Eating Healthy During Winter Months

Eating healthy can be a challenge year-round, but somehow winter seems like the worst time. One of the big reasons may be because some of the fruits and vegetables we are accustomed to eating are most widely (and inexpensively) available during the spring and summer. For young people who are often short on time, convenience snacks such as chips, crackers and other high-carb, low-nutrient foods tend to fill us temporarily, but in the long-run make us feel lethargic and unhealthy. Eating fruits and vegetables throughout the year (and especially in winter when our physical activity tends to decrease) helps our immune system, provides essential vitamins and minerals, and is a better snack than what most vending machines put out. Below are two links from FoodFit.com that provide lists of fruits and vegetables of the season and even include some recipes.

One of my favorite winter fruits to eat is pomegranate. They're a bit of a hassle to open and eat, but by taking longer in eating, I tend to feel more satisfied even though I have eaten less. They're not cheap, but provide antioxidants and vitamins.

If time is short, many of these foods can just be cut up and thrown into a plastic bag for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack.

Bon Appetit!

Winter Vegetable Chart

Winter Fruit Guide

Contributing: Chris Giovarelli