5 Foods to Warm You Up This Winter

The chilly winter days and nights can be unbearable sometimes, and we all need something that can warm us up from the inside out. And the best solution for most things is, of course, food! 

Plenty of foods can keep you warm in cold climates—be careful, though, as extreme changes in temperature can land you right in a Rochester dentist’s office, for example, if you’re not taking care of your teeth well enough. Here are some delectable treats that will not only keep you warm but also satisfy your taste buds:

1) Root Vegetables

Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and turnips are packed with nutrients and dietary fibers that metabolize slowly, which generates body heat. 

These veggies are great for roasting, sautéing, or air-frying, making them crispy and tender on the inside. You can even toss them in some olive oil, add herbs and spices, and bake them to make healthy and delicious chips. 

2) Garlic and Its Friends, Onion, and Shallot

These three aromatic vegetables add flavor and depth to many dishes and are known for their immune-boosting properties. Research suggests that garlic enhances the body’s heat production.

Garlic has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, while onions and shallots are rich in antioxidants. These vegetables are excellent additions to soups, stews, casseroles, and stir-fries and can be used to elevate dishes like shepherd’s pie, lasagna, or chili.

3) Spicy Foods Like Cayenne Pepper

Spices like cayenne pepper, chili, and ginger help to warm up our bodies by increasing circulation and metabolism. 

For example, Capsaicin, the main ingredient in cayenne pepper, increases gastric blood flow and warms your body. It also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties. 

A little heat goes a long way, so add a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to your dishes. Spiced teas and hot chocolates made with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are also excellent winter warmers.

4) Stews and Soups

There is nothing quite as comforting as a hot bowl of soup or a hearty stew. They are easy to make and versatile, and you can serve them as a main or a side dish!

Chicken noodle, vegetable, split pea, and lentil soups are always popular choices, while beef stew, bean stew, and chili con carne are perfect for a more substantial meal. You can make and freeze them in large batches, so you always have a ready meal to keep you warm.

5) Hot Drinks Like Coffee and Tea

Hot drinks like coffee, tea, and cocoa are winter essentials that help warm up your body and soul!

Coffee and tea contain caffeine, which helps to boost our metabolism and keep us alert and focused. They are also rich in antioxidants, helping protect our bodies against oxidative stress. 

Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to your drinks for an extra winter touch.

Winter may bring lower temperatures, but it also brings an abundance of delicious, wholesome foods that can help us stay warm and cozy. 

Incorporate root vegetables, garlic, onion, shallots, spicy foods, stews, soups, and hot drinks into your winter diet, and you are sure to stay warm and satisfied. Just make sure your teeth are healthy enough for rapid temperature changes; otherwise, you may be looking for dental implant costs instead of ways to keep warm this winter.

Remember, there is always time to get creative and have fun in the kitchen!