Winter is a time when many people tend to indulge in comfort foods, such as starchy casseroles and rich desserts. However, it is important to remember that eating a healthy and balanced diet during the winter months can help to boost your immune system, prevent you becoming ill, and keep you feeling energized. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy winter foods that delight the taste buds and help to nourish your body.
One of the best healthy winter foods is soup. Not only is soup easy to make, it is also a great way to pack a variety of nutrients into one meal. You can make soups using a number of different vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and celery, and add in protein sources like chicken or beans. You can also make soups with a variety of broths or stocks, such as chicken, beef or vegetable, which add flavour and nutrients.
Root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and turnips are in season during the winter months and they are a great source of fibre, potassium, and other important vitamins and minerals. They also contain complex carbohydrates, which can help to keep you feeling full. Root vegetables are extremely versatile and can be roasted, mashed or added to soups and stews.
Similar to root vegetables is winter squash, which is a good source of fibre and Vitamin C as well as beta-carotene. It is also high versatile and can be roasted, steamed, and added to soups and stews.
Many people think of fruits as a summer food. However, a number of delicious fruits are in season during the winter months such as oranges, pears, and apples. These fruits are a great source of Vitamin C, which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system. They can be eaten as is or added to salads, oatmeal or smoothies.
One of the healthiest winter foods is leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens. They are in season during the winter months and are a great source of important nutrients, such as Vitamin K, Vitamin A, calcium and iron. Leafy greens can be sautéed, added to soups and stews, or eaten raw in salads.
Nuts and seeds are healthy winter foods that can be added to many dishes or simply eaten as a snack. They are rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals, such as magnesium and zinc.
Finally, one of the most comforting and healthy winter foods is a warm bowl of oatmeal. Oats are high in fibre and whole grains, which can help to keep you feeling full and satiated. They also contain important vitamins and minerals, such as iron and magnesium. Oats can be topped with a variety of fruits and nuts, and sweetened with honey or maple syrup.
