Wintertime brings snow, wind, coldness and ice, but more than that it brings the desire to lay around in pajamas and eat way more than you planned. Sometimes the kitchen is the only refuge to deal with Jack Frost.
But are there any replacements for junk food? Are those amazing, crispy potato chips and fresh, decadent brownies the only tastes that will ignite that warmth within you? No worries. Try incorporating these four healthy eats into your winter meals so you can get the comfort without all the calories.
1. Kale:
Kale is a must-eat that has rich sources of “antioxidant vitamins A, C and K,” according to Kathleen M. Zelman’s “The Truth About Kale.” According to the article, the vegetable also helps decrease blood cholesterol levels and lowers the risk of heart disease. Eat this raw or toss it in a pan; either way, you’ll already be generating healthy vibes in your kitchen with this one.
2. Broccoli:
This bushy green vegetable offers a lot of health benefits. According to “The Nutrition of Broccoli,” those green stalks generate protein, B vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamins A, K, C and much more. It’s also notorious for its ability to decrease the chance of breast, ovarian, lung, colon and bladder cancer. Instead of eating this raw, you can make it the star of a curry and add potatoes and spices to make the dish a regular go-to meal.
3. Asparagus:
These long greens with delicate tops are amazing to eat when sautéed the right way. According to “Asparagus Growing Guide,” asparagus provides a great source of B vitamins, calcium, iron and vitamin C. Whether you eat them in a salad, roast them, use them in tortilla combos or even eat them with brown rice, you’ll be packing on the nutrition.
4. Seaweed:
Seaweed is a thin, crinkled papery algae that is tremendously addicting and hard not to munch on at home. According to Nick English’s “Seaweed: The Green Superfood You’re Not Eating — But Should Be,” seaweed comes in three different shades: brown, red and green. Seaweed is known for providing an excellent source of iodine, calcium, vitamins A and C. It also can help retain a healthy thyroid, which is responsible for producing and regulating hormones. Adorn this sea treat with white or brown rice, add a citrusy tang to it and you’re good to go. But take care not to eat too much, because it can cause some health problems.
With these four mighty veggies stocked in your fridge all winter, you’re on your way to beating the cold and dropping the pounds.