The EastCoaster

By: Brianna Powers

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can present unique challenges as the winter chill sets in. The shorter days and colder temperatures often make it tempting to hibernate indoors, indulge in comfort foods, and ignore regular exercise routines. However, with a proactive approach, winter can be an excellent time to focus on nourishing your body and maintaining an active lifestyle. Throughout this article, I will explore two key aspects of winter wellness: eating healthily with seasonal produce, and engaging in stimulating exercises that embrace the brisk winter air.

Eating healthy with seasonal produce: 

Eating healthy during the winter months is essential for maintaining your overall well-being. By embracing seasonal produce like carrots, arugula, beets, butternut squash, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and pears, you can create delicious and nutritious meals. One nutritious winter meal to try is Sweet Potato Gnocchi. This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a light and pillowy texture. 

Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe: 

• Microwave three sweet potatoes until tender, about 7 to 10 minutes. 
• Allow them to cool, then scoop out the inside and mash it. 
• In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with an egg and one teaspoon of salt. 
• Gradually add 1 ½ to 2 cups of flour until a sticky dough forms. 
• Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, divide it into fist-sized balls, and roll each portion into one-inch thick ropes. 
• Cut the ropes into small ½ inch pieces and shape them into gnocchi…I recommend using a fork to push down and get that gnocchi shape.
• Boil the gnocchi until they float to the surface (usually around two to three minutes)
• Then add in whatever sauce you prefer (potentially something butter-based). 
• Serve with grated parmesan cheese for a decadent finish. 

For a sweet and indulgent dessert afterward, consider making Baked Pears.

Baked Pears Recipe: 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
•  If using firm-skinned pears, peel them; otherwise, leave the skin on. 
• Cut the pears in half lengthwise and remove the cores. 
• Place the pear halves in the baking dish and brush them with melted butter.
• Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon to your liking, then drizzle with ¼ cup of maple syrup and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
•  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pears are soft and caramelized. 
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or toasted nuts, and drizzle with the caramelized sauce from the pan. 

A wholesome snack option is Kale Popcorn. This snack combines the crunch of popcorn with the nutritional benefits of kale. 

Kale Popcorn Recipe: 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and tear half a pound of curly kale into smaller pieces, removing tough stems. 
• Coat two rimmed baking sheets with cooking spray and arrange the kale in a single layer.
• Lightly coat the kale with cooking spray and bake for 10–15 minutes, until crispy but not browned. 
• Season with salt to taste and allow to cool completely.
•  In a food processor, pulse the kale until finely ground, then pulse in ¼ cup nutritional yeast to combine. 
• In a large brown paper bag, add eight cups of plain salted popcorn and lightly spray with cooking spray (I recommend using Skinny Pop Original, Lesser Evil Himalayan Pink Salt, or Trader Joe’s Organic Popcorn With Olive Oil). 
• Sprinkle the kale mixture on top and toss until well-coated. 
• Enjoy this guilt-free snack option that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. 

These recipes offer delicious ways to stay healthy and satisfied during the winter months, ensuring your body receives its essential nutrients while also indulging in comforting and flavorful dishes.

Engaging in stimulating exercises that embrace the brisk winter air:

When it comes to staying active during the winter months, there are plenty of opportunities to embrace physical activity without the sweltering heat or humidity. Engaging in outdoor activities like biking, walking, and hiking allows you to enjoy the crisp winter air while getting your heart pumping. Layering up with appropriate clothing ensures you stay warm during your workout, and you can easily shed layers as you warm up. Furthermore, at-home workout videos provide a convenient option for staying active indoors. Whether you prefer high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, or strength training, there are countless resources available online to guide you through effective workouts without the need for expensive equipment. Additionally, consider incorporating wall Pilates YouTube videos into your routine for a low-impact yet challenging workout that strengthens core muscles and improves flexibility. With a variety of options to choose from, including no-equipment-needed workouts, you can easily stay on track with your fitness goals while staying cozy indoors during the winter season.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the winter months is both achievable and essential for overall well-being. By embracing seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, pears, and kale, and incorporating delicious recipes into your diet, you can nourish your body with wholesome ingredients that support your health. Also, staying active during the winter is can be convenient with outdoor activities like biking and hiking, as well as at-home workout videos that cater to various fitness preferences. Whether you’re enjoying a comforting bowl of Sweet Potato Gnocchi, indulging in Baked Pears for dessert, or getting your heart pumping with a brisk winter walk, there are plenty of ways to prioritize your health and fitness during the colder months. By combining nutritious eating habits with regular physical activity, you can thrive throughout the winter season and emerge feeling energized and refreshed.