Seasons affect more than just your wardrobe and electricity bill. They also impact what you put on your plate!
With summer long gone, you may be looking for additional food items to add to your diet – especially if you’re trying to manage your weight. With the holidays in full swing, you want to enjoy the comfort of winter foods without adding additional calories. We’ve got some great ideas for you!
Healthy Winter Foods to Stock up on
- Winter Squash – These come in many different varieties, including butternut, acorn and spaghetti squash. High in vitamins in minerals, they make great side dishes and even pasta replacements.
- Root Vegetables – Think about potatoes, parsnips, turnips, celery root and beets. These choices are high in fiber and are easy to cook with for seasonal dishes.
- Citrus Fruits – Fresh citrus fruits are in season this time of year! They can be eaten alone, added to water or even made into low-calorie desserts and juices.
- Almonds and Walnuts – These nuts are packed with protein and can be used in many different ways. Eat them alone, in salads or even sprinkle them on top of your favorite side dishes for an extra crunch.
- Cozy Soups and Stews – Warm up this winter with some of your favorite comfort foods. When making soups and stews, remember to use low-sodium broth and omit as much heavy creams as possible. Toss in some root vegetables for sure!
- Seasonal Spices – These include nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, clove – you name it! While they may not be winter foods per say, they can certainly pack a ton of flavor into your winter favorites – especially on top of sweet potatoes and in your favorite desserts.
- Broccoli and Cauliflower – Consider these healthy diet staples. They’re high in vitamins and rich with fiber, and you can cook with them in many different ways.
Don’t let the cooler weather affect you from making a trip to the grocery store. Be sure to stock up on these winter foods to stay warm, healthy and happy!
