Eat Yo Winter Veg!
Eat Yo Winter Veg!
Winter has hit and the forecast is chilly with the chance of colds and flus. We are tapping into the top healthiest, seasonal foods to help prep your body and immune system with adapting to the winter changes.
Well, why seasonal food? Besides the fact that it is easier to access an array of beautiful fresh produce, seasonal produce actually tastes better. Importing of fruit and veg decreases the natural flavours due to travel refrigeration and then hot room heating, thawing, ripening- think floury apples, flavourless and sometimes limp greens. No thanks!
Seasonal produce is also usually cheaper and more environmentally friendly since the food carries no additional travel and production costs and it is locally grown which means it has less overseas contaminant, and healthy localised microbes- which of course not only supports local businesses, but has health benefits since it helps us develop the needed antibodies for our local transmitted pathogens.
Seasonal food means we are provided by nature with all the needed nutrients for that particular season. The following foods we’ll be looking in to are the best for the winter when our bodies are also experiencing changes in energy levels, metabolism and even food preferences. These foods contain high amounts of macro and micro nutrients that the body needs to prevent becoming vulnerable to infections and to improve overall immunity and keep us healthy and vibrant through the cold season.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Can be found locally and is easy to grow at home, frozen of these also maintain their nutrients well.
- Kale (nutrient-dense)
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Swiss Chard
Root Vegetables
Most of these are high in Beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, and needed for the conversion of Vitamin A.
- Carrots
- Sweet potato
- Turnips
- Onions
- Radish
Unsaturated Fats
Most of the essential phytonutrients also require a carrier lipid for proper absorption- why not choose an oil like B-well that also provides immune-supporting Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids.
- B-well Pure Canola Oil
- B-well Canola & Olive Blend oil
- B-well Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Natural Ghee
- Avocados
- Fatty fish – like salmon, trout, mackerel, pilchards
- Nuts- Like Walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, pecan and peanuts
- Seeds- like Hemp, Flax, Sunflower, Chia and sesame
Adaptogenic Foods
These help the body adapt to biological and psychological stress, overcome and rebalance shifts in hormones during stress and through changes.
- Mushrooms (like shiitake, chaga, cordyceps, lions mane,
- Peppermint
- Liquorice Root
- Ashwagandha
- Goji Berries
- Holy Basil/Tulsi
Wholegrains
Packed with B-Vitamins, dietary fibre and minerals like magnesium which help support mood, relaxation and immunity.
- Oats
- Bulghar wheat
- Quinoa
- Chickpeas
- Brown rice
Foods with Vitamin D
Since the sun is our main supplier, winter calls for supplementation if we are getting less of rays and still want to keep our mood and energy levels up.
- Yoghurt
- Cheese
- Orange Juice
- Eggs
- Lean Beef
- Portobello mushrooms
As you can see, there is a vast array of different foods to explore and create with this winter. It is also important to remember to stay hydrated during the winter, to continue with or establish an exercise routine to stay fit and to not overeat for comfort as it becomes counteractive to winter well-being. Happy Winter Everybody.