When most people think about winter holiday foods, visions of candy canes, peppermint bark, macaroni and cheese casseroles, hot chocolate, and eggnog seem to be at the top of everyone’s lists. But in reality, some winter foods will actually help, and not hurt, your waistline as long as you prepare and eat them in a healthy, fulfilling manner.
Take a look at these five winter foods that will promote fat-burning all season (or all year) long.
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon isn’t just used as a topping on oatmeal and desserts; cinnamon will slow down the digestion process, regulate your blood sugar, and boost metabolism. Take as many opportunities as you can to sprinkle cinnamon over food and add to teas to achieve a more wintery flavor.
2. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes taste better throughout fall and winter when they’re in season, which is also why most fall and winter meals call for sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, which helps you feel full for a longer period of time while also burning calories. Like cinnamon, sweet potatoes also contain compounds that help regulate your blood sugar, which is ideal if you suffer from type 2 diabetes.
3. Turkey
Turkey is one of the healthiest meats you can eat and is high in protein, which will help you stay full for longer periods of time. Eating turkey will also help boost your metabolism, since your body will reach into its energy stores to digest this lean protein meat.
