Heart Attack: Winter brings warm sunshine, cozy sweaters and the irresistible aroma of comfort foods that define the season – from gajar ka halwa to butter chicken and crunchy samosas. While these dishes may seem ideal for cold weather indulgence, they can secretly add to sluggishness, weight gain and weakened immunity.
Let’s find out why avoiding or moderating these foods could be the smartest choice this winter, helping you avoid severe health complications such as heart attack.
1. Gajar ka Halwa – The Sugary Trap
A winter staple, gajar ka halwa is full of generous ghee, khoya and refined sugar that go into it can turn a humble carrot dessert into a calorie bomb. A small bowl of gajar ka halwa can include more than 300 calories, primarily from saturated fats and sugar. No wonder, overconsumption of it can significantly spike blood sugar levels and lead to post-meal lethargy.
Gajar ka halwa can end up slowing down your body’s metabolism, especially in winters when metabolism naturally dips. Healthier versions with less ghee, jaggery instead of sugar and low-fat milk can still satisfy cravings without the guilt.
2. Butter Chicken / Roghan Josh – Rich, But Risky
These creamy, spice-laden gravies offer comfort and warmth but they are also loaded with cream, butter and saturated fats. Such foods can increase cholesterol levels, raise blood pressure and contribute to weight gain. It can even make digestion sluggish, often leading to acidity or bloating. Instead, try grilled or tandoori versions of chicken or mutton with light gravy made from tomato base instead of cream.
3. Samosa, Kachori, Pakode – Fried Temptations
What’s winter without chai and pakodas? Unfortunately, deep-fried snacks are one of the biggest culprits behind winter weight gain. The reuse of oil in frying stalls can produce trans fats that are harmful compounds linked to heart disease and poor immunity besides being a reason for heart attacks.
Additionally, oily snacks cause heaviness and reduce blood circulation efficiency, making you feel lazier when your body already requires more energy to stay warm. A better choice would be air-fried or baked snacks paired with green chutney.
4. Revdi, Gachak – Too Much of the Sweet and Fatty Combo
Sesame (til) and jaggery (gur) are great for winter. They boost energy and provide warmth. But commercial revdi and gachak often come loaded with extra sugar, glucose syrup and hydrogenated oils. This sugar–fat combination not only increases calorie intake but may also cause unwanted spikes in insulin and fat storage.
Winter is all about making smarter, lighter choices. Focus on warming soups, herbal teas, fresh seasonal produce (like amla, spinach, mustard greens), and whole grains to keep your energy levels stable. Your body will thank you!
