Top 32 Best Foods For Winter You Should Add To Your Diet

healthy foods for winter

The winter weather affects your life and your health a lot. Your body has to experience some changes in metabolism, energy levels and even food prefer. Do you deal with the cold by convincing yourself that you deserve a calorie-packed diet to warm up. The truth is that no weather guarantees unhealthy eating habits. So, do not just live on a diet of warm cookies and hot chocolate during the winter. Your diet can be tasty and healthy if you add some favorite foods.

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List Of Foods For Winter – The Best Foods:

In colder climates, consuming locally can be challenging, but there is good news for you that with advanced creativity and planning, you can eat fresh vegetables and fruits with lots of flavor and nutrients.

Read on this entire article to learn about some of the best foods for winter you should stock up on. Here are some of the best foods for winter in details, so pay your attention to some health facts and the list of foods for winter that you should add to your diet this winter. The foods include:

1. Root Vegetables

This is the first out of the great foods for winter that I want to reveal and want you to learn and try to consume this food for good.

Local foods can be difficult to look for when cold weather may inhibit the growth of the crop. However, root vegetables such as carrots, beets, and turnips can withstand this weather, so farmers can still provide you with fresh vegetables and you can get their health benefits. Boil turnips for vitamin A and C or roast carrots for beta-carotene.

Root vegetables are actually great foods for winter you should not skip out, so try them out!

Learn More: List Of 19 Healthy Carrot Recipes

2. Soup

It is a perfect food for winter as long as you keep the salt, cream, and beef. You should look for some soup recipes that include vegetable broth and chicken broth, or water as the main base with a plenty of vegetables. Then, you pair these soups with whole grain crackers for a number of grains.

Learn More: List Of 18 Best Weight Loss Soup Recipes In Your Diet

3. Onions

Onions can be added to your soup, grain salads, meat, and pasta. Onions may make you cry, but they are actually healthy. They are low in calories but high in fiber and vitamin C. The oils you can find in onions can reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels. As onions can become soft if refrigerated, keep them for up to several months outside the fridge in a cool and dry place.

Read More: 11 Nutritional And Health Benefits Of Onion For Everyone

4. Celeriac

It is probably a great winter produce for your diet. Beyond the odd exterior, this food boasts a subtle flavor and a hearty texture. It is rich in fiber, vitamin C and phosphorus and low in calories. Like other root vegetables, this food will be kept fresh for up to a month in the fridge.

Learn More: 20 Best Easy Celery Recipes – The Detailed List

5. Parsnips

These foods are full of nutritional benefits. The long, pale root veggies are packed with potassium, fiber, folate and vitamin C.

Similar to carrots, parsnips are slightly sweet, so they may go well with most of the winter stew, soup or casserole. ½ cup of cooked parsnips contains just 55 calories, but 17% of your daily vitamin C intake. To eat them, you can combine roasted parsnips with apples and some other essential ingredients for a smooth soup. To keep parsnips fresh, store them in the fridge for 3-4 weeks.

6. Pomegranates

Pomegranates are one of the oldest fruits in the world, and they are also one of the most nutritious foods. Their seeds are full of antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties that can help you deal with heart conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, heart attack as well as congestive heart failure.

Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice can reduce the formation of fatty deposits in arteries, which is a cause of many heart conditions. Keep pomegranates at room temperature for 1-2 weeks or in the fridge for up to 2 months.

Learn More: Health And Beauty Benefits Of Pomegranate Juice That Amaze You

7. Kale And Collard

These vegetables are high in vitamins C, A, K and E and minerals such as iron, manganese, calcium, potassium, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Both of the veggies also help in digestion, lowering cholesterol levels and protecting our bodies from cancers.

Also, they are low in calories and fit most of the dishes. For example, you can swap chard, kale or collars for lettuce to get a nutrient-rich salad. To keep them fresh for 1-2 weeks, you wrap washed veggies in paper towels, then place them in plastic bags in the fridge.

Learn More: Top 10 Healthy Benefits Of Kale

8. Honey

foods for winter - honey

It is a natural sweetener, which can help to prevent fatigue as well as increase your energy level. Besides, its antioxidants also help improve your immune system, and even it contains anti-microbial compounds to kill off bacteria and relieve winter sore throats. Moreover, this sweet wonder can speed up the alcohol oxidation in the liver, so it can help to cure the hangover.

This is in fact, one on the list of foods for winter that you and all of my readers should know and try to add honey to your diet for good.

9. Sweet Onions

One of my recommendations for you to use when sautéing veggies is to pair sweet onions with a French green bean or also called haricot vert, kale, broccoli or spinach. It is a perfect way to to get dark leafy veggies into your meal during the winter days.

In fact, this is also among the list of foods for winter, so people should add more of these healthy foods into their diet for good.

10. Chicken Broth

It is a great food you need to have during the winter days. Use some broth in lieu of oil while you sauté or swap it in for cream and butter when you make mashed potatoes to save fat and calories. We also recommend using chicken broth in slimming soup recipes.

This is in brief one of the best foods for winter, so people should not skip out, but try to add chicken broth to their diet this winter. Would you like to know other foods for winter? Continue reading this entire article to know more of the foods for winter that can help to improve your overall health and appearance!

