Winter can be the coldest and darkest of all the seasons. Tanya Franks, Owner of Arukah Functional Wellness Center, and Functional Nutritionist recommends taking extra care of ourselves during this time of year.
Tanya and her team stress the importance of making food choices that boost immunity and well-being. A diet consisting mainly of cooked vegetables, lean protein, and whole grain carbohydrates are all excellent choices to stay healthy during winter. It is the perfect season for hearty, nourishing foods.
Suggestions For Foods to Ensure a Well-Balanced and Nutritious Diet During the Winter Months:
Winter Vegetables: Incorporate a variety of winter vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Dark Leafy Greens: Greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and tangerines are abundant during the winter and are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Lean Proteins: Include lean protein sources like poultry, fish, tofu, and legumes.
Whole Grains: Opt for whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, oats, and barley.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds
Root Vegetables: Beets, turnips, and parsnips
Winter can be a busy time, with the holidays and all the expectations that seem to be part of this season. It is easy to over-schedule the calendar with activities and celebrations. We recommend plenty of sleep, healthy food choices, and planning time for relaxation from tensions to help the immune system and overall energy levels.
Tanya Franks
