Your body instinctively thrives when it takes its cue from nature and follows its own rhythm. During winter, Nature is at rest, and so it is for you: the time to turn your attention inward, seeking warmth and comfort at home with loved ones.
The cold and damp weather is also when your body intuitively craves more warm, cooked and satisfying foods that are higher in protein and fibrous carbohydrates. It’s also a great time to pull out the slow cooker or your Dutch oven and gather your favorite ingredients for a nourishing meal.
Here’s a list of the foods to incorporate into your winter food plan:
- Legumes: black beans, kidney beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas are high in both fiber and protein, and are great in soups and stews. Plus, their longer cooking times make them easier to digest.
- Root vegetables: carrots, turnips, onions, garlic, ginger, and potatoes.
- Nuts and nut milks are also good in the winter to snack on. Try home roasting raw nuts and seeds with herbs and spices, like cayenne pepper, turmeric, paprika, rosemary, thyme, etc., and enjoy them alone or sprinkled on your favorite vegetables. Warm up some nut milk and enjoy a cup with some cinnamon and vanilla extract.
- Fruits and vegetables: be sure to include all orange, yellow, and red fruits & vegetables for their immune boosting compounds, called carotenoids.
Remember, because days are shorter, you may be less active. Therefore, take care not to increase your food intake too much during the winter months, as it is easy to gain unwanted pounds.