5 Foods And Drinks To Avoid In Winters For A Healthy, Infection-Free Body

Winter season is in full swing, and with it comes a host of delicious foods and cuisines. Everyone is well-aware of the foods that we must eat in winters - seasonal fruits, vegetables and all things warm and nourishing. But what about the foods we should avoid? Experts and nutritionists in the field suggest that a particular set of foods and food types are best avoided in the harsh winter season for better health and immunity. Try and give these foods a miss to maintain a healthy, strong body, which is less susceptible to infections.

Here Are 5 Foods To Avoid In Winters:

1. Cold Temperature Foods

Thinking of having a bottle of cola straight from the fridge? Think again. Having chilled drinks and cold foods can lower the body's defense system, making it susceptible to diseases. "Cold temperature foods should not be had in winter season, as the body has to work twice as hard to bring them up to the body temperature," says Consultant Nutritionist Rupali Dutta. 

2. Dairy Products

Dairy products are mucus-generating in nature - a feature which may make you prone to wheezing and other infections. Therefore, try to limit intake of cold dairy products such as milk, shakes and smoothies during winters. Curd, too, is best avoided post lunch in the winter season.

(Also Read: Foods That Can Keep You Warm This Winter Season)

_{Foods to avoid in winters: Meats are heavy foods which are best avoided in winter season.} 

3. Meats

Heavy foods such as meats are not advised to be taken in the winter season. Experts say that it takes the body longer to digest these, thus making us lethargic at a time when physical inactivity is already low. This may lead to digestive issues and weight gain too.

4. Salads And Raw Food

According to Nutritionist and Macrobiotic Health Coach Shilpa Arora ND, it is best to avoid salads and raw food post lunch hours in winters. This is due to the fact that cold food items will increase acidity and bloating, and digestion is at its peak at noon. Consume seasonal salads like mooli and raw veggies at these hours only.

(Also Read: 7 Immunity-Boosting Juices For Winter Diet; Stay Healthy And Enjoy The Lovely Weather)

_{Foods to avoid in winters: Experts suggest avoiding salads post lunch in winters.} 

5. Juices and Aerated Drinks

We all know that chilled beverages should be avoided in winter season. But experts suggest it is better to limit consumption of all aerated drinks, fruit juices and other sugary beverages. The high level of sugar in these leads to the body developing insulin resistance. "Eat fresh fruit and avoid fruit juices. Even fresh fruit juice should be avoided in winters," says Shilpa Arora ND. 

Stay health, warm and safe. Don't forget to stock up on good nutrition this winters! 

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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About Aditi AhujaAditi loves talking to and meeting like-minded foodies (especially the kind who like veg momos). Plus points if you get her bad jokes and sitcom references, or if you recommend a new place to eat at.