The endlessly hot, humid and scorching summer days with the sole activities of sweating and waiting in vain for the cool of night time are undeniably over. Days have shortened and we have been surprised already by the chill of the autumn months. Jackets, scarves, sweaters and blankets have been taken out of the closet, and soon we will be breathing little clouds while walking the streets. Whether the winter months are your favorite or most dreaded time of year, one thing is for sure. Being more exposed to cold, some more effort is required to stay healthy.
Roasted butternut squash soup. Photo courtesy of Moisie
How to do that? Eat and drink your immune system strong and keep it resistant to cold and flu influences, with vitamins and the other helpful substances the realm of food can provide.
Knowing what fruits and vegetables are in season is a good first step to get the best quality and taste. For example citrus fruits are in abundance, of which you should take advantage by making juices and also as snacking with fruit on the job (instead of that bar of chocolate, after winter it’ll be spring and summer again, you know). Also pomegranate is super rich in flavour and antioxidants, and are the perfect addition to your winter eating program. Eat the seeds as a snack, or mix them in your breakfast or desserts.
Eating soup or Locro for lunch and dinner meals is also a great, easy and healthy way to keep your body warm. More substantial winter foods are steamed or mashed veggies like broccoli, cabbage, or brussel sprouts and potatoes, spiced up with fried union, garlic and your favorite herbs, paired with a piece of meat.
Gingertea. Photo courtesy of Hungry Healthy Happy
Warm mate during the day helps to stay energized, and is perfect to warm your hands on. In the evening try herbal tea, with ginger, lemon and honey to make a delicious, warming and very immune boosting tea. Cloves, cinnamon and ginger are all very healthy, deeply flavoured, cleaning and warming spices, well worth incorporating in baked goods or warm drinks.
If you have already been victimized by the cold, it is not too late to eat yourself better! Also try hanging your head over some hot water or a steambath with teatree oil. Drink the abovementioned winter tea and, very important in the transition period between seasons, try to get enough sleep.
Everybody has their own secrets of how to handle the winter, but nobody ever enough. At least, never enough for us, already freezing next to the heater in the office. So we welcome all your and your grandmothers’ tips and tricks to survive Argentine winter, are very welcome.
