Winter is the season when our bodies crave for warm, hearty and comforting meals. It is also time when we tend to pile on the weight as we indulge in holiday treats, rich gravies and starchy comfort foods.

However, with a little bit of planning, we can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals that not only satisfy our winter cravings but also keep us in shape.

Winter Superfoods

Winter is the time when you need to load up on vitamin C and antioxidants to boost your immunity and fight off cold and flu. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines are excellent sources of vitamin C.

Berries like cranberries, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are packed with antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation, fight diseases and support heart health. Root vegetables like sweet potato, turnips, carrots, and beetroots are high in fibre, vitamins and minerals and are perfect for roasting, mashing or adding to soups and stews.

Hot and Hearty Soups

A warming bowl of soup is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly winter evening. Soups are also an excellent way to add a variety of vegetables, legumes and whole grains to your diet.

A simple vegetable soup made with chicken or vegetable broth, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic is packed with nutrients and low in calories. Lentil, bean or pea soup, full of protein and fibre, is also a great option for a filling and nutritious meal.

Slow-cooked Stews

A hearty stew is a winter staple that warms you up from inside out. Stews are also an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables and meat. A classic beef stew made with root vegetables, mushrooms, and herbs is perfect for a cold winter night.

If you are vegetarian or vegan, try a lentil and vegetable stew or a chickpea curry. The slow cooking process of stews and curries enhances the flavours and makes the meat or vegetables tender and juicy.

One-pot Casseroles

An easy way to make a satisfying and healthy meal is to make a one-pot casserole. Casseroles are not only easy to make but also great for meal prep and leftovers.

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You can combine vegetables, grains, and meat or tofu in a baking dish and bake them in the oven until golden brown and bubbly. A popular winter casserole is a shepherd’s pie made with ground lamb or beef, mashed potatoes, and peas. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms, lentils or tofu.

Healthy Comfort Foods

Winter is the time when we crave for comfort food that soothes our stomach and soul. However, traditional comfort foods like mac and cheese, pizza and mashed potatoes are high in calories, fat and carbs.

But you can make your favourite comfort foods healthier by swapping some ingredients and cooking methods. For example, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour, use low-fat cheese or vegan cheese, and bake instead of frying. A healthier version of mac and cheese is made with whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and broccoli.

You can also make a delicious pizza with a cauliflower crust, low-fat cheese and lots of veggies.

Winter Drinks

Winter is the time when we love to sip on warm and comforting drinks like hot chocolate, eggnog, and mulled wine. However, these drinks are loaded with sugar and calories and can sabotage your healthy diet.

But you can still enjoy your favourite winter drinks by making some changes. For example, you can use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate in hot chocolate, use low-fat milk and fewer eggs in eggnog, and use natural sweeteners like honey or stevia instead of sugar.

For a healthy and warm drink, try a herbal tea or hot lemon water with ginger and honey.

Conclusion

Winter is the season of warmth, comfort and indulgence. But it is also the season of cold and flu, weight gain and unhealthy eating habits.

By choosing the right foods, cooking methods and portions, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals that keep you healthy and satisfied. So, go ahead and make a pot of soup, stew or casserole, and enjoy the winter season with a healthy and happy belly.