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Soups & Such
Although we can't technically get a cold from the cold, our immune systems are generally weaker in the winter. One way to stay healthy during the cold weather is to eat well. Eating calorie dense, hearty foods keeps us warm and healthy. A nice bowl of soup after shoveling snow is really yummy and healthy.
Think about what is in season now. Seasonal foods tend to be more nutritious than foods that have been harvested unripe and are shipped long distances.
Here in the Northeast we have bok choy, cabbage, celery root, collard greens, kale, leeks, parsnips, Swiss chard and rainbow chard. There are also apples, pears and persimmons. If you've never tried some of these, go ahead, be adventurous!
Make soups and freeze some for later.
Make applesauce. I've been buying bags full from the farmer's market. It's a great snack and tastes wonderful on pancakes. Even kids who don't like fruit will usually like applesauce; especially if they can help make it. After the apples have cooked, give your little chef a potato masher and let him mash away. If you want a smoother consistency put it in a blender of food processor after mashing.
Don't forget your vitamins. We're not getting as much sunshine as we were in summer or fall. so be sure to take your vitamin D. And remember vitamin C is good for boosting your immune system.
Resting is also important for good health. You may not be able to hibernate all winter but you can slow down a bit. Take a mental health day and go to a museum or get a massage. Turn off the phone and the TV and curl up with a good book and a pot of tea.
This January make a resolution to be good to yourself!
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