Fuel yourself!

I am sitting in my very cool office waiting for the sun to come around to my window to warm it. It was so cold in my house this morning that the water in the cats’ dish had frozen.

Keeping warm during the winter months in Maine does take lots of energy, not only for the building’s heating source, but also for our bodies. Just the drying effect of hot air furnaces and wood-burning stoves can stress the body. Drinking six to eight glasses of fluid each day is just as important in winter as it is in the heat of summer.

Nourishing soups, stews and chowders can also supply the needed fluids and nutrients that provide warmth to our bodies. Leftover meat and vegetables added to low-sodium canned soups add nourishment and flavor. This also stretches the soup which, in my opinion, is often way overpriced. Using evaporated skim milk or adding dry milk powder makes chowders richer and healthier. Favorite soup or stew recipes get a boost from adding extra lean meat or other protein. You might even want to make extra and freeze it for a quick warm-me-up meal!

All the seasons in Maine are the best. Keep your personal fuel source in top shape, think warm thoughts and enjoy the cold.

--Gail Ward, Director of Nutrition

Comments

[Eileen]

This was very helpful during these cold days! Thank you. Keep up the good work at Eastern Agency on Aging.