11 Winter Foods That Will Warm You Up and Help You Lose Weight

As temperatures fall, our winter appetites can easily spin out of control. Studies point out that people do tend to eat more during the winter time, with the average person gaining at least one kilogram  - and individuals who are already overweight likely to gain a lot more. Therefore, we need to be careful during the winter months and eat good food in order to stay healthy and warm, but we also need to watch our weight!

These tasty foods not just help curb cravings and burn calories, they are also ideal for winter weight loss.

1. Rabbit Meat
Rabbit meat is popular for its high protein content. This meat contains more protein than chicken and beef. It is also a concentrated source of iron. One serving has more than four mg. In addition, the meat provides many minerals. Rabbit meat is very low in calories, which can truly benefit your weight loss process. One serving of rabbit meat contains only 147 calories.
Recipe Suggestion: https://androulaskitchen.wordpress.com/tag/rabbit/    Serve with Brown rice or if you want to reduce your carbs make some cauliflower mash. 

2. Mushrooms
Nutritious and appetizing mushrooms are low in calories (only 10 in 1/2 a cup), almost devoid of fat and a great source of zinc, Vitamin B6, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, selenium, potassium, and dietary fiber. According to laboratory studies, some mushrooms like oyster and shiitake help immune cells to kill viruses.
Recipe Suggestion:
https://www.barbarakarafokas.com/healthy-recipes/mushroom-lentil-bourguignon-vegan

3. Liver
It is a relatively inexpensive source of protein. The liver is an amazing source of vitamin A, B12, niacin, folic acid, and minerals, principally iron.
With just 200 calories, it supersedes most cuts of meat, however, the problem is it's high cholesterol: around 400 mg per 115 grams' liver braised. Therefore, if you lead a diet that is low in cholesterol and fat, eating liver from time to time cannot hurt if you are healthy.
Recipe Suggestion: 
https://akispetretzikis.com/categories/kreas/moscharisio-sykwti-me-karamelwmena-kremmydia

4. Macadamia nuts
Macadamias are a melt-in-your mouth treat! They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are good fats that can help reduce cholesterol. Macadamia nuts are also rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E and contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio 1:1, which is great! Macadamias will warm you up and benefit the weight loss process.

5. Oatmeal
There is nothing like a hot bowl of oatmeal on a cold winter day! Not just is oatmeal delicious and convenient, it is also full of phytochemicals and nutrients. It also provides great energy and keeps you full. In accordance with a research, individuals who consume oats for breakfast eat 1/3 fewer calories at lunchtime.
Recipe Suggestions:  https://www.barbarakarafokas.com/apps/search?q=oats

6. Ginger tea
If you are thinking of reaching for a cup of tea, choose a brew with ginger. It has thermogenic properties that will keep you warm. Due to its healing powers, ginger can also promote blood flow and boost metabolism. 
With Moringa Ginger Tea you get the best of both worlds ! 

7. Goat’s / Sheep’s Yogurt or Kefir / Airani (sour milk)
Packed with vitamins A, B, and E, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, and magnesium. Short and medium chain fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).  CLA is a cancer fighting-fat -reducing fat. Yogurt is an ideal winter food as it strengthens your gut health, helps to fight candida and strengthens the immune system.

8. Cauliflower
As a good source of fiber, cauliflower slows digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. This may automatically reduce the number of calories you eat throughout the day, an important factor in weight control. Cauliflower is also low in calories, carbohydrate and high in water which are all weight loss friendly aspects of this nutritious vegetable.
Recipe Suggestions: https://www.barbarakarafokas.com/apps/search?q=cauliflower

9. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate (75% and more) is rich in some powerful antioxidants. A piece of rich and decadent dark chocolate will satisfy your cravings for sweets without consuming many calories.
Recipe Suggestion: https://www.barbarakarafokas.com/healthy-recipes/chocolate-coconut-clusters

10. Oysters or Mussels
Oysters or mussels are one of the finest sources of high-quality protein that have little fat. For example one oyster contains just 8 calories. Additionally, it is an exceptional source of minerals such as zinc, iron, iodine, fluoride, calcium, and others. Oysters and mussels are also great sources of B-complex vitamins.
Recipe Suggestion: https://www.barbarakarafokas.com/healthy-recipes/mediterranean-fish-stew
 
11. Winter Squash
There are many types of winter squash--including spaghetti squash, butternut, acorn, delicata, and spaghetti squash--and they are all brilliant choices in the winter. A cup of cooked winter squash has around 80 calories but is high in both Vitamin C (33%) and Vitamin A (214% of the recommended daily value), as well as being a great source of vitamins K and B6, folate, and potassium.
Recipe Suggestions: https://www.barbarakarafokas.com/apps/search?q=pumpkin+
https://www.barbarakarafokas.com/healthy-recipes/pumpkin-and-chickpea-and-coconut-curry
https://www.barbarakarafokas.com/apps/search?q=courgette+
https://www.barbarakarafokas.com/apps/search?q=zucchini
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