When the winter rolls in, we all want to reach for foods that help fuel our bodies now more than ever. In contrast, winter tends to bring about less activity than summer. The drop in temperatures actually increases our metabolic needs. Unfortunately, one of the obvious downsides to the winter season is that the variety of foods we are used to during the warmer months is nowhere to be found. We are in unless you live in areas that force plants to grow regardless of the season. For the record, just like in all aspects of life, there is a reason for every season, and it is important to eat seasonally.

The Reason For The Season

Did you know that each season brings with it a different selection of fruits and vegetables? Each of these foods actually helps us reap each season’s benefits. For example, during the winter months foods, are higher in complex carbs and fiber. This is due to the fact that food was harder to find during winter months and, as such, had to keep you feeling full longer. When we choose to eat seasonally, it allows our bodies to go through similar changes that our environment experiences during each season. These foods are actually high concentrations of the vitamins and minerals we need to get through each season with an added advantage. For example, winter foods are high in vitamin C and zinc to keep your immune system up. In comparison, each of the winter months has its own star players. The following are my favorite top five fruits available in February.

Perfect Pears

Pears are also relatively low in calories and have no added sugar. Boasting 6 grams of fiber, pears have more fiber than a 1-cup serving of kale! From helping you maintain a healthy weight to reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, eating enough fiber is integral to a well-balanced diet. Not to mention, we’re very thankful for the digestive benefits a high-fiber diet provides (fiber makes your poop softer and bulkier, making it easier to go), and we love that we can get over 20 percent of our daily recommended value from a pear. Even though pears have some natural sugar, their high fiber ensures your blood sugar won’t soar after eating one (making them a perfect on-the-go snack for people with diabetes). Plus, their low-glycemic index means you won’t be hungry for minutes after snacking on one.

Powerful Pomegranate

Are high in antioxidants, which help keep free radicals from bouncing around your body, which has been linked to cell damage and diseases such as cancer. But while most fruits have some sort of antioxidants such as vitamin C, pomegranates have the benefit of especially potent ones called polyphenols that also give the fruits their color. These polyphenols are the same compounds that give green tea its healthy edge. They also contain almost half of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, and have three times more antioxidants than tea or red wine, according to Medical News Today. 

Pomegranates can aid your digestive tract in more ways than one, especially during the holidays when the meals get a little bigger. Juice from pomegranates has been found to reduce inflammation in the gut that’s related to Crohn’s disease and colitis, allowing food to pass more freely. Meanwhile, according to Healthline, pomegranates also contain a pretty healthy dose of dietary fiber – about 7 grams per cup of arils (seed coverings). Not only can the fruit juice help stop the hardening of the arteries (known in the medical world as atherosclerosis), but it may also be able to reverse the damage and clear clogged passages, according to WebMD.

Killer Kiwi

While we credit the apple as the miracle fruit, the kiwi is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals and works in many ways to give you a nutritional boost. If you thought that lemons and oranges were the highest sources of Vitamin C, then think again! According to the nutritional break-up of kiwi fruit, 100 grams contain 154 percent of Vitamin C, which is almost twice that of lemons and oranges. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, eliminating free radicals that could cause inflammation or cancer. It also helps in boosting the immunity of the body against harmful pathogens. It is said that having two kiwi fruits one hour before bedtime can help immensely in inducing sleep.

This exotic fruit is loaded with dietary fiber, which helps prevent numerous diseases. It also facilities weight loss and is often recommended for diabetics. Kiwi fruit contains an enzyme known as actinidain which is known for its protein-dissolving properties, similar to that of papain in papaya. This is the reason why it is commonly used as a meat tenderizer. Moreover, it helps digest proteins in the body and is also known to help patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. 

It is a good source of folate, which is said to be beneficial for pregnant women because it helps develop the fetus, making it healthy. Kiwi fruit contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, B6, B12, E, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. These contribute collectively to the proper functioning of the body, such as blood circulation through the vessels, fighting stress, iron absorption for healthy bones and teeth, good vision, and more!

Dynamite Dates

Dates are a good source of energy, fiber, sugar, and various vitamins and minerals. Essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and zinc can be found in them. Apart from the above-mentioned nutrients, they may also contain important vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin K. The insoluble fiber found in dates promotes healthy digestion by bulking up the stool and may also aid in relieving the symptoms of constipation.

