#WellnessWeds: 4 Ways to Make Sure You Eat Your Fruits and Veggies in the Winter
Registered Dietician
| 2 min read
It’s cold out there, and for many of us that means comfort foods with more carbs and starchy foods. I will admit I associate summertime with delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, too. But remember that getting in that delicious produce is beneficial for your health and body, especially during the winter and “flu” season. There are many ways you can incorporate fruits and vegetables — nature’s fast food — into your winter meal plan.
Here are some ideas to help you get your fruits and vegetables throughout the winter:
- Try frozen or canned vegetables. Ideally, we all like fresh, but if you can’t find what you want, I would rather have you eating fruits and vegetables no matter what form they’re in. Frozen and less processed would be my first recommendation. Also, you may want to try freezing or canning your own after the summer, so you have them for next winter. If you are going to buy canned vegetables, choose the “no salt added” variety to avoid too much sodium.
- Include dried fruit. It is delicious, good for you and a healthy snack. Dried fruit is easy to travel with and one of my favorite foods to add to homemade trail mix.
- Don’t forget about the wonderful fruits and vegetables that are in season right now. Potatoes, winter squash, parsnips, rutabaga, kale, onions, leeks, beets, carrots, mushrooms, bitter melon, radishes, persimmons, starfruit, artichokes and other cruciferous vegetables are all examples.
- Try new recipes that involve some of these seasonal fruits and vegetables. I always say trying new recipes is a great way to expand your tastes and experience new things with your family. When it is cold outside, stews and soups are a great way to incorporate more produce, and it keeps you warm.
Remember, the goal is to have at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. You can do it, even during the cold winter months.
Do you have any other good ideas on how to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet during the winter? What about any favorite winter recipes? I would love to hear from you.
Photo Credit: Skanska Matupplevelser
