Festive Superfoods for the Holidays
We’re coming up on on the most wonderful time of the year, wouldn’t you agree? (Now I have the song in my head!) There are so many lovely things about the holiday season that I’d have a hard time listing only a few. I’d have to say, though, that universally, we all look forward to the delicious foods that accompany this season.
And let’s be honest, veggies can typically get overlooked during the holidays as we prepare to overload on them in the New Year ( because – resolutions, right?) – and when the veggies do show up in the spread, they’re generally topped with something or hidden in a casserole. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good casserole just as much as the next chick, but admittedly, it does take away from the nutritional value of your vegetables.
Luckily, there are loads of superfoods in season that can be quite festive, as well. I wanted to let you in on 7 of my favorite red and green fruits & veggies that will provide you with heaps of vitamins and nutrients while making your taste buds happy as well.
Top 7 Superfoods in Season
- Broccoli – With loads nutrients including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Fiber, steaming up or roasting some broccoli is a quick, healthy side item to any dish.
- Cranberries – Providing you nutrients such as Manganese, Vitamin C, and Fiber, Cranberries are often found on the dinner table this time of year. Eat up! Every year, I make my own cranberry sauce. It’s so easy to do, and so much better than that cranberry flavored jelly-mess that they sell in a can. Here’s the basic sugar free recipe I use: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/4-ingredient-sugar-free-low-carb-cranberry-sauce-paleo-gluten-free/
- Cabbage – Red cabbage has an astounding amount of Vitamin K — which helps with regulating blood clotting and transporting calcium in the body, to name a few. You also get an enormous amount of other beneficial vitamins such as Vitamin C and Manganese.
- Beets – The rich color of beets comes from betalains. Beets are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory supporting nutrients. The betalain pigments found in beets aids in the detoxification process, which we all could use some of! Bonus – they can help balance blood sugar (which helps with cravings.)
- Kale – Packed full of Vitamin K, C, A. Quite possibly the most popular leafy green, it’s also versatile and easily slipped into any recipe or smoothie. Steam it with some fresh garlic, sauté it with some olive oil, make a hearty salad with it.
- Radishes – Radishes add a great pop of color to your plate while also acting as a cleanser of toxins for your digestive system. Due to their Vitamin C content, consuming radishes can also help keep your immune system strong this season. Most people only think of radishes as a veggie to add to your salad, but have you ever tried them sauteed? Check out a simple recipe here: http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/sauteed-radishes-88634
- Cucumber – As well as many others listed, cucumbers are quite helpful in providing you antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. These are great to have as a crunchy snack or in salads for a pop of flavor. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/273453008608086258/
What are some of your favorite veggies? And how do you prepare them?
