Thermogenic Foods

Otherwise known as heat-producing foods, Thermogenic foods have the ability to warm the body by assisting it to create an increased amount of internal heat. Some of these foods include:

* Complex carbohydrates, which warm the body more quickly due their quick digestion.
* Winter fruits and vegetables that keep the body warm with their high anti-oxidant, mineral and vitamin content. Some of these include oranges, pomegranates, strawberries, onions, beets, broccoli, cabbage, pumpkin, sweet potato and beans. It is also recommended to eat them occasionally raw, as the body produces more internal heat in digesting raw foods.
* Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, brown rice and whole wheat that are rich in phytoochemicals, fibre and other nutrients that ensure increased body warmth.
* Seeds and nuts, whose high omega 3 content also contributes to keeping one warm.
* Hot teas and soups that warm the body quickly.
* Foods loaded with Chili and Tabasco offer a short-term, rapid heat blast to the body, but they lose their effect as quickly as the give it.

Foods that hamper the body’s immune system, cause dehydration and dampen digestion should be avoided in the winter months. This is largely because they cause the body to concentrate on detoxifying rather than creating an increased amount of heat. Foods that should be avoided when possible include alcohol, coffee, refined sugars and fried foods.
Herbs & Spices That Help Keep You Warm

There are many herbs that may be added to your cooking, drunk as a tea, taken in a capsule or tincture form. Some of these include:

* Black pepper
* Cardamom
* Cayenne
* Cinnamon
* Coriander
* Cumin
* Fennel
* Garlic
* Ginger
* Horseradish
* Nutmeg
* Tumeric

Keep Your Kidneys Warm

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys hold the life force (chi) of the human body. They are located just under the ribcage, right in the small of the back. TCM relates the kidneys to the winter element, and holds them responsible for keeping the body warm throughout the winter months. Keep the kidneys warm and functioning at an optimum level by making sure your clothes are all tucked in when outside (preventing an underlying draught), and by making sure your middle is well covered at all times.

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