These healthy recipes for winter will get you through the harsh season.
Of course, if you’re one of those people who loves winter, then you don’t think there is anything wrong.
For instance, you might be thinking, “Hey, at least there are no bugs!”
And, of course, there are those of us who prefer layering up and not have to deal with that “summer body” stuff.
Meanwhile, the winter comes with its own challenges, especially on our health.
For example, not having enough sun exposure can lead to vitamin deficiencies because we all need the sun to be our best.
So, it is really important to make sure you’re eating healthy foods that help your body stay alive!
Therefore, here are some of our favorite recipes for the winter.
Breakfast Recipes for Winter
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, they say.
Kelly Williams, the author of As the Days Go By, says that breakfast “is composed of break and fast. In other words, this is a meal that breaks the fast of not having eaten anything since the night before.”
Williams says that enhanced vitamin and mineral intake, weight control, and clearer thinking is some of the benefits of breakfast.
So, these breakfast recipes for winter take into consideration what you need to start your day strong.
Meanwhile, we decided to make it diverse and then you can choose what fits with your life.
Fruit Salad
Fruits are good source of many things, and they are best to be had earlier in the day.
As a result, if you love fruits then have them for breakfast!
We love Diana Johnson’s Healthy Fruit Salad recipe.
Just make sure you avoid the canned stuff.
“The problem with canned fruit cocktail is that it’s full of added sugar and actually very low in nutrients compared to fresh or frozen fruit,” says Johnson.
Porridge
“As a child, cold winter mornings would often begin with the wonderful smell of oats cooking on the stove,” says Stephanie Jaworski, the woman behind Joy of Baking. Here is her recipe.
Because porridge will boost your energy, as well as help prevent a lot of diseases, it makes an excellent choice for the morning.
Breakfast Steak
Because some of you are really into meat, then the best option would be to have a breakfast steak.
A steak is full of good stuff! For example, it can prevent iron deficiency, help you with your major vitamins Bs, and is even good for mental health.
Meanwhile, keep in mind that a breakfast steak is thinner than regular steak.
So, which steak would we recommend? Ree Dummond’s Breakfast Steak recipe!
Healthy Pancakes
Hey, just because it is winter it doesn’t mean you can compromise on your health.
Because you can literally find a healthier version of whatever you like, there is no excuse.
For example, those of you who can’t imagine their mornings without pancakes, we invite you to Laura’s Healthy Greek Yogurt Pancakes recipe.
Hearty Smoothie
Although smoothies are amazing, in the winter it is best to have one that has an oomph.
For example, we love this Martha Stewart Hearty Fruit and Oat Smoothie recipe.
Lunch Recipes for Winter
So, you may have had a big breakfast, but lunch is soon enough upon you.
Let’s not waste time.
Here are the best lunch recipes for winter.
Warm Salad
So, it is important to remember that your body makes everything warm.
For instance, if is too hot it will warm it down and if it is cold it will warm it up.
As a result, we recommend eating warm salads!
We love Marcia Kiesel’s Warm Mushroom Salad recipe.
Because mushroom has antiviral and antibacterial properties, these cuties make a great addition to your winter diet!
Winter Soup
So, winter soups come in all forms. For us, what makes a winter soup a winter soup is that it features a winter vegetable.
For example, this Bean Soup With Cabbage, Winter Squash and Farro recipe from Martha Rose Shulman, the New York Times chef.
Although Shulman says this is perfect for dinner, we also think it could be great for lunch!
Needless to say, it is filling!
Salmon
Of course, one of the things we immediately lose in the winter is vitamin D, which we normally get enough from exposure to sun.
So, that is where salmon comes to the rescue.
Because salmon, along with other fatty fishes, is full of vitamin D, it makes it an excellent choice to incorporate into your diet.
As a result, we recommend this Scrambled Eggs, Avocado, and Smoked Salmon on Toast recipe from Bon Appétit magazine.
You can also enjoy salmon with pasta!
Dinner Recipes for Winter
Dinner is a tricky meal.
There are those who believe it should be the heaviest meal, as you will be fasting overnight.
For example, the American tradition is generally of this view.
Of course, there is also the school of thought that it should the lightest meal. Generally, Italians prefer to have very little for dinner.
So, we will give you both ideas and, as always, you decide!
Vegetable Chowder
Can you imagine a more winter dish than a chowder?
Talk about comfort!
So, we recommend this Corn and Potato Chowder recipe from Woman’s Day magazine.
Meanwhile, keep in mind that this particular recipe has pork in it. However, as you will see on their website, it is something you can exclude and your chowder will still be awesome.
Cornish Hen
If you don’t know, Cornish hen is generally smaller than a regular chicken.
It is sometimes known as Indian Game, although it actually has less taste than regular chicken and does not at all have a “game” taste.
Nevertheless, it is a type of chicken that is from Cornwall, England.
Meanwhile, we recommend Suzy’s Cornish Hen Recipe with a Mediterranean Garlic Spice Rub recipe.
So, just keep in mind that because of its size you can serve it to one person!
Beef Stew
Beef stews are a lot heavier meals, but they are also definitely more “wintry,” so to speak.
On the other hand, some beef stews are heavy and should be enjoyed very early in the evening rather than a typical 8pm dinner.
In other words, which school of thought are you when it comes to dinner?
If on the heavier side, then you will love Vanjo Merano’s Filipino Beef Kaldereta recipe.
Meanwhile, if you prefer something more traditional, then Ann Taylor Pittman’s Classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe will work.
Snacking for Winter
Snacking is very important.
Because it takes place between meals, snacks can help us sustain our energy.
However, one needs to be careful with them.
“While there are many grab-and-go munchie foods that aren’t so good for you, snacks can actually help fill in nutrient gaps and lead to a healthier overall eating plan,” Jackie Newgent, author of The All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook, told NBC News.
We suggest snacking on nuts!
Just stay away from the sweets stuff.
Meanwhile, one snack we love is dipping celery into peanut butter and exchanging the celery for carrots in the later part of the day.
Yummy!
Drinking for Winter
Drinks are very important, especially water.
“Our bodies use water for basic functions — breathing, sweating and urination,” explains Ellen Jan Kleinerman, of The Plain Dealer. “We need fluids to regulate overall body temperature, for chemical reactions and nutrition absorption, and more. “
That is because our bodies are around 70% water.
Unfortunately, the cold weather makes it seem like you don’t “need” water.
So, one way to trick your system is warming up the water.
For instance, pretend you will have tea, except you don’t, and let your boiled water warm up your hands as you sip on them.
Works like a charm!
Final Thoughts
Because winter has less sunlight, it means our bodies end up missing some of the nutrients we naturally get from our bright star.
As such, we need to replenish our bodies with nutrients by eating the right foods.
Basically, start strong with a good, hearty breakfast.
Later, during lunch, you can choose to have a large meal or smaller meal.
Same with dinner!
Enjoy your winter.
Meanwhile, for more food articles, Click Here (to go to the food section).
Nina Walker is a food writer for Caravanzers.
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