How to Eat Healthier in Winter

When you're stuck inside, bundled up in blankets as the winter sets in, your diet naturally changes. Your body saves fat to keep you warm, you're involved in less outside physical activity and the shorter days may make you sleepy. On top of it all, you crave different foods, calorie- and carb-heavy choices that pack on pounds. To avoid gaining unwanted weight, eat healthier this winter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Make an effort to make fruits and vegetables a part of each meal. Since fresh produce isn't abundant, this can be more difficult than running out to the garden. Freeze or can those summer veggies, or rely on frozen or canned types for your nutrients.
2. Fill up on low-fat protein. Protein helps you to feel full--something we usually like to feel during the cold winter months. Whether than packing your belly full of mashed potatoes and pasta, choose meals centered on good proteins such as fish, poultry, low-fat dairy and beans.
3. Enjoy hearty, vegetable-based soups and stews. Though cream-based soups aren't the best nutritional choice, veggie soups and other broth-based varieties are good, and good for you.
4. Stock up on fiber. Fiber also helps us to feel full and aids with digestion. Oatmeal, whole-grain breads and muffins and beans are just a few ways you increase the fiber in your diet.
5. Choose healthy items for desserts. Baked cinnamon apples, warm microwave popcorn and nutty trail mixes are good options. Low-fat hot cocoa also warms and soothes as an after-meal treat.
6. Warm up with calorie free beverages like coffee and hot tea.