Individuals with physical trainer careers and dietitian certification are often sought out for both fitness and nutrition advice. Nutritional trends can change as often as fitness trends. Lists that have the best and worst foods for you are posted each year for individuals to reflect upon and alter their own personal daily dietary habits to shift into a healthier routine and lifestyle. Eating habits in colder weather can change too along with the shift in goals to focus on staying warm. Here are some healthy snack ideas that can help keep you warm in cold weather:
- Salsa with veggie sticks. Salsa has very low calories and is packed full of vegetables and nutrients. The spiciness from the peppers in the salsa can help rev up your metabolism and help your body burn calories more efficiently in addition to helping you stay warm on the inside. Salsa can also be used on top of salads in place of salad dressing to cut back on calories and fat.
- Homemade soups and broths. Nothing warms you up faster on a cold day than a delicious cup or bowl of homemade soup. If you are watching your calories, you can enjoy a hot cup of chicken broth to warm you up. Heartier soups can make a great snack that is dense enough to hold you over until the next meal. Adding protein to soups like beans, legumes, and chicken or meat can help keep you fuller longer. Protein takes longer in the stomach to digest be processed, making it an excellent choice for those who are on calorie restrictive diets as well as individuals who just want to warm up.
- Spiced nuts. Nuts that are spiced with cinnamon can help promote thermogenesis and support a higher calorie burn. Cinnamon also works as a natural anti-inflammatory so you can heal your body faster and warm up at the same time.
These are just a handful of many different types of snacks that you can consume to improve body temperature regulation and body heat. If you have a special diet or sever allergies, you can work with a dietician or nutritional consultant to go over dietary options that work best for your personal needs with modifications or substitutions in place. Eating can provide additional resources to the body other than simply fueling. Eating helps us regulate body temperatures and stay warm during outdoor workouts.