Festive Superfoods for the Holidays

Festive Superfoods

We’re encroaching on the most wonderful time of the year, wouldn’t you agree?  There are so many lovely things about the holiday season that I’d have a hard time listing only a few.

I’d have to say, though, that universally, we all look forward to the delicious foods that accompany this season.  The veggies can typically get overlooked during the holidays as we prepare to overload on them in the New Year (resolutions, right?) – and when the veggies do show up in the spread, they’re generally slathered in butter or in a casserole.  Don’t get me wrong, we all love a good casserole, but admittedly, it does take away from the nutritious value of your vegetables.

Luckily, there are loads of superfoods in season that can be quite festive, as well.  I wanted to let you in on 7 of my favorite red and green fruits & veggies that will provide you with heaps of vitamins and nutrients, while making your taste buds happy as well.

Top 7 Superfoods in Season 

Broccoli  –  With loads nutrients including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Fiber, steaming up or roasting some broccoli is a quick, healthy side item to any dish.

Cranberries – Providing you nutrients such as Manganese, Vitamin C, and Fiber, Cranberries are often found on the dinner table this time of year.  Eat up!

Cabbage – Red cabbage has an astounding amount of Vitamin K — which helps with regulating blood clotting and transporting calcium in the body, to name a few.  You also get an enormous amount of other beneficial vitamins such as Vitamin C and Manganese.

Beets – The rich color of beets comes from betalains.  Beets are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory supporting nutrients.  The betalain pigments found in beets aids in the detoxification process, which we all could use some of!

Kale – Packed full of Vitamin K, C, A.  Quite possibly the most popular leafy green, it’s also versatile and easily slipped into any recipe or smoothie.  Steam it with some fresh garlic, sauté it with some olive oil, make a hearty salad with it.  

Radishes – Radishes add a great pop of color to your plate while also acting as a cleanser of toxins for your digestive system.  Due to their Vitamin C content, consuming radishes can also help keep your immune system strong this season.

Cucumber – As well as many others listed, cucumbers are quite helpful in providing you antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.  These are great to have as a crunchy snack or in salads for a pop of flavor.

I made a huge pot of veggie soup this week and loaded it with broccoli, kale, and cabbage – just to name a few – and a quick and easy way to get in my superfoods.  We've had it for dinner twice and have it on the docket for one more night.  Delicious, warms, filling, and nutritious!

How might you include these gems in your regime this week?