Healthy Eating for Seniors: Winter Edition

When winter arrives and the temperature is falling, the last thing you’re thinking about is eating in-season. But believe it or not, there are a variety of fruits and vegetables that are ripe for the picking.

However, if you don’t want to venture out to your local farmer’s market or don’t have access to in-season foods, you can always reach for frozen, canned or dried versions. When it comes to your health, it all counts! No matter what you choose to eat this winter, just make sure you’re avoiding processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy carbs.

Senior Nutrition: Top 5 Vegetables for Winter

If you are looking to eat in-season this winter, there are lots of great options at your local grocery store. Try something new this season and don’t just reach for the same old items. You might find new favorite foods and after all, variety is the spice of life!

1. Beets – Beets are at their best from fall through spring and are available almost everywhere. Try roasting them and putting them into a healthy salad.
2. Belgian Endive – While this type of lettuce is available year-round, it’s traditionally the best during late fall and winter. Chop it up in a salad and make yourself a healthy lunch or dinner.
3. Broccoli & Cauliflower – These are year-round staples, but make sure you add them to your diet in winter. By nature, they are cool weather crops.
4. Brussel Sprouts – These veggies sometimes get a bad reputaiton. Try baking them in the oven with bacon and balsamic vinegar. You might just find a new winter favorite.
5. Carrots – Want to put a twist on the traditional carrot? Try some of the other winter varieties including purple and white. Eat them raw, roast them or even grill them.

Senior Nutrition: Top 5 Fruits for Winter

While you may typically associate winter with hot chocolate and soup, fruits are also in season this time of year and can provide you with valuable vitamins and minerals to help you fight off winter bugs. So instead of those Christmas cookies, reach for winter fruit.

1. Clementines & Mandarin Oranges – The perfect snack to carry in your bag, these seedless oranges are seedless and easy to peel. Keep them on-hand at all times.
2. Grapefruit – These delicious fruits hit peak season in January, and are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Use them in a cocktail, turn into a marmalade or just eat them raw.
3. Kiwifruit – This fuzzy fruit might not look appealing, but if you scoop out the bright green flesh you might just change your mind. Eat them raw or turn them into a healthy ice cream.
4. Kumquat – Did you know you can eat the peel on a kumquat? They are a sweet and tart treat that make a great addition to salads.
5. Lemons – There are millions of uses for lemons, but when they are in peak season during winter, let them shine in your desserts or use them to flavor whatever you’re cooking.

Don’t get distracted by all the sweets and treats that winter brings. Instead, focus on healthy eating habits that will keep you strong and healthy throughout the winter season. Make healthy fruits and vegetables a regular part of your everyday diet.

Focus on a Healthy Lifestyle at St. Joseph of the Pines

St. Joseph of the Pines offers a variety of independent living options to cater to your specific retirement goals. Instead of focusing on home maintenance, you can direct your attention to exploring new hobbies, living a healthier lifestyle or exploring new interests. Plus, we offer a continuum of care that ensures you get the care you need for every stage of life. We encourage you to tour one of our North Carolina campuses to learn more about what we have to offer.