Alternatives to the stodgy diet

My partner useswinter as a great excuse to make more pies, mashed potato and generally stodgy food. What are some healthy meal ideas for winter, given we’re not so keen on eating salads. Thanks, Heather.

Hi Heather. Many people agree that they find it more difficult to choose nourishing options in the cooler months. That may be because traditionally speaking we needed more body fat to help keep us warm from winter chills.

These days though, it’s relatively easy to make nourishing food in the winter, using beautiful spice/herb bases, onion, garlic, olive oil, good quality/or preferably home-made stock as a base in a slow-cooker and you’re away.

Add additional nourishment to casseroles, stews, soups and curries with different kinds of vegetables such as artichokes, fennel, through to spinach, kale, silverbeet – and pumpkin and kumara. It is easy and delicious to amp up the vegetable content of how you eat throughout the winter months.

Incorporating cauliflower into potato (or replacing it if that suits your dietary needs better) is a wonderful way to sneak the power of brassicas into your meals. It can also be used to make cauliflower rice.

Red lentil dhal, tagines, soups, slow cooked casseroles, curry, even a beautiful roasted vegetable frittata are all great and nourishing options when good quality ingredients and plenty of vegetables are used. The leftovers are an added benefit for lunch the next day or freeze leftovers so you have a nourishing option on hand for a later time. I’mtrying not to drink as much coffee but don’t really like hot chocolates. What are some nourishing alternativeswhen you need awarming drink? Kind regards, Fran Hi Fran. Here are some alternatives:

DANDELION

Dandelion root herbal tea is a wonderful alternative for people who like coffee, it has the same body and bitterness as coffee, but it’s a herbal blend that usually consists of roasted dandelion root and chicory.

Dandelion helps to ease fluid retention in the body plus, it can help support efficient liver detoxification pathways. It makes a delicious caffeine-free coffee alternative, particularly when you add frothed milk of your choice and cinnamon. Admittedly this isn’t an option you’re going to be able to buy from any cafe but a great option to make at home or work. If you frequent a cafe regularly and it becomes a staple for you, suggest they add it to their menu!

CHAI

A chai tea is a lovely warming

TURMERIC AND/OR GINGER TEA

Ginger tea is a remedy for many ailments, especially stomach upsets as it acts as a digestive aid and helps to dispel gas. A warming herb with antiinflammatory properties, turmeric also supports efficient liver detoxification.

HERBAL TEA

Chamomile, liquorice and peppermint, for example, all make a great hot chocolate/coffee or even tea alternative. Liquorice tea is particularly nice if you find yourself craving something sweet.