Edith Hejberg
Instead of warming whole rooms, SAGA gives ideas on how to heat your body and not your whole house. Things such as heated blanket can keep you very warm, for very cheap.
Energy prices are continuing to rise, putting more and more pressure on household budgets. This list may give you some ideas on how to stay warm and not turn up the heat in the house
Reporting by Saga Magazie brings together expert advice, traditional practices and simple lifestyle changes that aim to improve comfort while keeping costs down.
Heating the person
Many of these methods are gaining attention not just because they’re inexpensive, but because they work with the body’s own ability to regulate heat.
Wool, for example, traps air and helps maintain a steady temperature, while heated textiles offer targeted warmth for people who spend long hours sitting. Likewise, eating spices such as ginger and cinnamon can stimulate the body’s natural heat-producing processes. Focusing on eating hearty meals like slow cooked meats and stews will also help you stay warm and cozy this winter.
By focusing on techniques that support the body rather than heating entire rooms, you can save a lot of money, without risking cold hands and a runny nose.
Simple heat sources
For quick, localised warmth, SAGA highlights an easy homemade option. If you have some scrap fabric and leftover grain you can easily find a way to make a homemade heatpack. This can help heat only the body, and costs almost nothing.
They are also reusable and very environment friendly. All you need to do is heat them in the microwave and they will keep you warm for a long time.
Eating for warmth
Food plays a role in how the body regulates temperature. According to SAGA, nutritional therapist Laura Southern says certain ingredients can support the process by which the body generates heat.
Spices such as ginger can help keep you warm and are inexpensive. Slow cooked food will also give you comfort and warmth in the cold months. Especially greens like squash and sweet potatoes will help you.
SAGA reports that she advises favouring soups, stews and other hearty dishes in winter, rather than cold meals that do little to support internal heat.
Sources: SAGA Magazine
