The holidays often bring a bounty of rich foods, festive treats, and decadent desserts, but it’s possible to enjoy the season’s flavors while nourishing your body with nutrient-packed, healthy choices. This year, focus on incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients that promote both flavor and health. By adding more whole foods like root vegetables and Brussels sprouts, you can enjoy the flavors and abundance of your holiday meals while getting plenty of nutrients.
Root vegetables like carrots are a winter staple, bringing rich, earthy flavor to holiday meals. They’re packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including beta-carotene, which supports eye health and immune function. Roasted with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, root vegetables make a simple, satisfying side dish, or they can be added to soups and stews to build warmth and depth.
Brussels sprouts are another powerhouse vegetable perfect for holiday feasts. Rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate, Brussels sprouts are great for maintaining healthy digestion, boosting immunity, and promoting bone health. When roasted or sautéed with a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of sea salt, Brussels sprouts transform into a flavorful, nutrient-dense side dish that will delight your guests. Try pairing them with roasted root vegetables or cranberries for a colorful, health-boosting platter.
As you gather around the table this holiday season, remember that nourishing meals can be both comforting and full of flavor. Embracing seasonal vegetables like root vegetables and Brussels sprouts is a simple way to celebrate the abundance of winter while adding color, texture, and nutrients to your meals.