Cold Weather Comfort: Nutritional Tips to Keep You Warm
As the chilly weather grips Nairobi, residents are searching for ways to stay warm beyond bundling up in heavy jackets and blankets. Nutritionist Henry Ng’ethe, Chairperson of the Nutrition Association of Kenya, offers valuable advice on how certain foods can help.
Ng’ethe recommends consuming complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy and help retain body heat for longer periods. “Having breakfast rich in complex carbohydrates, such as porridge, can keep you warm for 3-4 hours,” he explains. These foods also contribute to overall well-being due to their fiber and vitamin content.
In addition to porridge, Ng’ethe suggests snacking on nuts and seeds like groundnuts and flaxseeds. “These snacks are high in healthy fats, which insulate the body and keep it warm. They also contain fiber, proteins, and essential minerals,” he adds.
Herbal teas are another excellent choice. Ingredients such as ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, lemon, and mint have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that not only warm you up but also help fight respiratory infections common during cold weather.
Staying hydrated is crucial, even in the cold. Ng’ethe advises drinking 8-10 cups of warm water daily to compensate for the water lost due to sweating under warm clothing. “The body loses a lot of water during the cold season because people dress warmly,” he notes.
Fruits, rich in magnesium and vitamins, are also important. They help the adrenal glands regulate body temperature and energy levels. Root vegetables like beets, carrots, and turnips, which are plentiful during cold seasons, provide essential nutrients that boost the immune system and protect against colds and flu.
Ng’ethe’s comprehensive advice offers Nairobians and others enduring chilly weather practical dietary solutions to stay warm and healthy during the cold season.
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Cold Weather Comfort: Nutritional Tips to Keep You Warm
