Beat the Chill: Indian Winter Foods that Keep Your Body Warm

• Written by Yashita Sinha

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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A few months ago, we were wishing winters were here, and now it’s November already. The time has come to take out your woollen clothes and blankets. Besides these winter essentials, several foods also help you stay warm.

In this blog, you’ll discover some winter foods in India and also get to know about some practical tips you can follow to keep your body naturally warm during winter. Before diving further, let’s start by learning the relation between food and body temperature.

The Science behind How Food Affects Body Temperature

When you eat, the body temperature naturally increases. This happens because digestion requires thermal energy, which produces heat and raises the body’s metabolic rate. This increased rate helps break down food and absorb nutrients. Some foods, such as high-protein or spicy foods, can increase the effect noticeably.

Top Warm Foods for Winter in India

Feeling a bit warm during chilly winters is what everyone wishes for. Here are some foods to keep the body warm in winter that help you survive the biting cold months in India:

Soups

Soups are among the best food choices in winter, as they are rich in vegetables. Whether you want to keep warm during the cold season or recover from a cold, soups are considered a healthy option. You can make them tastier by adding ingredients like ginger, garlic, and black pepper.

Cereals

Cereals are rich in complex carbohydrates such as oats, millets and whole wheat. These carbohydrates take a longer time to digest, generating more heat in the process. They also provide steady energy and help maintain body temperature. Eating warm cereal-based dishes like bajre ki roti, khidchi, or dalia can make your winter meals both nourishing and comforting.

Dry Fruits and Nuts

If you love eating dry fruits, winter is the perfect time for including them in your diet. Being a source of healthy fats, they help maintain body warmth by providing slow-burning energy and boosting metabolism.

They are also packed with essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that strengthen immunity and prevent fatigue during cooler months. Including a handful of walnuts and almonds in your routine can make your winter both wholesome and energising.

Spices

Living in India has already made us accustomed to spices such as ginger, pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and sesame. These spices not only enhance flavour but also generate natural heat in the body, keeping you warm during winter. According to Ayurveda experts, warming spices like ginger and black pepper boost metabolism, improve blood circulation and support digestion.

Desi Ghee

Rich in healthy fats, desi ghee helps generate internal heat, making it an ideal food choice during the cold season. It helps boost metabolism, supports digestion and provides sustained energy that keeps you active during chilly weather. Besides this, ghee helps in preventing common winter issues such as joint pain and dry skin.

Roots Vegetables

Root vegetables are specifically valuable during the cold season due to their high fibre and complex carbohydrate content. They release energy as heat, helping the body stay warm for longer.

Being rich in essential minerals and vitamins ( A and C), they also boost immunity and support better blood circulation. Therefore, including beetroots, radishes, sweet potatoes, and carrots in your winter diet is an effective way to beat the chill.

Saffron (Kesar)

Saffron is rich in warming antioxidants, such as crocin and safranal. These antioxidants support circulation and help the body feel warmer and more comfortable in winter. Most people prefer drinking kesar milk during winter to ease cold-related discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory property helps reduce internal stress and muscle tension, allowing the body to use energy efficiently and maintain stable body heat.

Besides these, you can also try some traditional foods to maintain your body heat during the winter season.

Traditional Indian Winter Foods You Must Try

Indian winters come with a delightful menu of comforting and nutritious dishes that not only tantalise your taste buds but also keep you warm. Some top Indian foods to keep the body warm include:

• Sarson da Saag with Makki di Roti
• Gajar ka Halwa
• Pinni
• Sesame Ladoos
• Gond ke Laddoo
• Thupka
• Ragi Manni
• Baajre ka Raab
• Nihari
• Bajra Khichdi
• Parathas

While these traditional Indian dishes help you stay warm and nourished, making some simple lifestyle changes can further enhance your body’s natural warmth.

Tips to Keep Your Body Warm Naturally During Winter

Here are some practical tips you can follow to naturally maintain your body’s internal temperature during the cold weather:

Stay Active

Indulging in physical activities such as walking, exercising, running, or cycling every day helps keep your body temperature regulated throughout the day.

Layer Up Smartly

Dress in multiple thin layers of breathable fabrics, like wool or thermal wear, to trap body heat effectively.

Stay Hydrated

You often feel less thirsty in winter, but dehydration can lower your body temperature. Hence, it’s essential to stay hydrated during the winter season.

Keep Your Feet and Hands Covered

Hands and feet lose heat quickly due to limited blood flow. Wearing warm socks and gloves helps prevent heat loss and keeps your body warmer.

Use Warm Blankets and Bedding

Opt for flannel sheets or a thick comforter to stay cosy while you sleep. A well-insulated bed step supports better rest and prevents nighttime chills.

Take Warm Baths or Showers

A warm bath increases blood flow and provides instant muscle relaxation, raising body temperature.

Practice Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises and pranayama help enhance oxygen flow and blood circulation. Starting your morning with these exercises helps activate your body’s energy, boost metabolism, and keep you warm throughout the day.

What to Avoid During Winter?

While certain foods help you stay warm during winter, avoiding others is equally important for staying healthy during the cold months.

Cold and Raw Foods

Cold foods like ice cream, chilled drinks, raw salads, and uncooked vegetables can slow digestion and lower your body’s internal temperature, making you feel colder. Hence, they should be avoided during the winter months.

Un-heatable Dairy & Mucus-forming Foods

Dairy products such as cold milk and curd increase mucus production, reducing immunity and increasing the risk of coughs and colds during winter. It’s best to avoid eating them when they are chilled, especially at night.

Heavy Fried, Processed or Red Meat Foods

Heavily processed foods lack fibre and nutrients, which can slow metabolism. They also increase the storage and water retention. These factors further lead to the reduction of body warmth and energy. Therefore, in winter, it’s best to avoid processed foods and consume lighter and nutrient-rich foods.

Sugary, Refined and Carbonated Foods & Drinks

Excessive sugar tends to weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and colds during the winter. Refined foods and carbonated drinks also hamper metabolism and cause energy crashes, reducing the body’s ability to generate and retain heat.

>> Read More: Why Caring for Your Skin is Crucial in Winter?

Stay Warm, Stay Protected – Prioritise Your Health This Winter

While eating nutrient-rich foods can help in keeping your body temperature regulated and boost your metabolism, it’s equally important to protect your health from unexpected winter illnesses like the common cold, flu and other respiratory infections.

Securing health insurance ensures you receive timely medical care without worrying about hefty medical bills. From doctor consultations to hospitalisation required, it offers comprehensive financial protection whenever you need it.