Winter is settling in, which means blustery winds, colder temperatures and dark nights spent hibernating indoors. We don’t blame you though, because we feel the exact same way! An easy way to stay warm on those extra chilly days is by layering #allthethings. Blanket scarves, fleece-lined leggings (genius!), super cozy, fresh from the dryer sweatshirts – oh my! But did you know that keeping your outsides warm is just the tip of the iceberg? As tasty as a fabulous wool scarf may be, we’re here to let you in on an even more deliciously warm secret – food. Staying warm by eating you say? Yes please – sign us up! 

Read on to learn about  five types of food that can help keep you warm this winter.

#1 Bone Broth

Consuming homemade bone broth is a great source of warmth. It’s basically like a hug in a mug! It’s also an excellent source of protein and high quality fats, which can keep you warm and satiated even on the coldest of winter days. But if you don’t want to sit around sipping bone broth or it’s less than convenient to do so, try using it as a base for sauces, soups and stews. Here’s a great guide that we put together on how to make bone broth. And trust us, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds, we promise! Want to include an added boost of nutrients like iodine, magnesium and Vitamins A and B? Throwing in a handful of Alaskan Kombu Dried Kelp or Alaskan Wakame Dried Kelp will do the trick. Someone pass us a spoon!

#2 Cooked Foods

According to Ayurveda tradition, an alternative medicine system with historical roots in India, food should always be cooked during winter, which aids in digestion. That means braising, grilling, roasting and slow-cooking are IN while serving raw foods like chilled salads, soups and sandwiches are OUT. So what better excuse is there than to bust out the slow cooker to effortlessly whip up a batch of hearty homemade soup, a savory stew or a comforting casserole. Soups are especially great at night because they’re easy to digest and (let’s be real) who doesn’t love curling up with a comforting bowl of homemade soup on a bitterly cold winter night? It can’t get much better than that! Oh and don’t forget a slice of hearty Homemade Sourdough Seaweed Bread or a handful of crunchy Sourdough Seaweed Crackers to round out your meal. Yum! Some other super savory dishes perfect for winter include Creamy Rotini Crab Bake, Marsala Elk Bolognese and Pappa Al Pomodoro with Seaweed.

#3 Hot Beverages

During chilly months, one of the easiest ways to warm up is with a hot beverage. No big newsflash here, but try mixing your usual go-to with a pinch of a warming spice (see below) to keep cozy long after you’ve drained your cup. Hot apple cider, coffee, hot chocolate, mulled wine, tea, the options are endless and they all can benefit from a dash of cinnamon or ginger to spice things up. Enjoy a hot mug of your favorite drink with a No-Bake Seaweed Infused Oat Bar or a Flourless Super Seaweed Kelp Brownie for an extra sweet winter treat.

#4 Seasonal Produce

When we eat with the seasons, we  align ourselves with the healing energies of that specific season. So as we continue through the winter months, for example, you’ll want to focus on warm, earthy foods like:

• Apples

• Bell peppers

• Brussels sprouts

• Butternut squash

• Elderberries

• Mushrooms

• Pears

• Root vegetables

• Sweet potatoes

• Winter squash

How will you know if what you’re eating aligns with the seasons? A good bet is to rely on what’s fresh at your local farmers markets. If you can’t buy it from a local farmer, chances are it doesn’t naturally grow during that time of year. Need more help? Check out this handy seasonal produce guide. 

We swear by roasting any and all vegetables (because life is just better with a char) and it could not be easier – we promise. Just chop your veggies so they’re roughly the same size, spread them out on a sheet pan, and roll up your sleeves because this is the fun part. Drizzle a few teaspoons of avocado oil right on top, sprinkle a hearty pinch of salt, and squeeze a tablespoon or two of ou Alaskan Kombu Puree – then toss everything together in the pan. Roast at 425° for 15 min, toss and cook for another 10-15 minutes or so. It’s foolproof and we know you’ll enjoy the full body flavor rich in nutrients and grounding energies.

#5 Warming Spices

Adding warming spices is a super simple way to stay warm during the cold winter months. Some wonderful winter spices include:

• Allspice

• Cardamom

• Chili

• Cinnamon

• Cloves

• Cumin

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Nutmeg

• Turmeric

Add a pinch of these spices to your favorite meals or toss them in a mug of your winter tea for an extra touch of tasty warmth. Looking for something even easier? Try a food that already has warming spices in it. In fact, our new Turmeric Ginger Popcorn is perfectly suited to this time of year. The warm root flavors add a subtle spice that will warm you from the inside out. We’ve got other varieties too so check out all of our delicious flavors here.