The weather outside is frightful – so, you need a food that will make your life more delightful!
As temperatures fall, our winter appetites could easily spin out of control. Studies point out that people do tend to eat more during the winter time, with the average person gaining at least two pounds – and individuals who are already overweight likely to gain a lot more 1 . Therefore, we need to be careful during the winter months and eat good food in order stay healthy and warmed, but we also need to watch our weight!
Winter Foods for Weight Loss 
In the article, I offer you the best foods to eat in winter that will boost your health and body heat and will help you shed pounds. These tasty foods not just help curb cravings and burn calories, they are also ideal for winter weight loss.
- Rabbit Meat
For most Americans, the domesticated rabbit is a quite rare food option. The rabbit meat is usually comparable to poultry and offers an economical alternative to many larger animals. The domesticated rabbits commonly distributed in the U.S. are imported Chinese rabbits or Belgian and New Zealand hybrids. Rabbit meat is generally available fresh or frozen.
Rabbit meat is popular for its high protein content. This meat contains more proteins than chicken and beef. It is also a concentrated source of iron. One serving has more than 4 mg. In addition, the meat provides many minerals. The highest levels include 292 mg of potassium and 204 mg of phosphorous. Rabbit meat is very low in calories, which can truly benefit your weight loss process. One serving of rabbit meat contains only 147 calories. 2
- Pomelo
Pomelo is a citrus fruit that looks like a big grapefruit with thick bark and sweeter taste. Its yellow flesh is rich in antioxidants, which help prevent the spread of cancer cells 3 . It is also rich in potassium and folic acid.
- Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are an exceptional source of folate, protein, and Vitamin B. They can help protect the immune system. These seeds are loaded with vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that supports healthy hair and skin, prevents cell damage, and could even prevent cancer.
- Shiitake mushrooms
Nutritious and appetizing mushrooms are low in calories (only 10 in 1/2 a cup), almost devoid of fat and a great source of zinc, Vitamin B6, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, selenium, potassium, and dietary fiber. According to many laboratory studies, shiitake mushrooms also help immune cells to kill viruses. 4
- Honey
Honey is the best natural sweeter that you can use! It can help boost the immune system and will warm up your soul in winter months. However, make sure not to overdo it – at the same volume, it has more calories than sugar. Honey is a great source of antioxidants and its powerful antimicrobial properties make it an ally during the cold days.
- Liver
It is a relatively inexpensive source of protein. The liver is an amazing source of vitamin A, B12, niacin, folic acid, and minerals, principally iron.
With just 200 calories, it supersedes most cuts of meat, however, the problem is its high cholesterol: around 400 mg per 115 grams’ liver braised. Therefore, if you lead a diet that is low in cholesterol and fat, eating liver from time to time cannot hurt if you are healthy.
- Macadamia nuts
Macadamias are a melt-in-your mouth treat! They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are good fats that can help reduce cholesterol. Macadamia nuts are also rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E and contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio 1:1, which is great! Macadamias will warm you up and benefit the weight loss process.
- Oatmeal
There is nothing like a hot bowl of oatmeal on a cold winter day! Not just is oatmeal delicious and convenient, it is also full of phytochemicals and nutrients. It also provides great energy and keeps you full. In accordance to a research, individuals who consume oats for breakfast eat 1/3 fewer calories at lunchtime. 5
- Guava
Guava is a popular tropical fruit, which tastes similar to strawberries and pears. This fruit contains 5 times more Vitamin C than oranges. It is also rich in fiber – particularly if you consume the seeds. Moreover, guava contains iron, calcium, soluble dietary fiber, potassium, and lutein. The best part? This fruit has sixty calories in just one serving, making it the ideal slimming snack.
- Ginger tea
If you are thinking of reaching for a cup of tea, choose a brew with ginger. It has thermogenic properties that will keep you warm. Due to its healing powers, ginger can also promote blood flow and boost metabolism.
- Coconut milk
Scientists’ suggest that the fatty acids present in coconut milk could help speed up the metabolism and promote weight loss 6 . Make sure to read labels – certain brands are high in calories. Additionally, its dietary fiber will keep you feeling full.
- Chia Seeds
This seed packs a huge nutritional punch. It contains great amounts of omega-3, calcium, magnesium, folate, and iron. Its soluble fiber upsurges the duration of satiety. Our energy falls easily in winter due to the cold weather. Therefore, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds to your smoothie to boost your energy and improve the immune system.
- Watercress
Peppery watercress and dark green leaves are some of the most nutritious greens. Watercress is a cruciferous vegetable abundant in antioxidants, which can help prevent cancer and many other diseases. It is a great source of Vitamin C and beta-carotene, as well as potassium and calcium. One cup contains 5 calories.
