Winter is not a good season for food.
Well, it is in some respects - who can resist a glass of Eggnog at Christmas, or indulging in some cinnamon buns fresh from the oven? Not to mention all the chocolate and candy canes that go along with the season! It’s an endless source of deliciousness.
Of course, that can be the problem. We tend to gain weight over winter, meaning that by the time the idea of summer outfits roll around, we feel woefully underprepared. Not only does the extra weight damage our self esteem about how we look; it also has an impact on our health. You might feel more sluggish, be having a few skin concerns, or struggling with more headaches than usual.
Given that summer is undoubtedly meant to be a happy season, it makes sense to try and make the most of it. One of the best ways to do this is to attempt to eat your way to a healthier body - and in doing so, you might just shift those remaining stubborn winter pounds, too!
Reduce Your Hidden Sugars Intake
It’s a fairly well-established fact by now that sugar isn’t good for you and should generally be avoided. You might even have made the switch away from sugar-containing foods, kissing goodbye to the candy bars and chocolate of old.
However, you’d be surprised at the items you wouldn’t think of as being sweet - they can have sugar contents that are frankly jawdropping. For example: sushi. On the surface, what could be so harmful - it’s low calorie by nature, isn’t it? Not if you buy it premade; chances are it’s been stuffed with sugar to improve the flavor. You’ll also find extra sugar added to condiments, sauces, even bread - it’s everywhere when you start to look.
One of the best ways of fighting back against this is by preparing your own food. If you want to eat sushi, it’s far better to stock yourself with your own Kamikoto knife, a few layers of nori, and the fish of your choice. That way, you know exactly what’s going into it. Condiments are trickier to make for yourself, but it is possible if you’re willing to spend a few hours in the kitchen.
If you find yourself missing a sweet taste, then substitute fruit into your diet. Berries are a great option; they are low on the glycemic index, so while they are still a form of sugar (fructose), it’s in an amount your body can withstand.
Go Green
Not in the environmental sense (though if you want to make an extra effort to do that too, then great!), but in the sense of what you eat. While it would be a simplification to suggest that all green food is good for you, that’s not the case - so sorry, put down the green gummy bear!
However, when it comes to health, the source of so many nutrients can be found in green vegetables. They’re packed with vitamins - particularly the B vitamins - and all the electrolytes you could possibly need. Adding one portion of green veg to every evening meal will have a real impact on your health this coming summer, leaving you feeling at your best to enjoy it.
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