Winter Health: Seasonal Produce and Supplements

Ask just about any nutritionist and they will tell you how important it is to eat in-season produce. While most supermarkets carry just about everything year-round, fruit and vegetables that are out of season have less nutrients than those in their proper season. Of course, when we think of fresh produce and green vegetation, we generally think about spring and summer, so what can we eat in the winter to keep our bodies healthy?

Luckily, there are lots of fruits and veggies that are in-season in the winter months. Brussel sprouts, kale, and broccoli are in season from fall to winter and will give you the greens you need. Many varieties of squash as well as sweet potatoes are also in season which can be a great sweet and savory element to any meal. Also, while many berries are out of season in the colder months, cranberries, currants, and pomegranates can satisfy your berry-flavored cravings. Add to that kiwi, grapefruit, and oranges, and you should be set!

Winter is also a great time to experiment with fresh produce you don’t normally use. Persimmons look a lot like small tomatoes but they are extremely sweet and can be great in a fancy grilled cheese with brie or in a winter salad.. Also try incorporating parsnips and rhubarb into your cooking repertoire!

To be sure your body stays healthy in winter, make sure you keep up your vitamin intake, especially considering that vitamin D is harder to come by in the cold months. And, since winter weather is particularly harsh on skin, hair, joints, and the rest of the body, a collagen routine is a great idea to help your body’s natural functions stay on track. Plus, you can get your winter fresh produce and collagen in one blow by making delicious, healthy morning smoothies and adding in a scoop of Beauty Tonic Beauty Collagen, or Gym & Tonic Collagen Protein for some added protein!