Winter has arrived, and she means business. It was but weeks ago that we were soaking up the summer sun, but now? Eish, its cold outside, and keeping the chill at bay can be a futile conquest. Here are some winter warmer tips to help you conquer the cold.

Coats and Body Warmers

A good coat that doubles up as a rain jacket is a must-have winter item. There’s a wide variety of designs available on the market at varying prices, but bear in mind that many aren’t designed to keep you warm. Look for coats that have a thermal or fleece lining ( actually, any lining is better than none). Yes, they’re a little more costly, but a quality purchase will see you through many winters.

Body warmers are also a good choice, especially if you don’t like layering. Body warmers protect you against the cold weather and do not hinder productivity, as layers would.

Feet Warmers

It is a scientifically proven fact that warm feet builds up your immune system. Studies have shown that cold feet will lower your white blood cell count, making you more susceptible to falling ill.

Luckily for us, mankind is innovative, so much so that you can now invest in a USB foot warmer. Making it so much easier to fight the cold, no matter where we are.

Chicken Soup

Dubbed as the universal healing elixir, chicken soup is an age old natural remedy for treating cold and flu symptoms. Although, chicken soup is not a cure, it is proven to alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Chicken broth has a natural healing quality that thins mucous on the lungs, making it easier to expel. Inhaling chicken broth vapours also helps clear nasal congestion.

Other key chicken soup ingredients include carrots, onion and garlic and they super charge white blood cells to fight off bacteria and act as anti­-histamine and anti-inflammatory agents.

Cure-a-Cold Chicken Soup (courtesy of rachaelraymag.com)

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breast
  • 2 onions, 1 halved and 1 chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 carrots, chopped or thinly sliced
  • 4 small ribs celery, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 500g wide egg noodles
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • Grated peel of 1 lemon

Preparation

  • In a large saucepan, combine the chicken, halved onion, garlic, bay leaf and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • While the chicken is cooking, in a soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil, 2 turns of the pan, over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion, carrots and celery; add the sugar and season with salt and pepper.
  • Cover the pot and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes.
  • Add the chicken broth and 2 cups water to the pot and bring to a boil.
  • Shred the poached chicken into pieces and add to the soup.
  • Stir in the egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 5 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and stir in parsley and lemon peel.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Whisky

Whisky, in moderation, is always a winner. Not only is it low in calories, its chock-full of health benefits too. Namely:

  •  Rich in antioxidants, which helps combat cancer cell growth
  • Can be used as a cough elixir to combat a sore or itchy throat
  • Protects the heart by helping with blood clot prevention, restricts the oxidation of low density lipoprotein and promotes good cholesterol.

Onesies

 

They are wonderfully warm, comfortable, roomy and can be worn by the whole family. Your regular walk-in blanket, if you ask me. Need I say more?

Invest in all, some, or even just one of these winter warmers and you’ll be all set for the cold season.