The top 7 foods to fuel you for winter exercise

It’s easy to eat high calorie, low satisfaction meals in the winter. Our body craves the bad stuff sometimes, especially after gorging ourselves over Christmas and New Year. It can be hard to make the change into foods that will fuel our body in the correct way - keeping us fuller, and satisfied, for longer. Here are our top shouts for winter foods that you should be stocking up on:

Leeks

Full of magnesium, a mineral that many people are deficient in. Magnesium deficiency can lead to anxiety and irritability, both of which might be seen to be more prevalent in the cold winter months. Why not try your hand at making a leek and potato soup, for a warming, fuelling and nourishing dinner?

Oats

Start your day with a delicious bowl of porridge. This slow-release breakfast will help keep you full of energy until lunchtime. Top with some nuts and seeds, or some apples, pears, and dates, for an added flavour hit.

Spinach

Foods that are high in zinc are so important during the winter months, whilst we come into contact with viruses that can cause colds and flu, or worse. Our immune system has to be in tip top shape to fight off the illnesses, and zinc helps us do this. Spinach, legumes, and even oysters, are all fantastic sources of zinc.

Broccoli

A yummy source of vitamins - just one cup of broccoli contains more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs. It’s such a wonderful vegetable to do so many different things with - boiled and roasted, blended and made into fritters, or even as a substitute for cauliflower, as a ‘broccoli cheese’ side dish…delicious!

Sweet potato

High in beta-carone - an antioxidant that fights inflammation. Add a touch of sweetness to any meal with a sweet potato. If you’re feeling really adventurous, why not try sweet potato toast for breakfast, rather than a few slices of white bread?

Fish

Salmon and cod are brilliant sources of vitamin B12. This vitamin helps to regulate the function of the immune system, and also helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue. Why not try and make a warming fish pie this winter?

Sugar free organic apple crumble

SO easy to make, and seriously tasty. Just boil your apples in water with a hefty serving of cinnamon. When soft, drain, and mix them with honey, and bake for 25 minutes. Top with an organic oats, honey and hazelnut mixed topping, bake until your crumble is golden, and you’ve got a delicious, nutritious, and guilt-free dessert, for whenever your sweet tooth is begging for dessert. Perfect!

As always, stay fit, happy, and healthy.