Winter Eating that Won't Make You Fat

by Deborah English — November 9, 2007

Millions of years of evolutionary progress and our DNA hasn't yet cottoned on to the fact that modern humans don't need to store fat for the winter. The good news is that you can beat this seemingly indelible DNA encoding, and keep lean (or get leaner!) this winter.

Here are a few tips to beat winter cravings for warming, fattening foods:

• Heat up your food with spice. Don't like chiles? Don't worry; you've still got this one beat. Cook with oodles of garlic, ginger, cloves, cumin, coriander, and star anise. Not only are spices taste-bud ecstasy - they rev you up and consequently, are wonderful for burning fat.
• Eat soup. As well as being warming and highly nutritious, soup takes longer to digest than a regular meat, potato, and vegetable meal, so you are less likely to be reaching for high-energy (e.g. "fattening") snacks in between meals.
• You can cook your casserole and eat it too! Casseroles are nourishing, filling, and warming. Just remember: choose lean meat, and serve with lots of leafy greens.
• Always choose whole grain breads and cereals. Whole grains are nutrient dense, high in fiber and low GI. This means you are full for longer and won't crave unhealthy snacks between meals.
• Eat lean protein at every meal. Protein takes a long time to digest which keeps you warm, full, and energetic. Protein should be about 15/20 percent of your diet.
• Keep hydrated. Even slight dehydration means your liver's ability to metabolize fat efficiently is impaired, and that's fat straight to your thighs! So heat up and stay hydrated with herbal teas and hot lemon and ginger drinks. Ginger amps up your metabolism aiding in fat burning, and is soothing and cleansing for your digestive system.

Have a happy, healthy and lean winter!