Although I can really appreciate its sheer beauty, winter is actually kind of a struggle for me. The cold temperatures, the long hours I have to spend indoors because of the rain or snow, the heavy jackets and boots and, the most important, the lack of sunlight and fresh food – they all contribute to a general state of non-wellness, if I can call it this way.
One I have to make big efforts to improve: from prolonged yoga sessions and long walks to constantly searching alternatives to the winter food I tend to cook the most – soups and stews. A diet lacking fresh ingredients can lead to acidity, reduced microbiome diversity, weak activity of the immune system and constant cravings.
Giving my body a large variety of nutrients is the number one objective year-round, but in winter it becomes an adventure when fresh seasonal produce is actually not available.
This winter bowl illustrates the ideal meal our body would love to be daily nurtured with.
The complete plate of a winter meal should contain colorful ingredients which are in season, dark leafy greens, fiber and protein, healthy fats and fermented foods.
- Colourful Ingredients – colors announce the presence of powerful nutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Pink and orange ingredients are the highlight of the cold season – pomegranate, beet, grapefruit, apple, orange, pumpkin, persimmon. In winter we need extra antioxidants to boost our immune system and liver function. Citrus fruits, pomegranate and pumpkin are my choice for the seasonal produce in my winter bowl.
- Dark Leafy Greens – these are the ones we should have on our plate daily, due to their detoxifying action. Baby spinach and parsley are widely available in winter.
- Fiber – in winter we tend to eat more and mostly cooked food, which burdens our digestive system. The microbiome needs fiber to fabric the byproducts that nurture our colon wall cells and maintain its health. The fibre is also needed for reducing the amount of time the food spends in our system. I’ve chosen chickpeas and broccoli for their high fibre content.
- Protein – the hormone production is supported by the presence of certain amino-acids, and keeping a constant quality protein intake is a must for balanced hormone activity. Plant based protein is preferred over the animal one because of the effects on the estrogen production of the latter. Combining legumes with seeds and nuts is the best way to get all the amino-acids necessary for building the protein blocks and also keep you satiated. Roasted chickpeas, walnuts and millet make a delicious protein-packed combo.
- Healthy Fats – are essential for the hormone production. Avocado and walnuts are my main winter fat choice.
- Fermented Foods – our microbiome is a fascinating world, especially after reading about its connection with the neurotransmitters and mental health. If fiber nourishes them, fermented foods ensure the diversity of good bacteria. Think yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi or daikon kimchi. A happy microbiome means a super-active immune system, which is the key for staying away from colds and flu. Homemade cabbage and beet sauerkraut are my favorite fermented foods in winter.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your healthy, nourishing winter meals, make sure you check my Complete Nourishing Bowl, my Protein-Packed Buddha Bowl or my gorgeous Superfood Salad.
Have you tried any of my recipes? Tag me on Instagram @theawesomegreen so I can see them and share with the community!
How To Build a Complete Winter Buddha Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup millet uncooked
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 small bunch parsley chopped
- 1 small red onion finely diced
- 1/2 medium butternut squash peeled, cubed
- 1/2 small broccoli head diced
- 2 tbsp sauerkraut
- 1/2 pomegranate seeds only
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/2 pink grapefruit peeled and cut into slices
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- For the dressing
- 1/2 avocado peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp soy yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp Dijon
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175C / 346F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the chickpeas on a half of the baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tsp coconut oil, season with cumin, turmeric and black pepper and toss to coat evenly.
- On the other half of the baking sheet add the butternut squash, drizzle with coconut oil, toss to combine and arrange in a single layer.
- Roast for 20 minutes then remove from the oven and set aside.
- Meanwhile, prepare the millet according to the package instructions. I usually simmer it over low heat for 10 minutes, turn off the heat, cover the pot and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Add the dressing ingredients into the blender and process to obtain a creamy liquid.
- To assemble the meal, divide the spinach, parsley and onion into the serving bowls. Top with the cooked millet, roasted squash and chickpeas, broccoli, grapefruit slices and sauerkraut.
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds and walnuts, drizzle the avocado dressing on top.
Notes
Nutrition
gorgeous, lady! Can I have one? ;D
Sure, would love to have you over for a bowl ❤️thanks so much!