This is not because they aren’t nutritionally balanced. You’ll be surprised at how full you feel after fruits and vegetables replace processed and high-sugar food. It won’t be surprising to learn that healthy cold-weather options aren’t meant to replace your favourite snacks. They’re just modifications to unhealthy indulgences.
10: Baked Apples
Hot apple pie is the perfect thing to warm you up on a cold day. Although it sounds delicious, the problem with apple pie isn’t but the crust and sugary additions. You can try slicing some apples and heating them on a cookie sheet at 300° Fahrenheit (or 149° Celsius) until they are slightly browned. You can enjoy them with low-fat yoghurt and walnuts. To bring home the aroma of hot apples, you can de-core half a dozen apples and place them in a slow cooker for a few hours. This simple and delicious snack is easy to prepare even if you are not an expert cook.
9: Seeds
It is natural to graze cold food. A handful of salted peanuts, a few chocolate brownies, and some buttery popcorn can quickly add 1,500 calories to your diet. It’s not the act of grazing that is the problem; it’s what you graze on. You have many options, including sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Sunflower seeds are high in Vitamin E, potassium, and fibre. They can be roasted at home or purchased (preferably without salt) from a local health food shop. You can also add pumpkin seeds to your snack options. Research has shown that pumpkin seeds can help to reduce anxiety and depression associated with the colder months.
Keep it cool
While roasting chestnuts on an open fire sounds appealing, flames can cause damage to some natural foods like pumpkin seeds. You can brown them lightly if you wish, but not too much.
8: Oatmeal
When you are chilled to the bone, anything with the word “cold” in it will be unappealing. This includes cold cereal. It doesn’t matter if the oatmeal is hot and delicious. Oatmeal tastes best when warm. It’s natural and has the vitamins and minerals you need to keep you going through a cold day. Oatmeal can be prepared in minutes and is great for quick snacks. To avoid excess fat, mix it with low-fat milk and soymilk. You can add raisins, almonds, or strawberries to sweeten it. You can also add low-fat yoghurt to your recipe to keep the fire going when it gets cold outside.
7: Turkey Strips
You can’t go wrong with leftovers, and you can even make them into healthy finger foods. One example is the delicious Thanksgiving turkey. Instead of eating pumpkin pie and buttery mashed potatoes, you can bag up slices of white or dark meat. You’ll always have high-protein foods available when you feel low on energy, and your stomach is grumbling. You can track your food intake by separating portions into separate bags. This will help you avoid getting carried away with mindless eating, such as nibbling on popcorn while watching a football game or movie and not realizing how many calories have been consumed.
Do not forget the liquids.
It’s normal to drink when it’s hot, but it is just as important to keep hydrated even in cold conditions. Remember what your body needs even if you don’t feel like drinking.
6: Kiwi Fruit
Never underestimate the power and influence of suggestion. A bite of a juicy Kiwi fruit can transport you, at least temporarily, to a sunny beach in New Zealand. It’s important to remember that the origins of this fruit are actually in China. They are associated with good health and good quality of life. You can enjoy a warm treat on a cold morning if you add good health.
Kiwi fruit is rich in antioxidants and high levels of vitamin C — approximately 100 milligrams. There are many varieties, so it’s difficult to get bored. One thing is missing: calories. Each of these fruits has less than 50 calories.
Popcorn
Popcorn might not sound like something a healthy body needs. But researchers have found that Coconut Oil, once a villain in the movie industry, actually plays an important role in improving immune function. You’re doing your body damage if you buy the processed version. You could also opt to air-pop your corn instead of using oil.
Popcorn is also a whole grain, and it provides almost three-fourths the daily recommended intake of grains. It’s a healthy snack option that can be avoided if you avoid the temptation of coating it with butter and salt.
Don’t be fooled
Even though the local restaurant may treat them both the same, there is a distinct difference between hot and spicy. Even though you may feel burning inside, spicy food can allow warmth to escape your pores.
4: Dried Fruit
You’ll need fuel for your cold hike, cross-country or downhill ski trip. You can’t pack as many snacks as you can in a bag. You can buy pre-made versions with many options, including cranberries and bananas. There are also apples, raisins, and nuts for texture. The added benefit of dried fruits is their ability to satisfy your hunger pangs. It will get larger inside your stomach because it has been dried.
3: Granola Bars
This snack would be possible if you combined all the fruits and nuts you brought on your hike with you with the fibre in granola. Granola bars have an additional benefit that you may not notice until your hands become numb and cold.
Granola bars can be made into high-calorie candy bars by adding sugar, chocolate and high-fructose syrups. Make sure you read the label to ensure that your healthy snack is exactly what it claims.
The Deep Freeze
While popsicles are great, they don’t belong in winter. Consider how your snacks will be affected by the elements if you are going on a hike. They will freeze if they are moist.
2: Guava
Guava is another power-of-suggestion snack. While it won’t transport you to the tropics, it will make you dream of warmer places. It has a strawberry-pear flavour. The guava rind and the seed can be eaten as is.
Guava has many health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and iron.
1: Graham Cracker PBJs
Winter snacks can be thought of in the same way as a cosy fireplace. To get the fire going, you need kindling. Smaller logs are needed to provide intermediate fuel. Larger pieces of wood will keep the heat going for hours. A little sugar makes it kindling. Carbs provide intermediate fuel, while protein is the long-burning log. Graham cracker PBJs contain all three. However, you should be aware of the ingredients in granola bars and Graham cracker PBJs. Peanut butter can be loaded with unnatural and unhealthy additives. Jelly is the same. You want to find a list of ingredients that contains very few or no preservatives, oils, sugars, and added oils. If you don’t find this, eat up and warm up, knowing that you are not gaining weight.
