Nutritional Tips For Winter
It can be hard to eat your fill of vegetables in the winter when there is not as much fresh produce. An easy way to still meet your needs is to add frozen vegetables into soups/stews, and even add sautéed spinach to cooked grains such as rice or quinoa. Vegetables will help to provide the nutrients necessary to help you stay healthy this winter season.
Holiday parties: plating meals, not skipping meals
Holiday gatherings should not be stressful. If you’re worried about overeating, it can be helpful to plan ahead. Never skip typical meals in order to eat more at parties, as this can lead to feeling ravenous and eating until feeling uncomfortable, or even feeling guilty after eating. It can also be helpful to make a plate for yourself, rather than grazing at these events. Making a plate helps you to visualize your portions and keep track of what you are eating.
Alcohol: excess calories which contribute to weight gain, try mocktails
One source of additional calories that people do not always consider is alcohol. Alcoholic beverages can often contribute several hundred non-nutritive calories to your daily total. If you’re feeling the pressure to be drinking something during a social gathering, or just want something nice to help you unwind, consider a flavorful mocktail instead. There are plenty of canned mocktails on the market nowadays, as well as recipes you can find online. (Mocktails will help you save calories as well as avoid harmful toxins that are in alcohol).
Getting vit c naturally in winter months
During the winter months, it’s especially important to support your immune system, and eating vitamin C-rich foods can play a key role in doing so. While vitamin C supplements are widely available, whole foods provide additional benefits beyond just vitamin C, including fiber, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that work together to boost your health (supplements also provide more than the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, which can be harmful over time). Citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and kiwis are excellent sources of vitamin C and help reduce the risk of colds and infections. By focusing on a balanced diet with these foods, you can strengthen your immune system more effectively and enjoy the added benefits of a nutritious, well-rounded diet.
Setting goals vs. New years resolutions
Setting nutrition goals, rather than vague New Year’s resolutions, can lead to more sustainable and meaningful improvements in your health. Nutrition goals are specific, measurable, and actionable, making them easier to track and achieve. For example, instead of a broad resolution like “eat healthier,” a clear goal such as “eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily” provides a concrete target. This focus on small, achievable steps allows for long-term habits to form, rather than quick fixes that are often abandoned. By setting realistic and personalized nutrition goals, you not only improve your diet but also cultivate consistency, build confidence, and create lasting positive changes for your overall well-being.