Dates can be a good source of many nutrients, including iron. A deficiency of iron can contribute to anemia, a condition characterized by fatigue, dizziness, brittle nails, and shortness of breath. In 2006, an animal study revealed the effects of date palm pollen and its oil on sexual functioning, reporting that the high levels of estradiol and flavonoid components in dates are helping increase sperm count and motility. Therefore, if you are looking for an easy way to boost your libido and sexual function, you may consider consuming organic dates, thanks to their aphrodisiac-like properties.

Loving Lemons

The health benefits of lemon might be attributed to its vitamin C content. It can help improve skin health, promote weight loss, and may act as a breath freshener. Lemons may also help with dental problems, throat infections, and high blood pressure. These citrus fruits can also be used in skin and hair care. Lemon may also help to strengthen your immune system. Lemon juice might help you manage your blood pressure with long-term use. Drinking warm water with lemon and honey in the morning is said to aid your weight loss efforts. While that might or might not work for you, a research study on mice confirmed that polyphenols could suppress body weight gain and fat accumulation.

Lemon can be used in cleaning teeth. While most remedies will advocate using lemon and baking soda, try and avoid it as it may lead to dental erosion. The safest way is to choose a toothpaste containing this fruit as one of the ingredients. If you are keen to use lemon or its juice for oral care, it is best to consult with a medical expert before trying out anything new. Lemon juice, being a natural antiseptic medicine, may also be able to cure problems related to the skin. The juice contains vitamin C; therefore, it can be applied to reduce the pain of sunburns and bee stings. It is also good for acne and eczema. Lemon juice may assist in relieving respiratory problems and breathing problems, such as its ability to soothe a person suffering from asthma.

Mexican Quinoa Stew

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 6

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 1 medium onion minced
• 4 carrots chopped
• 2 jalapenos seeded minced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 3 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 15 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Directions:

Into a dutch oven, or heavy soup pot, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and jalapenos. Saute until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the broth, tomatoes, beans, cumin, salt, quinoa, corn, cilantro, and cayenne pepper. Season as needed. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer until quinoa is tender (about 15 minutes). Once quinoa is tender, season as needed. Garnish with avocado and vegan sour cream.

Crispy Buffalo “Chicken” Salad

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 6

• 1 pound buffalo cauliflower wings cooked
• 6 cups salad greens
• 4 carrots chopped
• 2 Persian cucumbers chopped
• 4 celery stalks chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
• 4 radishes thinly sliced
• 1 avocado sliced
• 1/2 cup vegan feta cheese

Goddess Dressing:

• 1/2 cup coconut greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1 jalapeno halved and seeded
• juice of 1 lemon

Directions:

Combine greens, carrots, cucumber, celery, cilantro, radishes, and buffalo wings in a large bowl. Prepare the dressing by blending all the ingredients until smooth. Toss the salad and top with the feta and avocado. Serve with the dressing on the side, or toss the salad in the dressing prior to adding the cheese and avocado.

Fig Cookies

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Serves 18

• 1 cup coconut sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut oil raw
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup fresh figs chopped
• 1 tsp baking soda

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cream the egg, oil, and sugar well. Sift the dry ingredients and blend with creamed mixture. Fold in the nuts and figs. Place onto pretreated baking sheets with a non-stick option of choice. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring to cool completely on a wire rack.

Skillet Paella

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Serves 4

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 white onion minced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 1/2 cup roasted red peppers diced
• 2 vegan chorizo sausage
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/2 cup Arborio rice
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 dried bay leaf
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound littleneck clams washed
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh parsley to garnish

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until tender. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add in the peppers and chorizo. Cook until the chorizo browns, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the paste until it turns a deep brick-red color. Add the rice and stir well to combine, cooking for about 1 minute. Pour the wine and the broth in with the bay leaf and lemon juice. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Nestle the shrimp and the clams into the pan. Bake uncovered until the clams open, about 22-25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with parsley.

Get Started Today

Keeping your body free of toxins and free radicals is necessary to maintain a healthy life and a healthy mind. You can add tons of foods to your regular diet to help your body with its critical detoxifying processes. If you are looking for a safe and all-natural way to detox your body at home, be sure to check out my Balancing Abundance Program. Because detoxing is so important and realistically, everyone should be doing it on at least a seasonal basis, I have put together a program to help you do just that. Here’s the thing, I know working with me one-on-one can seem difficult to get into (due to limited space), and I wanted to be able to give everyone an additional solution that has no limits. You deserve to be happy, healthy, and successful at everything you do, so here are some recipes to help set you up for success!

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A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. We all have to deal with our health daily, and it shows when we don’t feel our best. If you are tired of just making it through your day, you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you need help, I am always here to do that. Even if it is something as small as acting as a sounding board, do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!