As you know, in winter our body experiences a lack of vitamins, minerals and other useful substances. Still would! After the summer abundance of fresh fruits and the autumn vegetable table, the winter menu seems too empty, boring, monotonous and devoid of any benefit.
We hasten to please you: the diet in the cold season can be rich and healthy. And we are not talking about insanely expensive overseas products, but about quite familiar and simple ingredients that diversify any menu. In this article, estet-portal com. is in a hurry to offer you 5 ideas for a winter menu that will make it healthy and extremely tasty.
Idea #1: include cocktails and smoothies in the winter menu
Smoothie is considered to be fairly "young" drink, however, in fact, it was invented almost 100 years ago, in the 30s of the twentieth century. This drink contains an incredible amount of nutrients, and therefore it not only replenishes the body with vitamins, but also helps to lose weight.
Smoothie – it is a thick cocktail of fresh fruits, berries or vegetables. Smoothie feature– the presence of pulp; this allows you to save more nutrients. Today, this drink is an integral part of proper nutrition.
Smoothie products are usually of the same type, combining vegetables with vegetables and fruits with fruits. Winter smoothie ingredients can be used in the following combinations:
- Pomegranate, cranberry, natural yogurt and milk.
- Banana, dates, vanilla, cinnamon.
- Natural yoghurt, persimmon and oatmeal.
- Orange, tangerine, grapefruit, lemon, yogurt, honey.
- Kiwi, banana, mint.
The beauty of making smoothies is not only simplicity, but also the absence of any restrictions. You can combine any natural products, inventing more and more new recipes. You can use honey as a sweetener, and a mint leaf or a pinch of cinnamon will add an unusual note to the drink.
Don't ignore the usual natural cocktails and juices. Carrot juices, citrus smoothies and other fruit and vegetable drinks will bring a lot of benefits in the cold season and help improve health and maintain youth.
Idea #2: it's time to try some cereal sprouts
Sprouted grains are an incredibly healthy and tasty product. The fact is that during germination, enzymes are formed in the seeds that can break down complex proteins and carbohydrates. Thus, sprouted grains improve the absorption of other products and contribute to weight loss. In addition, sprouts contain:
- Vitamins of groups A, B, C, E and PP are necessary to improve metabolism, slow down aging, improve the condition of hair, nails and skin and the normal functioning of the body as a whole.
- Chromium, essential for enhancing insulin action, eliminating toxins and strengthening bones.
- Lithium, which improves the functioning of the immune system, neutralizes the effects of alcohol and regulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
- Enzymes – enzymes that speed up chemical reactions. Enzymes improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and improve metabolic processes.
- Fiber, which acts as an antioxidant, reduces blood sugar levels and cleanses the body of toxins.
Thus, sprouted grains are a storehouse of substances needed by the body in the cold season. Almost any grain can be germinated for human consumption. Wheat, rye, oats, rice, lentils, as well as other grains and legumes will bring many benefits and variety to the winter diet. Sprouted grains can be added to salads and soups, and can also be used to make yoghurts and smoothies.
Idea #3: homemade sauerkraut – storehouse of vitamins
Traditional winter sauerkraut salad contains a huge amount of vitamins and microelements. Homemade sauerkraut is without a doubt one of the healthiest dishes in the cold season.
What is the benefit of this product?
- Vitamin C – participates in metabolic processes, improves blood circulation and the condition of blood vessels, and is also a powerful energy drink.
- Vitamin B6 – participates in almost all processes of the body, including – necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system.
- Vitamin U – prevents diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, participates in the production of collagen and has a rejuvenating effect.
- Vitamin P – is an antioxidant, and also improves the condition of blood vessels.
- Vitamin K– prevents the formation of blood clots, and is also necessary for the absorption of calcium.
- Yod – necessary for the stabilization of hormonal levels, the normal functioning of the thyroid gland and the functioning of the immune system.
- Potassium – necessary for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system and the removal of toxins from the body.
- Zinc – stops inflammation, renews the skin and strengthens the bones.
Thus, cabbage is a storehouse of truly "winter" vitamins needed to maintain immunity, fight pathogens and strengthen bones. A portion of this salad is able to saturate the body with a daily dose of nutrients.
It should be noted that we are talking only about cabbage sauerkraut at home. Store-bought alternatives may contain preservatives and sugar that will negate the benefits.
Idea #4: raisins, dried apricots and other dried fruits. How could it be without them
Dried fruits can be a great alternative to all kinds of sweets in the winter season. Dates, raisins, dried apricots, figs and other dried fruits have a lot of useful properties and, moreover, have an amazing taste.
- Figs perfectly strengthens the immune system, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes cholesterol levels and compensates for the lack of vitamins A, B and C.
- Dried apricots are a source of iron, which is very useful for low hemoglobin. It is also able to strengthen blood vessels, improve vision, improve the condition of the skin and hair.
- Raisins contain almost all B vitamins and deservedly belong to the most useful dried fruits. It normalizes sleep, has a positive effect on the state of the nervous system and improves immunity.
- Prunes help to eliminate waste and toxins, improve metabolism and help fight stress.
- Dates are able to restore iron deficiency, improve brain activity and improve bowel function.
Dried fruits can be consumed both in pure form and as an addition to salads, smoothies and cereals. Regular consumption of dried fruits can quickly improve the condition of the body and overcome the blues.
Idea #5: Laminaria or sea kale. Add it to your diet
Laminaria – an incredibly useful product in the winter menu. Regular consumption of seaweed allows you to:
- Loose weight. Seaweed is one of the most low-calorie foods. 100 g of kelp contain only 5.2 kcal. A small portion of such a salad can satisfy hunger and saturate the body with vitamins without overloading it with extra calories.
- Cleanse the body. Laminaria is a source of alginic acid, which is able to cleanse the body of toxins, metals and other harmful substances.
- Prevent thyroid disease. The high concentration of iodine in this product improves the functioning of the endocrine gland and prevents the appearance of goiter.
- To improve the functioning of the nervous system. Sea kale contains a fairly large amount of bromine, which helps the body fight stress and improves the functioning of the central nervous system.
As you can see, our 5 products offer incredible benefits. Include them in your diet during the cold season and you will forget about ailments and colds. You will find more useful articles on how to always stay healthy, beautiful and young at estet-portal.com.
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