10 Winter foods you NEED this season
I love the changing of the seasons that ushers in the cooler air. Unfortunately, that can also mean our fresh summer produce, like berries, are harder to find or crazy expensive.
So I wanted to send you some of my favorite winter produce to have on hand over the next few months to help fuel you properly with the right nutrients and vitamins/minerals.
These top 10 WINTER FOODS can be found in your grocery store, or at your local farmers market, throughout the fall and winter months.
Cabbage isn’t just for St Patrick's day! Cabbage is a versatile superfood loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and calcium. This cruciferous vegetable can be roasted, added to soups and even sauteed in a little avocado oil.
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and are a great way to knock out that sweet craving while also providing a delicious dose of beta carotene. Beta carotene is a free radical that fights inflammation and free radical damage. Add sweet potatoes to soups and chilis to bring new life to the yummy comfort foods that we all love in the winter.
Brussel sprouts are one of the most nutrient dense winter superfoods. Packed with vitamins C and K, manganese, potassium and vitamin B6. Try roasting them with some avocado oil, Himalayan salt and pepper for a tasty filling side dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your spices to change it up a bit as well.
Kale is a cold weather plant that peaks in fall and winter. It’s high in potassium, which is just as effective as reducing your sodium intake, if you are trying to lower your blood pressure. It is also a great source of folate, an important nutrient for pregnant women. Add it to soups, smoothies and salads. Or my personal fave, kale chips.
Winter squash, either acorn or butternut, is a winter superfood you just can’t overlook any longer. Cooking with winter squash isn’t as hard as you think! Just dice and toss with some seasoning and roast for a delicious side dish or use the roasted squash for a delicious, smooth butternut squash soup. Filled with fiber, magnesium, beta carotene, vitamins C and B6 it may also aid in decreasing your blood pressure and lowering your cholesterol.
Avocados are filled with healthy omega-3 fats and are a great way to help balance out your macros for the day! When you find yourself lacking fat you can dice them up and add them to salads and soups. Packed with B vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid and B6 makes avocados a superfood you will want to use for more than just guacamole!
Parsnips are a root vegetable and can be described as a more flavorful carrot. You can use them in soups and stews instead of carrots or boil and mash them like a potato. They are loaded with fiber and folate. Did you know folate can help build new brain cells? Now that is a superfood!
Leeks provide magnesium, a mineral that many are deficient in which can lead to anxiety and irritability. Leeks are in the onion family but provide a more mild flavor than it’s onion cousin making it a great option to add to salads and as a soup topping.
Fennel has a strong licorice flavor and can actually improve IBS symptoms and even lessen heartburn! With its strong nutrient profile including copper, phosphorus and iron, you can add fennel to soups and stews and even stuffings. Every part of the fennel plant is edible so save the stalks to throw into a broth for a new flavor profile in your favorite soups!
Apples are great for smoothies and salads. Pair them with roasted butternut squash and add to a kale salad for a superfood filled lunch! Apples also make a great snack that even the kids will enjoy when served with your favorite nut butter for dipping. You will want to leave the peel on as it contains a large percentage of the fruits fiber and phytonutrients.
The possibilities are endless with these winter foods. Whether you are adding them into a soup, or making a beautiful winter salad, adding these to your menu will give you awesome nutrition to fuel your body for whatever your day brings.
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