We're shivering in freezing temperatures this week as our mild winter weather took a turn for the Baltic.
To keep our bodies warm and combat the cold temperatures, what could be better than a luscious hot chocolate or a hot hearty meal? Doesn't a rich winter diet warm you up?
That's where we've been wrong.
Whether it's below freezing or a fine sunny day, the internal temperature of the body needs to stay at around 37 degrees Celsius. The body can maintain its internal temperature by itself, if it's hot it will cool down, if it's cold, it will warm itself up using muscular and metabolic mechanisms.
Your body will use up its sugar reserves to keep warm, but if you're only cold for brief periods there will be no need for your body to go a step further and tap into its fat reserves. So, we can't really justify stuffing our faces with warm apple pie and chocolate to keep warm.
What about downing a bowl of hot, comforting veggie soup? Fortunately, a hot meal like soup can definitely have beneficial effects on body temperature.
The heat diffused by the food gives you a sensation of wellbeing and reduces the feeling of being cold, but once its in the stomach it will take on the same temperature as your internal body.
So, how can you fight against the cold?
There is only one solution. Wrap up properly and wear plenty of layers. Two thin jumpers is always better than one thick jumper. It mightn't be glamourous, but it's effective.
Stock up on your Vitamin C and iron to make sure a balanced diet will help fend off colds and coughs.
Finally, breakfasts should be rich and well-balanced. Have fruit (or a juice), a hot drink and a nourishing cereal.
