When we think of winter, we usually think of repairing the heater that has been broken for a year or of wearing warm garments all the time. But did you know there are other things you can do to keep your youngster safe this winter? During this period, most youngsters are tired and develop a cold or flu. Aside from wearing warm garments, eating the correct foods can also help. They need to eat nutritious winter meals to fight illnesses and allergies. Remember that as the temperature outside lowers, our bodies require more energy to stay warm. Feed your child plenty of substantial meals rich in winter foods to keep their energy levels up and the sniffles at bay.
1. Root Vegetables
Aside from letting your child wear cute mufflers and wearing them down with heavy gear, including root vegetables in their diet such as carrots, potatoes, radishes, turnips, and sweet potatoes can help them stay strong during the winter. Root vegetables are high in antioxidants and beta-carotene, which help with immunity and vision. They are also high in complex carbs, which can help energise a tired child.
2. Dry Fruits And Nuts
Protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and good fats are all part of the nutritional profile of dried fruits and nuts. These foods are easy to digest and supply all of the energy required by a child. To gain the health advantages of dates, nuts, and dried fruits, make sure your youngster consumes them during the winter months. The mix of milk and homemade dry fruit powder can keep your toddler busy and healthy while also keeping them warm and encouraging immune system development. Furthermore, dates are an excellent substitute for the sugary cereals and milk powders on the market today. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, and potassium.
3. Jaggery
Jaggery provides a unique flavour to any sweet food and is an excellent cough, cold, or lung infection cure. The addition of ginger and saunf enhances the health benefits. Jaggery is not only healthier than sugar, but it also keeps you warm during the cold winter months. We can experiment with jaggery laddo, payasam/pongal, jaggery chapatti, and gurcoated soya sticks, among other things.
4. Green Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are high in minerals like sodium and potassium, as well as vitamins like A, C, and K, and can help boost your child's immunity. Spinach, lettuce, spring onions, coriander leaves, and mint are among them. Add these to your child's daily diet as chutneys or even as a component of the gravy and serve up tasty dishes like pudina chicken and coriander rice. Consider adding green leafy vegetables to rotis and parathas to make them more nutritious and appealing even to picky eaters.
5. Honey
Honey is beneficial to a child's health in a variety of ways. Because it is a natural sweetener, it is superior to refined sugar. As an alternative to refined sugar, most parents have resorted to honey. It is high in phytochemicals and flavonoids and has a high nutritional value. One of the most recognised honey health advantages is its ability to treat sore throats and coughs. Instead of chocolate syrups, use honey, which can also be used in place of sugar in baked muffins or cakes.
6. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli, are high in fibre and B vitamins, which can help keep your child active and healthy during the cold weather. These also have antioxidants and unique minerals that protect us from cancer. Cruciferous veggies can be a nutritious addition to soup or homemade cutlets.