3 of My Fav Foods to Rev Your Winter Metabolism
/In winter, and especially post-holidays, women’s bodies can benefit from some additional support. Between changes in hormones and having a run-down immune system and a greater likelihood to experience seasonal depression, the winter months can often feel like a struggle. Researchers suggest that our bodies may be trying to cope with the cold, or compensate for it, by increasing hormone levels to generate heat. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology suggests that winter is especially hard on the thyroid with hypothyroid levels creeping higher in the colder, darker months. Researchers suspect that our thyroid gland may need to adapt to a different energy rate. Since the thyroid is kind of like a canary in a coalmine, it is likely there are other hormones and functions that may fluctuate in winter. Fro example, melatonin which is responsible for our sleep cycle is also higher in winter and as such, needs adequate nutrients to support optimal function.
Think about winter as a time to add in warmth and a combination of energy and deep rest. Try a few of these simple strategies to get started:
Enjoy light but warm foods like soups, stews and teas.
Start your day with a warm lemon water and a splash of raw apple cider vinegar.
Activities like strength training and doing exercise outside in nature can help maintain and build muscle - a non-negotiable for a revved up metabolism.
To slow down, try a warm epsom salt bath with essential oils (thyme, tea tree, lavender).
Go to bed half an hour early.
Get sunlight outside each day to help with your circadian rhythm. If you really can’t get out during the day, consider a light lamp.
Lay off the alcohol to keep your metabolism humming.
Think about keeping an electric kettle on and enjoy warming herbal teas like Buddha Tea’s Cinnamon or Zenergy tea with pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and some lemon slices.
While we might be craving those extra carbs and sugars for comfort and quick energy, stick to lower-sugar fruit, tons of vegetables, proteins like eggs and fish, along with nuts and seeds. to help boost your energy levels.
My favorite winter revving foods which might hold a few surprises:
Cauliflower: A surprising source of Vitamin C which is needed for energy and immunity along with B vitamins and calcium. An easy and low-carb way to add in fiber, hormone-boosting brassicas and WARMTH. Try my Cauliflower Mac and Cheeze or Detoxifying Cauliflower Kale Soup. Or just replace your starchy pasta or rice with some steamed, riced cauli!
Eggs: A very warming and kapha-friendly food from the Ayurvedic tradition, eggs are a “thermic” food meaning they cause the body to use more energy to digest and help build muscle mass. Muscle requires more energy to maintain, protein is required to build muscle. Eggs are rich in nutrients required to build hormones like zinc and selenium. Pastured eggs also contain immune and hormone-regulating Vitamin D. I love scrambled or poached eggs on a salad for lunch or hardboiled in a veggie soup. Also try my Autumn Egg Bake for a warming weeknight dish.
Avocados: Avocados are one of the most satisying foods to help stave off the munchies while filling your body with key nutrients like fiber, the electrolyte potassium, antioxidants, monounsaturated fats and more! A 2021 study showed avocados can help reduce the dangerous kind of belly fat women may tend to accumulate in the more sedentary winter months. Scoop up some Detoxifying Avocado Dip for an afternoon snack with sliced carrots + radish or add chicken or salmon to this Watercress Salad with Apple + Avocado for a quick, energy-building lunch.
