How to keep healthy this Winter

Nutritional tips for November

Date: November 2008
Author: Sam Silvester

Hydration - It is as important this time of year to keep yourself well hydrated as it is during the summer. Cold weather and central heating can be drying to the body internally and externally, and it is easy to top up on cups of tea and coffee which are diuretics and encourage the body to loose water.

I think it is great for people to drink more water but people often ask how? I suggest taking a bottle of water whenever you go out, to the shops, to work or on a walk. Substitute a big glass of water for one cup of tea or coffee mid morning or mid afternoon. Have some peppermint tea an half and hour before bed, and take a glass of water to bed with you to drink if you wake in the night. Your colon and liver will thank you for it. Finally a glass of hot water with a big slice of lemon and a squeeze of lemon is a fantastic body cleanser first thing.

Circulation - the cold weather can cause problems for you if you have poor circulation, especially those who are not very active. Ginger and garlic are beneficial for the circulation. Ground ginger is nice added to soups such as carrot or parsnip, or over baked apples. Sliced or grated fresh ginger is nice as a tea or in stir frys. Garlic can be added to all soups, stews and stir frys. Don't overcook it or you loose its benefits.

Pumpkins - at this time of year we have to mention pumpkins! After carving your Halloween pumpkin, use the lovely orange flesh to make a rich warming soup. Pumpkins contain beta-carotene which protects against cancer, heart trouble and respiratory disease.

Pumpkin Soup

Firstly cook 1 large onion in a little olive oil. Then add the pumpkin and stock (for 1lb of pumpkin add one and half pints of vegetable stock). Simmer until the pumpkin is tender. To make a spiced soup add 2 tsps of curry powder, or 1 tsp of cumin and 1 tsp of coriander, plus 1-2 cloves of garlic. When tender, liquidise or blend until just thick. Swirl in 3 dessert- spoons of crème fraiche or coconut milk and serve with toasted pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top and some chopped coriander (optional).