SW Wisconsin is getting JANUARY weather in NOVEMBER! Ugh! The die-hards have been in the field since 6am this morning. It is 24 degrees, windy and snowing on and off. Gun Season opener for Deer Season, 2022. It's not the WORST we've had, but certainly not the best, either. Keeping coffee on for anyone that needs to come in and warm up! Pictures later of my snow-covered garden. I'm officially DONE for the season. Yay!
Holiday Foods That Are Actually Good for You
Healthy eating over the holidays doesn’t have to be impossible. In fact, you’re likely already eating some of the best foods for your weight and health without even knowing it. Here, nutritionists dish on which festeive foods won’t wreck your waistline this season.
Brussels sprouts
This vegetable is high in fiber, says Neda Varbanova of Healthy with Nedi, who has a master’s degree in food studies and is a certified culinary nutritionist and holistic health coach. This means that filling up on them will keep you satiated for longer and promote healthy digestion. Plus, one cup contains all of your daily requirements for immune-boosting vitamins K and C, Varbanova adds. Not sure how to cook brussels sprouts?
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is the perfect side for non-meat eaters, according to Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN of Maya Feller Nutrition. “It’s an excellent source of plant-based protein in addition to having fiber and vitamins K, C, and also vitamin B6, which helps with brain development and helps the body make the good mood hormone serotonin.”
Acorn squash
“Acorn squash contains a bioavailable form of beta-carotene—a pigment known to protect against heart disease and cancers,” says Varbanova. “It’s also an anti-inflammatory food, which helps to fight chronic inflammation.” Everything from asthma to rheumatoid arthritis is considered inflammatory conditions, and piling your plate up with acorn squash can help reduce your flare-ups and symptoms.
Collard greens
Feller recommends this mild green as a sauteed, stewed, or steamed side. Raw collard greens are 90 percent water and a high source of the antioxidant vitamin C. Collard greens also provide calcium and are a low-calorie veggie–a half-cup yields about 33 calories.
Green beans
“Green beans are one of the healthiest foods you can eat during the holidays, especially when boiled or steamed,” says Varbanova. (This means you should keep it simple and skip any casserole-style options which are typically packed with saturated fat and calories.) “One cup of green beans contains 10 percent of your daily folate requirement, virtually no fat and 4 grams of fiber.”