5 Foods You Need to Eat This Winter To Keep You Healthy and Energetic.

When the mercury drops and winter finally sets in, many of us will find themselves indulging in comfort foods which will leave us feeling lethargic. Winter, however, does not need to become a reason to quit healthy eating. In fact, the seasonal diet can keep you energetic, improve your mood, and strengthen your immune system during the winter. Here are five foods you should be eating this winter to stay healthy and feel great.

 1. Root Vegetables

Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips are perfect for winter. They are hearty, packed with vitamins, and often available fresh during the colder months. Roast them for a tasty side dish or add them to soups and stews for an added nutritional boost. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which supports your vision and immune system, while turnips offer a good source of vitamin C and A, helping to keep your skin healthy and boost your immune response.

 2. Vitamin D-Rich Foods

Winter is characterized by days being relatively short and mostly lacking in direct sunlight, which can cause a depression in vitamin D levels. Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the health of bones and also delivers a healthy mood. Foods that contain considerable amounts of vitamin D are shiitake mushrooms, salmon, egg yolk, and fortified milk. Making these foods part of your diet may just be the key to beating the winter blues as well as a healthy immune system.

 3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is more than just that warm breakfast on a chilly morning; oatmeal is a whole-grain food that is rich in fiber and zinc, making this a fantastic idea for immune support during winter. Zinc helps keep your immune system in good health, while soluble fiber contained in oats promotes heart health. You can also spice it up with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to warm and flavor it without extra sugar or fat. It's a fabulous, healthy filling to keep you sustained through the day.

 4. Soup

What else improves your mood on a cold winter's day than having a gentle, comforting bowl of soup? Created with a base from vegetable or chicken broth and packed with mixed veggies, beans, and lentils, soup is chock-full of nutrients. It's one of the easiest ways to up your fiber and protein intake. Both of these nutrients help in controlling appetite and blood sugar regulation. Simply omit cream and salt and use fresh wholesome ingredients for a hearty, immune-building meal.

5. Immunological booster foods

Winter is also the flu season, so it is a good time to boost your immune system by eating those foods in which vitamin C content is high. Oranges, lemons, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli are some of the best immune-boosting foods. It helps prevent infections, reduces inflammation, and supports healthy skin as well. Add these boosting foods to your regular diet and protect yourself against common winter illnesses.

 Final Thoughts

While there will be many sugary comfort foods and treats that occur during the winter months, not to worry, there is still a lot you can keep yourself to eat healthy. Root vegetables, vitamin D foods, oatmeal, soups, and immune-boosting foods will fill your body full of nutrients while keeping you energetic and in a good mood. Remember that a balanced diet and mindful eating during winter will help stay healthy, strong, and even better prepared to face the beauty of the season.