11. Cabbage

Cabbage is a healthy and cheap vegetable that is close to other cold-weather vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, and broccoli. This vegetable is full of minerals and vitamins such as vitamins c, K, folate, antioxidants, fiber, and glucosinolates, which are anti-carcinogenic compounds. Some studies show that this vegetable can lower the cholesterol levels and reduce the risks of developing cancer and diabetes. Eat raw cabbages to gain most of the nutritional benefits. So, slice up some leaves to add them to your salads or stir fries.

Read More: 10 Best Food Sources Of Vitamin C

12. Winter Squash

Winter squash is loaded with healthy nutrients including carotenoids, potassium, and vitamin A. Since winter squash is healthy, cheap and darn tasty, it is no doubt there is a variety of easy recipes you can make with this natural ingredient. Even when they seem pretty solid, winter squash may continue to ripen. In order to slow down this process, you should keep them for up to 3 months in a cool and humid environment.

13. Coconut Milk

In case of weight gain makes you down in winter, consider adding some coconut milk to your diet. Studies show that the fatty acids found in coconut milk may help in speeding up the metabolism and promoting weight loss.

This is actually also one out of the best foods for winter that a lot of people in the world love and try to add it to their diet.

14. Potatoes

They are a good source of minerals and vitamins. Most of the people are concerned with the component of potatoes and skip out the skin of potatoes that contains enough fiber to aid in slowing the release of starch.  Also, potatoes stand highly on the glycemic index, but they are inexpensive and provide with a nutritional profile including magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, folic acid, and protein. Eating potatoes may even help you lower the blood pressure and enhance antioxidants.

While sweet potatoes are known as a healthy choice as they are packed with vitamin A, C, beta-carotene and fiber, white spuds are also nutritious as long as you do not mash them with butter and cream. And if you combine it with steamed or fresh veggies as well as olive oil, you will get nearly ½ of you daily fiber allowance in one meal. And as you know, fiber is a good addition to your diet for regulating the blood sugar level in the winter.

You should keep potatoes in a dark, cool place for about a month while they will be kept for 1-2 weeks at room temperature. Also, keep them away from apples and onions.

15. Apples

Baked apples are one of the best winter treats when topped with pecans and whipped cream. Apples are packed with pectin fiber as well as antioxidants like vitamin C, so this makes them a good addition to your diet in the winter, especially in case your sugar cravings are increased.

Learn More: 22 Best And Healthy Apple Recipes – Easy Recipes To Make At Home

16. Tea

foods for winter - tea

Skip coffee drinks and ciders as they can easily add up to over 300 calories. Instead, warm up your body this winter with a cup of hot tea. Tea is naturally calorie-free and it also provides you with a lot of heart – healthy flavonoids. In fact, this is among the best healthy foods for winter

Especially, green tea not only helps with weight loss, but it also contains antioxidants for optimal health. According to a study, green tea is proven to protect your body from oxidative and radical damages.

17. Chili

Whether you feature low-fat meat or green veggies, chili is also a good food for winter. Pop them open and then take garbanzo beans, black beans, kidney beans, cumin, onion, chili powder and some salsa. Warm this mixture up until soft for a delicious and nutritious dinner. Bulk it up with extra green veggies such as broccoli, spinach, canned or fresh tomatoes for few extra calories.

18. Greek Yogurt

Another one on the list of foods for winter that I want to introduce in this article and want you and my other readers to learn and then try to add Greek yogurt to their diet as soon as possible

Your winter will be surprisingly filled with Greek yogurt. Replacing sour cream with fat-free Greek yogurt may reduce your waistline by ditching 5g of fat for each 2 tbsp. of yogurt. Besides, Greek yogurt is also a good swap to increase the protein and decrease the fat in baked goods.

19. Hot Chocolate

Nothing is better than drinking a hot cup of cocoa. According to a study, hot chocolate may contain more antioxidants per cup than tea or red wine. Just make sure to miss out the whipped cream and add skim milk for a drink that may help reduce your waistline.

This is also a great one on the list of foods for winter that people should not look down, but try to learn and consider adding hot chocolate to their diet as soon as possible

20. Red Wine

For only 130 calories for each 6-ounce cup of red wine, on a winter night, you get a relaxing beverage. If desired, heat the red wine slightly. Also, add any of the warm fruits such as pear, apple or mango. This is in fact, one of the best foods for winter days that we would like to introduce in the entire article today and want readers to make use as soon as possible for possible brand new experiences and tons of excitement!

21. Healthy Foods For Winter – Oatmeal

Nothing can beat a warm bowl of oatmeal in winter. It is much more than just a breakfast food. Packed with fiber, this food may provide you with energy, helping in stabilizing blood sugar levels, lowering cholesterol levels and will help you keep you satisfied until the next meal. Although instant oatmeal is convenient, it is also a bit expensive. To consume it on a budget, choose old-fashioned oats.

