Alternatives to the stodgy diet
My partner uses winter 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’m trying not to drink as much coffee but don’t really like hot chocolates. What are some nourishing alternatives when you need a warming drink? Kind regards, Fran
Hi Fran. Here are some alternatives: Email your questions for Dr Libby to ask.drlibby@fairfaxmedia.co.nz. Please note, only a selection of questions can be answered.
option. Make sure the chai flavour is coming from real spices in the tea and is not a syrup that has been added, as these are high in sugars. You can make a beautiful chai at home using your choice of milk and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and vanilla – sweetened with a little bit of honey (if needed).