4 Winter Foods That Support Energy & Immunity - And Taste Great!

Hi everyone! During the winter months, you may feel a little more tired or less energized. Shorter days, colder weather, and busy schedules can take a toll on our energy levels and immune systems. That’s why what we eat this time of year matters so much - which is a great thing! Winter actually offers some of the most nourishing, comforting foods around - some of my favorites! With a few smart choices, you can be eating foods that support your energy, immune system, and overall vitality… so you feel your best no matter what the temperature is outside! 

By focusing on whole foods that are nutrient dense, you will give your body the extra support it needs right now. Read on for some of my favorites!

4 Energizing Winter Foods

1) Root Veggies. Root vegetables are a winter favorite for good reason: sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and squash provide complex carbs that fuel your body and antioxidants that support immune health - and are cost-effective, versatile and comforting.  I like to chop them up with an onion, drizzle with EVOO and herbs, and roast at 425 for 30-45 minutes. You can then blend them into soups, add to salads, or serve as a side - delicious! Or try my Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Grass Fed Beef - a recipe in my Membership!

2) Dark Leafy Greens. Kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are tasty winter vegetables that should be in rotation in your diet all year long! They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which help support immune function and reduce inflammation. Lightly cooking greens makes them easier to digest and allows you to enjoy them even more during colder months. Try the recipes like Italian Stuffed Peppers from Fit Over 50: New Year, New Abs! or Grilled Dijon Chicken with Lemony Tuscan Kale Salad, and Turkey-Kale Meatballs - all available in my Denise Austin Membership - all easy ways to get more of these healthy greens into your diet.

3) Healthy Proteins. Your energy and immune system both need quality protein to run at optimal levels, so reach for eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, fish, cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. They all provide the building blocks your body needs to repair tissue, boost the immune system, and maintain muscle. My recipes like Seafood Spinach Salad, Kale and White Bean Soup or Sesame Tofu and Broccoli are tasty and easy to make.

4) Healthy Fats. Extra virgin olive oil, avocados (like in my Avocado Toast recipe), nuts, seeds, and fatty fish all help reduce inflammation, support nutrient absorption, and help keep your skin plump and glowing. They also add flavor and satisfaction to meals, which is especially important when comfort foods are calling your name. An extra drizzle of olive oil in a broth-based soup can take it up a level!

Finally, don’t forget to hydrate - it is just as important in winter as it is in summer, even though we don’t always feel as thirsty. I love warm beverages like herbal teas, broth-based soups, and my favorite - a glass of warm lemon water when I wake. 

Food is one of the most powerful tools we have to support energy and immunity, especially during the winter months. Focus on replacing processed foods with the ones above, and you should feel healthy, energized and satisfied - a win-win!  My Membership has dozens of healthy recipes - it's like an energy-boosting cookbook right in your phone or computer!

Let's live FIT, HAPPY and HEALTHY - together!!

Denise