Winter Foods For Weight Loss

As the winter weather begins to set in, it may feel increasingly hard to get out there and lose some weight. 

However, did you know that some studies show that winter is actually the best season for kick starting your weight loss?

Research from the Maastricht University shows that cooler temperatures can encourage the growth of brown fat, which burns calories faster than white fat (which is the most common type of fat on your body). By simply feeling cold, or at least at a cool 16C°, your body can burn up to 30% more calories per day! 

Aside from the temperature lending a hand, here are some of our favourite ‘winter friendly’ weight loss foods to help you stay on track during the chillier months.

Incorporating beans and lentils into your diet is great way to ensure that you’re getting the essential nutrients you need to fuel your body, and your weight loss.  

Research suggests that eating lentils and other legumes can be a great way to manage diabetes, as they can help improve blood sugar levels and lipid metabolism through their makeup of dietary fibres, lectins and polyphenols.  

During winter we love incorporating lentils and beans into meals like Indian-inspired dhals, curries, stews and our signature Tomato and Lentil Soup!

Root vegetables are an amazing source of fibre, vitamins and minerals, perfect for nourishing your body and aiding your weight loss journey. Many root vegetables such as beetroot, carrot and sweet potatoes are amazing tools that help lower cholesterol, and in turn induce weight loss.  

We love incorporating root vegetables like brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips and sweet potatoes into a variety of meals, such as a traditional roast dinner, loaded potato nachos or stir fries. 

Oranges are one of the best fruits for weight loss as they’re high in fibre, and water content. Oranges are perfect for keeping you full and are a low-calorie option for juices, smoothies and salads.  

As well as being a great fruit for weight loss, oranges are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which are perfect for fighting the flu and keeping your immune system strong this winter!

Cinnamon is a great spice for promoting weight loss, reducing cravings and boosting metabolism. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to your shakes this winter is a great way to boost your energy during your weight loss journey.  

To create a warm, spicy and nourishing vanilla chai latte shake, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to your regular vanilla shake. Then shake as normal, and heat for one minute in the microwave! 

It’s a common misconception that brown rice is a ‘bad’ carb for weight loss, but did you know that it has several health benefits, including being enriched with essential nutrients and minerals to fuel your body? 

Just one cup of brown rice provides you with all of your daily intake of manganese – a mineral which assists your metabolism and blood sugar regulation – amongst other benefits. An added bonus is that brown rice is naturally gluten free!  

Some delicious recipes you can incorporate brown rice into are protein rice puddings or porridge with The Man Shake. You could also use it to accompany curries and stews, or perhaps use it when preparing fried rice.