As the temperatures drop and the appeal of winter puddings and calorie-dense comfort food take hold, it can be harder to eat healthily. In summer it’s all light food, fruit, seafood, barbequed meat and salads loaded with colourful veggies, but that often doesn’t cut it in the depths of June, July and August – honestly, who feels like lettuce when it’s eight degrees outside?
While it’s totally normal for our bodies to crave heartier food in colder months it’s important not to end up lost in a sea of burgers, chocolate, and heavy pastas on the daily. Winter is notorious for colds and flu and a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can bolster the immune system, helping us fend off illnesses – it can also help us deal with the challenges of low mood that can come from shorter days and less sunlight.
If you’re needing some inspiration, here are some ideas for winter fare:
Get into those soups
Be it from the chiller section of your supermarket or home-made, soups are powerhouses for nutrition. Make a huge pot on a Sunday loaded with different veggies meat or pulses and portion it out for the week
Bust out the slow cooker.
Long slow-cooked casseroles with lots of veggies are super nutritional. Slow cooking breaks down tough connective tissues in meat, making it more tender and easier to digest. This process, known as collagen breakdown, not only improves the texture but also enhances the absorption of nutrients by breaking down proteins into smaller, more digestible fragments.
Amp up the veggies
While you might not feel like cold fresh salads, there are plenty of delicious warm winter veggies too. Brussels sprouts have had a rough time from the days our nanas used to boil them till grey, but roasted or lightly fried in a pan with garlic can give you a dish rich in fibre, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. Pumpkin is great – loaded with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, and it’s also a good source of fibre and potassium. Cauliflower is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate and frozen cauliflower rice makes it super easy to get extra veggies with those curries and stews we all love in colder months.
By incorporating seasonal, nutrient-rich foods and adopting healthy eating habits, you can support your well-being and thrive during the winter months, emerging healthy and ready to maximise the summer months. Embrace the season’s offerings, nourish your body, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of wholesome meals that support your health and vitality. That’s not to say that sticky date pudding, lasagne, apple pie or carbonara is off limits, just perhaps not every day!
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