- Prickly pears
Prickly pear also called pear cactus is a soft and sweet fruit – like a cross between lemon and watermelon. This fruit is a perfect way to hydrate your body during winter and boost your immune system. Every fruit is richer in magnesium than an apple, a pear, and an orange combined. According to a study published in 2009 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, when magnesium consumption increases – the risk of type 2 diabetes falls. 7
- Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt contains more calcium and protein than regular yogurt. It can destroy bacteria and its spreading – therefore, I recommend Greek yogurt as an ideal food for winter – especially if your immune system is weak due to certain health ailments, like candida.
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- Starfruit
Starfruit is a tasty fruit with a sweet yellow apple flavor. It is rich in potassium, beta-carotene, and an exceptional source of Vitamin C, which can help your boost your immune system and fight infections. In addition – it only contains 29 calories!
- Mulled wine
Consuming a glass of warm red wine is an amazing way to feel the holiday spirit, warm up, and relax in the late evening. Many experts suggest that red wine has some potential health benefits due to its antioxidant content (it may reduce the risk of heart disease and slow premature aging) 8 . Along with some great healthy spices like cinnamon, black pepper, zest of orange and nutmeg – a glass of mulled wine will warm your soul and make you feel full longer. This treat contains 90 -100 calories per serving of 120 ml.
Note: Remember – only one glass of red mulled wine is enough – more alcohol can be harmful to your health.
- Tangelo
This cross between grapefruit and tangerine is like an orange, but it is sweeter than grapefruit and more acidic than tangerine. Even though it has less Vitamin C than orange, it contains more vitamin A than any other citrus fruit. One medium tangelo contains 130 mg of potassium and 35 calories. Consume it before your exercise or as a snack for an energy boost.
- Maple syrup
Pure maple syrup contains 50 calories and has more vitamins and minerals than corn syrup and sugar. Substitute artificial sweeteners with maple syrup in order to receive all the nutrients your body requires during the winter months.
- Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate (75% and more) is rich in some powerful antioxidants. A piece of rich and decadent dark chocolate will satisfy your cravings for sweets without consuming many calories.
- Oysters
Oysters are one of the finest sources of high-quality protein that have little fat. One oyster contains just 8 calories. Additionally, it is an exceptional source of minerals such as zinc, iron, iodine, fluoride, calcium, and others. Oysters are also a great source of B-complex vitamins.
- Kefir
Kefir is a brew made from fermented milk, related to yogurt) is especially rich in vitamin A, vitamins B1 and B2, calcium, magnesium, and folic acid. What makes this beverage unique is its fermentation process that significantly facilitates digestion. This allows our body to focus on the assimilation and absorption of proteins and nutrients and necessary for the regeneration and growth of bones and muscles. Moreover, kefir contains tryptophan, a crucial amino acid that unwinds the nervous system, which makes it a perfect food for athletes post-workout.
- Dates
While this fruit is rich in various essential nutrients and thus, offer many benefits, dates are very little so you should eat a larger amount in order to consume the necessary amounts.
Dates are flexible! They can be a great part of your weight loss program by if you eat too much they can also lead to weight gain. Further, experts claim that when eaten with cucumber, this fruit can keep your weight at normal levels. Definitely flexible!
- Winter Squash
There are many types of winter squash—including spaghetti squash, butternut, acorn, delicata, and spaghetti squash—and they are all brilliant choices in the winter. A cup of cooked winter squash has around 80 calories but is high in both Vitamin C (33%) and Vitamin A (214% of the recommended daily value), as well as being a great source of vitamins K and B6, folate, and potassium.
- Black bean soup
There is nothing like a soup with chili pepper and cumin to heat you up when it is cold. The beans are the nutrition star of this dish, though. Black beans are a great source of copper and iron. So sipping on this soup will help the muscles use more oxygen and improve your immune system. One serving of soup would include just about a cup of black beans, which delivers 15 grams each of fiber and protein.
Unlike animal protein sources, these beans have almost no saturated fat. According to a research from the American Chemical Society, black skins have higher levels of flavonoids (disease-fighting antioxidants) than any other kind of bean. 9
Related: 75 Alkaline Foods to Balance Your Body Naturally and Prevent Terrible Diseases
Conclusion:
Food is an essential source of energy that helps keep our bodies warm. The above-mentioned winter foods will help you to eat healthily and shed pounds during the winter months. Try to make sure that you have hot beverages and meals regularly throughout the day and of course, keep active in your home if possible.
References: Ajcn.nutrition.org Cdc.gov Pubs.acs.org