The coldest time of winter is here. How to get through it comfortably?

Today is Minor Cold, the sixth day of the "Second Nine" in the traditional Chinese calendar. It marks the beginning of the coldest period of the year in China. There are old sayings such as "Minor Cold and Major Cold, even drips of water turn to ice" and "Minor Cold is colder than Major Cold, a common occurrence not to be surprised by." How can we comfortably and healthily get through the cold winter?

One, Eat Three Things

1. Eat Lamb

In winter, when the weather is freezing, it's essential to ensure adequate intake of fats and protein by eating more foods that generate heat.

Lamb is warm-natured and produces a lot of heat. It can both fend off the cold and nourish the body, making it the best food for the winter season and widely popular.

Lamb is often criticized for its distinctive gamey smell. However, cooking one kilogram of lamb with 10 grams of licorice and an appropriate amount of cooking wine and ginger can remove the gaminess while preserving its flavor.

2. Eat Seaweed

Seaweed can promote the secretion of thyroid hormones, which in turn can promote oxidation, increase the body's heat production, boost metabolism, and enhance blood circulation. This improves the body's ability to resist cold. Therefore, eating more iodine-rich foods in winter can increase the body's cold resistance.

Iodine-rich foods include: kelp, seaweed, fat choy, jellyfish, spinach, Chinese cabbage, corn, and animal liver, carrots, etc.

Braised Lamb with Radish

Extended Reading: A Complete Guide to Eating Lamb

3. Eat Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

When the weather turns cold, the body's vitamin metabolism accelerates. Therefore, increasing the intake of vitamins A and C can enhance cold tolerance and adaptability to the cold. Vitamins can also soften blood vessels. You can eat more carrots, dark green vegetables, and fruits.

Two, Drink Three Things

1. Chicken Soup

Chicken soup, especially that made from an old hen, has excellent restorative properties. It can boost immunity and alleviate cold symptoms. Drinking chicken soup in winter can nourish the body and keep cold viruses at bay. However, due to its warming effect, people with inflammation should drink it in moderation.

2. Fish Soup

The cold and dry weather in winter can easily cause coughs, and fish soup can help relieve coughing and wheezing.

When working in winter, the cold weather makes it more difficult. Problems like high stress and lack of sleep can arise. Fish soup contains very comprehensive protein, which can strengthen the spleen and whet the appetite. Moreover, fish soup itself can relieve stress. Therefore, busy people might want to drink more fish soup in winter.

Old Hen Soup

3. Pork Rib Soup

Pork rib soup is rich in calcium phosphate, collagen, and bone glue protein, making it very suitable for supplementing calcium.

In winter, the elderly may find their legs and feet less agile, and the rate of bone aging gradually accelerates. Drinking pork rib soup can strengthen bones and slow down the aging process. You can also add winter melon, kelp, or lotus root to the soup for additional effects of clearing heat and replenishing qi. It is especially suitable for those who are weak, lack strength, and experience lower back and leg pain.

Three, Do Three Things

1. Sleep Early and Rise Late

After the Start of Winter, daily life should focus on "storing" yang energy. People should go to bed early and not get up too early in the morning to ensure adequate sleep.

2. Ventilate

In winter, homes are often sealed with doors and windows closed to keep out the cold, which can easily lead to poor air circulation and bacteria growth. Therefore, windows should be opened for ventilation for 20 minutes in the morning, at noon, and in the evening to keep the indoor air fresh.

Radish and Pork Rib Soup

3. Exercise Appropriately and Sweat a Little

In winter, it's important to engage in moderate physical exercise. Avoid overexertion and pay attention to balancing activity and rest. Running or doing exercises should only induce a light sweat. Excessive sweating can deplete vital energy, which goes against the principle of storing yang energy in winter.

Finally, I hope everyone can develop good lifestyle habits. Pay more attention in daily life, and I believe this winter will be a warm one.

Carp Soup

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