Warm Up!

Eating out is a more regular occurrence with many of us during winter. We spend an increasing amount in the fraction of our food budget away from home kitchens,be it an excuse to avoid cooking or to chase the depressive winter blues away. Dining out poses many challenges to a healthy lifestyle as portion sizes are often ignored,there is unrestricted consumption of sodium; the type of cooking medium is also unaccounted for. In winter we are able to accommodate a little of everything we taste or gobble down. This is due to the fact that the digestive fire in us increases which invites more food. Consequently,we feel hungrier,and start eating heavy and hard to digest food that weakens our immunity. The fact that we can actually digest food better in winter,we can nourish our bodies better but with nutritious food. Alcohol largely contributes to the incorrect belief that it helps to keep our body warm. On the contrary,alcohol can speed the process of frostbite or hypothermia caused by the dilation of the surface blood vessels. This cools the blood and decreases body temperature. Although an alcoholic beverage may give the feeling of warmth,it actually reduces the body temperature.

While eating out in winter choose the dishes wisely. From the Chinese cuisine,opt for vegetable dishes,steamed wontons,clear soups,steamed rice and dumplings and avoid the pan fried,crispy fried meats,spring rolls,deep fried rice. Teriyaki or sukiyaki preparations are lighter compared to the tempuras in Japanese cuisine. Sushi and sashimi are safer bets. The typically Indian dishes that are Mughlai,Shahi or Hyderabadi in preparations should be swapped for tandoori,grilled,steamed dishes. Mexican cuisine has a lot of healthier fare to offer. Fajitas,soft tacos,salsa and gazpachos,pico de gallo and black beans have fewer calories than Nachos,hard shell taco,chimichangas. Come winter and pizzerias are doing roaring business. Opt for veggie,Hawaiian,Tandoori toppings on whole-wheat of thin crust pizzas and do away with extra molten cheese,pepperoni,sausage or bacon topped pizzas with cheese fillings. Italian cuisine offer pastas made with high quality grains and not only with the standard refined flour. The best avoided dishes from this cuisine will be the parmiagianas,risotto or the alfredo cream or cheese sauce toppings. As a thumb rule,eat in small portions and eat light this winter. So,eat light,eat small and eat healthy. Beat the winter blues with winter greens.

GAZPACHO PASTA SALAD
Infredients
450 gms bow-tie (farfalle) pasta
2 large tomatoes,seeded,coarsely chopped
1 large cucumber,coarsely chopped
1 small red bell pepper,coarsely chopped
1 small yellow bell pepper,coarsely chopped
8 medium green onions,sliced
1 green chilly,seeded,chopped
2 tbsps sliced ripe olives,drained
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Tomato-Lime Vinaigrette
1/2 cup tomato juice
1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cloves garlic,finely chopped
Method: Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water and drain. In large bowl,mix pasta and all remaining salad ingredients. In another small bowl,mix all vinaigrette ingredients until well blended. Pour over salad; toss to mix.

(The writer is a city-based food and diet consultant who can be contacted at adda.mehrotra<@>gmail.com)