As we lift the seasonal veil and enter daylight savings, our bodies need a little extra time to adjust. Not to mention, we’re still confronting and processing a lot of weirdness in the world. It’s restorative to take a moment to chill out in our cozy place.
Feeling *cold to the core* is a state that often accompanies these slower, darker months. When the chill arrives, it can feel impossible to shake.
While we rely on multi-layers of knitwear and home heating systems to warm us through winter, we can also turn to specific ingredients to provide some internal heat.
In essence, thermogenic food is nature’s puffy jacket.
The term ‘thermogenesis’ refers to all the digestive activity that produces heat and energy in the body. Thermogenic food groups burn more calories than they consume during digestion. These nutrients serve to boost metabolism, improve circulation and give some love to the thyroid gland, which is responsible for maintaining our metabolic rate and body temperature.
Thermic-friendly foods encourage satiety and help us feel comfortably full for longer stretches of time. They’re ideal for those outdoor adventures in cooler temps (or brisk walks around the block).
Here are the ‘fab five’ when it comes to thermogenic foods.
Avocado: Less Talk. More Guac.
Truly, how could we live without guac?? The beloved avocado is a nutrient-rich source of plant fats and antioxidants. Avos also contain mannoheptulose, a sugar that inhibits the release of insulin and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Avocado helps keep our cells and membranes functioning, along with insulating our vital organs. Taco’ bout love.
Turmeric: Spice, Spice, Baby
Before the days of golden lattes (mmm…), fresh turmeric was used in Ayurvedic practices as an earthy flavoured root with anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s also a staple in Indian cuisine. Studies have shown that turmeric’s active compound – curcumin (when paired with black pepper) – can trigger thermogenesis. We’ll keep sipping our turmeric elixirs.
Ginger: More Than a Snappy Cookie
Ginger is well-known for its special’ zing.’ Praised as an immune-booster, ginger also contains thermogenic compounds called gingerols, which are in the same family as capsaicin (found in hot peppers). Many studies have looked at ginger’s thermal nature, and your tastebuds can attest: a little goes a long way. Create your own heat with this ginger zinger smoothie.
Coconut Oil: Not Just a Nut Case
Coconut oil has been on trend for hundreds of years – and for good reason. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (aka triglycerides known as MCTs), which produce a thermogenic reaction in the body. Studies have shown that consuming a couple teaspoons of coconut oil each day can increase our daily energy expenditure (i.e. releasing that heat). Even more impressive, coconut oil has anti-viral, antifungal and antimicrobial properties—a good reason to try oil pulling.
Green Tea: The Brew That Sees You Through
Not to be confused with weight loss supplements touting ‘green tea extract’ as the cure-all for stubborn pounds, green tea leaves create a beautiful tonic for stimulating heat in the body and lightly boosting metabolic pathways. This is due to a synergy between compounds called catechin-polyphenols and caffeine.
Note on caffeine: a cup of green tea contains about 1/4 the amount of caffeine in a typical cup of coffee and 1/2 the amount of caffeine in black tea. Green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can help improve cognitive function and relieve anxiety. Stay warm and zen with a green tea elixir.
Spices like cayenne, paprika, hot pepper, garlic and chili also contain thermogenic properties. Ease in, start low and go slow on spice level to achieve your happiest heat.
Integrating thermogenic foods into your day also means consciously connecting with your body and observing how you feel before and after.
Winter goals: channel warmth, harmony and cozy energy.
