Do you ever feel like eating healthy as the weather gets cooler is difficult? Maybe you start to crave comfort foods over lighter meals or you’re surrounded by sugary baked goods due to the holidays. You’re not alone! Whether it’s the cool temperatures or the seasonal festivities keeping you from eating healthy, I’m sharing my favorite tips for keeping a healthy diet through the colder months.
Eat Seasonal Produce
Eating produce is great, but in the winter finding seasonal options is more accessible and cheaper! Seasonal produce options are packed with immunity-boosting vitamins and mood-boosting minerals, which we all can use in the coming months! Butternut squash, spaghetti squash, pumpkin, brussel sprouts, apples, potatoes, and cauliflower are some of my favorite vegetables to eat in the winter months. Try adding these produce options in your next meal, like a harvest chicken and rice bowl to give yourself the same feel of comfort food, but with the added health benefits of vegetables!
Soups and Chili
Cooking a soup or a bowl of chili is a great way to give yourself the comfort of a warm meal when it’s cold outside, without sacrificing your health goals for something loaded in carbs or sugar! Healthy soups are simple to make and sure to be a hit with the entire family. This chicken and veggie soup is one of my favorite ways to add seasonal veggies into my family’s meals. As it gets cooler, we all love to pullout the crockpot for an easy dinner! Try this white chicken chili recipe next time you’re reaching for your crockpot and want something to warm you up on a cold evening.
Warm and Hearty Salads
Topping your favorite greens with that in-season will give your body the warmth and nutrients it needs in the fall and winter. Try adding in warm roasted potatoes or apples to you kale salad this winter. Toasted nuts, chicken, and other roasted vegetables like cauliflower or squash are perfect toppings for your greens to add in that warmth and comfort you crave!
Healthy Alternatives
We all love the side dishes like sweet potato casserole and the baked goods that fill our holiday tables, but we can opt for healthy options to replace these comfort foods without sacrificing the flavor! Roasted potatoes topped with toasted pecans one of my favorite ways to replace sweet potato casserole; it gives the same sweet taste, but you have the peace of mind that it’s healthy. Another great side to fill your holiday table with is my deviled eggs. Add in hummus for a healthy substitute to this classic recipe. By using healthy alternatives to your favorite comfort foods you’re not only keeping yourself on track to reach your health goals, but these recipes are great for the whole family to enjoy at your next holiday gathering!
