Come winter and the thought of snuggling up in a couch under a quilt with a hot mug of hot chocolate or coffee, a book and something to munch on might seem heavenly. But hold it right there: eating healthy in winter is absolutely important, and cannot be compromised on, at any cost. It is vital to keep your body and mind in good shape, particularly when you know that you are less likely to exercise, and are less likely to move about. Here are a bunch of foods you would do well to avoid in winter:

1. Dairy: Dairy is best avoided – but if you simply must indulge, you would do best to have it in minimal doses if not altogether avoid it. Dairy products do not induce mucus, but help thicken the extant mucus. So, if you feel congested in your chest, milk and dairy products will only worsen your predicament, and not help your cause. It can also make swallowing quite a tough process. To replace dairy, use skim milk or even milk powder. Indulge in soy cheese and margarine instead.

– Caffeine: Of course it seems alluring to indulge in caffeine. But, it is best avoided since excessive caffeine functions as a diuretic, which dehydrates your system. Dehydration will again culminate in the thickening of your mucus membranes, so it is best avoided. If you do want a hot beverage, opt for green tea or even soups.

– Meat and Eggs! Meat and eggs are rich in protein – which again, increases the build-up of mucus in the throat. Opt for fish and poultry, because all high-fat red meats and processed meats cause this issue and render your health in bad shape.

– Fried foods: Fats and oils which are animal by-products can increase the secretion and production of mucus in the body. This in turn augments the adverse impact on your body. Use vegetable oils instead.

  

 

Instead of these foods, make sure to include in your diet the following winter-friendly eatables:

– Munch on a bowl of nuts that have no extra salt. They help keep you warm.
– Have lots of ginger tea or ginger green tea, it helps keep colds at bay.
– Indulge in whole grains to keep your body warm.
– Mulled wine is a good idea to keep warm during winter.

References
http://www.indiatimes.com/health/6-foods-you-should-avoid-during-winters-to-avoid-congestion-247650.html
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2015/02/02/foods-shouldnt-eat-during-winter/
http://www.skymetweather.com/content/health-and-food/10-winter-foods-that-will-keep-you-warm/