Foods That Will Keep You Energetic This Winter

As temperatures drop during winter, the body's energy expenditure increases. While our body continues to work internally and produce heat to protect itself from the cold, when it cannot find the necessary resources, fatigue and frequent hunger emerge. Nutrition and Diet Specialist İpek Ertan from Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital states: "During winter, there are certain foods that help both boost our body's energy and keep us satiated. These foods can also prevent cravings for sweets. By paying more attention to consuming these foods on these cold winter days, it is possible to remain both healthy and energetic." Nutrition and Diet Specialist İpek Ertan explained 6 foods that will help you get through winter energized, providing important warnings and recommendations.

Salmon

The most well-known property of salmon is that it is rich in omega 3. However, in recent years, it has been found that salmon is also very rich in astaxanthin, a fat-soluble vitamin derivative with very strong antioxidant properties. Astaxanthin supports our body positively in many ways, from rejuvenation to strengthening immunity and energy metabolism. It is beneficial to consume 150-200 grams of salmon once a week. However, it is very important that the fish is sourced from clean seas.  

Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds

Both their high omega 3 content and richness in B12 place nuts among important energy-giving foods. Walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds, which are also rich in magnesium and iron, can be consumed fresh as a handful daily.

Pomegranate

Among winter fruits, pomegranate is both very rich in vitamin C and a fruit that increases our energy. During winter months, it is beneficial to consume it a few times a week. However, those taking regular antihypertensive and diuretic medications should not consume it.

Red meat

Red meat has high iron content and contains iron with the highest bioavailability to the human body. Iron is found in the structure of blood cells. In our country, anemia due to iron deficiency is frequently seen in many women. Against anemia, an important health problem that also leads to low energy in the body, consume one portion of meat three times a week. Red meat also contributes to the body being energetic.

Cabbage

Nutrition and Diet Specialist İpek Ertan states: "Cabbage, which is already indispensable in diets due to its natural diuretic properties, ranks among energy-giving foods with this property. Reduction of edema, acceleration of circulation, and consequently increased energy expenditure. Since it is exactly the season's vegetable, it is beneficial to consume cabbage at least once a week."

Oats

Oats are a high-fiber food and a grain with complex carbohydrates. Thanks to its slower absorption into the bloodstream compared to many other grains, insulin secretion does not increase. Since blood sugar does not rise and fall rapidly, it ranks among energy-giving foods. Additionally, thanks to the beta-glucan it contains, oats support the digestive system to work well and contribute to energy production. You can consume oats 2-3 times a week as a breakfast replacement or as a snack.