22. Shiitake Mushrooms

Another out of the list of foods for winter that I want to introduce in this article and want you and my other readers to know and remember is to try to add healthy shiitake mushrooms to your diet for good. These vitamin B-rich mushrooms also have lentinan, which can help you improve your immune system. This is especially important during the cold season.

23. Spicy Tuna Roll

For an alternative to other typical comfort foods that are often packed with sugar and fat, consider eating sushi. Opt to rolls lined with salmon or tuna. Both of them are great sources of vitamin D. During winter days, when you cannot get much exposure to the sun, eating foods that contain bone-healthy vitamins become more essential. Lack of vitamin D is linked to impaired growth, bone weakening and even heart diseases.

24. Broccoli And Cauliflower

These vegetables may help you defend your body against winter sickness. Both of them are rich in vitamin C, which is linked to an enhanced immune system. In case you cannot find them fresh, do not fret as frozen cauliflower and broccoli are just as nutritious.

This is also one on the list of foods for winter that people should learn and make use of both foods for good. If you want to know other foods for winter, you should not ignore this article, but continue reading it.

Read also: 5 Best Exercises To Increase Metabolism

25. Brussels Sprouts

foods for winter - brussels sprouts

These sprouts have some of the same nutrition and health benefits as cabbage. Like other cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts contain high cancer-fighting antioxidants level that may help you protect DNA from damages. These veggies will be kept in the fridge for up to a couple of weeks. The outer leaves may shrivel, so you should remove them before cooking. A serving idea for you is to toss halved sprouts with roast and olive oil until brown. Then, top with a coat of sage and brown butter for a healthy side dish.

26. Best Foods For Winter Oysters

Another one on the list of the foods for winter that I want to introduce in this entire article today and want all of my other readers to know and consider adding oysters to their diet if they want to find out a great food in winter.

Oysters taste best during cold months. These low-calorie and protein-packed foods are high in zinc, which can help you beat the winter cold. They can also help you warm things up during the winter.

27. Turnips And Rutabagas

These bulbs may look like potatoes, but in fact, they are related to broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. They contain cancer-fighting compounds, folate, vitamins C and K, potassium, calcium, and fiber, plus their sweet taste, so they are a boon to most of the dishes. They can keep them in the fridge for some weeks.

28. Escarole

Another one out on the list of healthy foods for winter we would like to encourage readers to know and make use of is escarole [1] . This veggie is a bit bitter, but adds freshness to winter cooking. It is a little crunchy like lettuce & easily wilts like spinach. It is also related to radicchio, chard and kale. Like other veggies, escarole is rich in fiber, folic acid and vitamins A and K. Wrapped in paper towels and kept in plastic bags in the fridge for up to 4 days.

29. Red Papayas

They are rich in vitamins A and C, which are two essential nutrients during winter days. Adding raw foods apart from cooked foods can help you add antioxidants that lack from foods due to high cooking temperatures.

30. Liver

Winter is a great time to eat more liver. This protein source is packed with minerals, vitamins, iron and lots of B vitamins. While it is richer in calories and fat than most of the leaner meats, it is full of weight-loss promoting protein.

In fact, this is among the best foods for winter, so people should consider adding this healthy food to their diet for good!

31. Tuna

Canned, frozen or fresh tuna is a healthy good source of lean protein that is high in heart-healthy omega-3s. Give a winter dinner with a delicious tuna recipe for tuna with mango relish.

32. Garlic

This is the last but very important out of the best foods for winter that I would like to reveal in this entire article and want all of my readers to add garlic to their diets if they are trying to prevent their bodies from the cold.

Known for adding flavor, garlic is a great ingredient that has been proven to help your body fight off the cold. Also, it contains calcium [2], potassium as well as sulfuric compounds that help fight off unwanted bacteria.

After reading this article about the best foods for winter as well as their health benefits, another thing I want you and my other readers to do is to read another article that reveals the list of home canning recipes for winter storage – the 10 Home Canning Recipes For Winter Storage article. This article includes the best ideas about home canning recipes for winter storage that a lot of people in the world have been making use at home, so readers of VKool.com should read this entire article and consider following at least one of these recipes for their meals at home.

This is the list of 32 best foods for winter that everyone who wants to learn which foods you should add to their diet in the winter should read and remember to consume for good. In fact, these foods as I mentioned in this entire article have lots of health benefits and they are also delicious foods, so a plenty of people in the world have been adding these healthy foods to their diets as soon as possible. The nutritional benefits of these foods are actually proven, so you do not need to worry when adding any of these healthy foods at home.

After reading the list of foods for winter and learn their health benefits, if you think these foods are good for you as well as other people around you, you should share this list of foods for winter with them and then try to add one of these healthy foods to their diet in the winter. Finally, in case you have any ideas about other foods for winter, remember to share these foods with us by leaving your comments below. We promise to reply to your comments soon!

Some related articles about best winter recipes and natural tips for your health and skin that you can follow in winter:

7 Simple And Natural Tips For Healthy Skin In Winter

15 Easy And Healthy Winter Hot Drink Recipes

How To Avoid Getting Sick At Work And From Family This Winter

Best Healthy Foods For Immune System You Should Not Skip!

9 Home Remedies For Dull Skin In Winter Women Should Know

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