Opt for alkaline diet to keep winter weight at bay

Hyderabad: Weight gain during winter is common due to the change in eating and exercise habits. Besides, low levels of vitamin D reduce the breakdown of fat and trigger its storage rather than using it for energy. The comparatively colder weather tends to make people skip workouts and eat energy dense, calorie-rich foods which only piles on the weight. Alkaline-based foods are a better option to keep the weight down.

Alkaline foods are fresh fruits and vegetables such as mushrooms, citrus fruits, dates, raisins, spinach, grapefruit, tomatoes, avocado, summer black radish, barley grass, cucumber, wheat grass, garlic, ginger, green beans, cabbage, celery, figs, and ripe banana. “Limiting consumption of acid-forming foods and eating more alkaline-forming foods can protect your body from obesity by decreasing leptin levels and inflammation,” said nutritionist S. Radhika.

Alkaline forming foods are also anti-inflammatory and an alkaline diet helps to keep the calories in control, she said, but warns that a balance must be maintained.

Alkaline forming foods are also anti-inflammatory and an alkaline diet helps to keep the calories in control, she said, but warns that a balance must be maintained.“If a low acidic diet is opted for and there is too much of alkaline, the body will experience symptoms of light-headedness, confusion, seizures and even coma,” Ms Radhika said.

Balancing the diet is very important as winter are those months where there are more of falls and also many people suffer from aching bones due to the winter chill. General physician Dr G. Kishan said that in winter “The body must be kept warm, so consume foods like nuts, eggs, fish and chicken. Avoid processed foods. Vegetarians can opt for whole grains, millets, green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits. Everyone should eat foods that will keep their immune system strong. They must avoid processed beverages as these tend to increase sugar levels and makes one feel hungrier.”