A lot of people find it difficult to pull off seasonal eating during the winter, especially when it comes to fruits. The weather and darker days inspire people to eat comfort foods and avoid trips to local markets and such. The reality is that winter fruits are rich in a plethora of nutrients, and buying them from local farmers helps support their business.

Which fruits grow during the winter? You tend to see a lot of citrus varieties, including blood oranges and grapefruit, in addition to kiwi, winter melons, and more. When you put an emphasis on cold-weather produce, you can obtain integral nutrients that support immune function and more. Some of the key nutrients in these fruits include magnesium, fiber, and vitamin C. Continue reading to see which winter fruits you should be eating, although the availability of these fruits may depend on where you live. For example locations closer to the equator may experience more winter fruits than people who live closer to Canada and deal with serious weather. Regardless, examples of winter fruits are as follows:

Kiwi

The small, fuzzy fruit with a green flesh that packs more vitamin C than an orange. It is harvested through winter and into spring and provides lots of vitamin K, vitamin E, and potassium. Kiwi is also a rich source of antioxidant compounds, including phenols and carotenoids. These compounds work to reduce oxidative stress, which can increase the risk of certain age-related diseases. 

Pomegranates

This red, sweet and sour fruit is filled with small, juicy seeds, also called arils. These arils are rich in antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids that have been linked to detoxification, improved heart health, and cancer prevention. Pomegranates are also rich in folate, vitamins C & K, and potassium. 

Persimmon

Persimmons have a limited window, so get your hands on them before they disappear until next fall. Native to Asia, persimmons are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese. They contain gallic acid and epicatechin gallate, two compounds that may help reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation. 

Clementines

Sometimes called “cuties” or “halos” in grocery stores, clementines are essentially small oranges. More specifically, they are types of mandarin oranges made from crossing two different orange species. They are usually easy to peel, seedless, and naturally rich in vitamin C, which may enhance skin and immune health. 

Grapefruit

Similar to other citrus fruits, grapefruit grow predominantly in California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. You typically see them from January to late spring, and they offer a lot of vitamin C and vitamin A. Researchers have identified several beneficial phytochemicals in grapefruit, including beta-carotene, limonoids, lycopene, and naringenin. These compounds may fight free radical damage and oxidative stress, which contribute to early signs of aging and chronic disease development. 

Kumquat

Yet another citrus fruit, the kumquat is a tiny sweet and sour citrus that comes from the same plant family as the orange. Kumquats are great sources of vitamin C and fiber, and you can actually eat the entire fruit. Yes, you can even eat the thin peel! The pulp has a distinctly sour flavor, but the skin provides a little extra sweetness, in addition to protective antioxidant compounds. 

Winter Melon

No matter which way you slice it, winter melon (or ash gourd) is a great fruit to consume during winter. Naturally rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, winter melon is dark green and has an oblong shape. The flesh is white, as are the seeds, but you cannot consume it raw. Typically, you simmer or steam winter melon because it is heated more like a vegetable than fruit in Indian and other Asian countries.

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Allow us to start at the beginning: a beautiful, creamy base of homemade almond milk, which lends a light, nutty smoothness that carries the flavors without overpowering them. A frozen banana thickens the smoothie while adding gentle sweetness and a frosty texture. We build on the nutty flavor of homemade almond milk by adding raw almond butter, which provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber. As the blender blitzes the ingredients, the ground flaxseeds disappear into the mixture, giving the smoothie a velvety smoothness and wholesome, satisfying feel. We chose ground flaxseeds because it’s easier for the body to digest them in ground form.

At the heart of the smoothie are the goji berries, which you soften in water prior to blending them. During the blending process, they release a mildly tart, berry-like flavor that complements the banana’s natural sweetness. Goji berries are especially valuable because they are rich in antioxidants that work to protect cells from free radicals and oxidative stress. They also provide notable amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C, which help support normal vision and immune function. The natural fiber in goji berries contributes to feelings of fullness, making the smoothie both nourishing and energizing without weighing you down.

The warm winter spices bring everything together, with cinnamon adding gentle sweetness and fresh ginger delivering a bright, zesty kick that lingers on the palate. The ginger gives the smoothie a refreshing warmth, while the cinnamon enhances the natural flavors of the fruit and nuts. The final result is a well-balanced, ruby-tinted smoothie that tastes comforting yet vibrant—smooth, slightly tart, lightly spiced, and packed with ingredients that make it as nourishing as it is delicious.

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This vibrant winter salad is all about colors and flavors. It brings together peppery arugula, sweet slices of golden persimmon, juicy pomegranate arils, and thinly shaved purple cabbage, creating a salad that is as as visually stunning as it is delicious. Each ingredient offers a signature flavor that exemplifies the fall and winter seasons. Think of this salad as the end of fall and beginning of winter. The arugula’s gentle, peppery bite balances the natural honeyed richness of the persimmon slices. The cabbage adds a satisfying crunch and hint of earthiness, while the pomegranate arils burst with sweetly tart flavor in every bite.

Beyond the beauty and flavor, the salad offers up an impressive nutritional profile that support cold-weather wellness. Arugula provides vitamins A and K, both of which help to maintain immune function, eye health, and bone health. Persimmons are the unsung fruit of fall that are only available for a limited window, so get them while the gettin’s good. They contain lots of fiber and antioxidants, helping to enhance digestion and reduce inflammation. Pomegranate seeds, also known as arils, are like little bursts of juicy vitamin C and polyphenols. They have been known to support heart health, while purple cabbage provides additional antioxidants and beneficial phytonutrients that may protect against oxidative stress.

What would a salad be without a tasty dressing? Just like the rug in The Big Lebowski, the dressing really ties the room together. It is a silky orange–tahini dressing that infuses the salad with bright citrus notes with a hint of nuttiness. Fresh orange juice adds natural sweetness and acidity, awakening each ingredient in the salad and dressing. The tahini gives the dressing body and a subtle roasted flavor that complements the persimmons and controls arugula’s pepperiness. Make sure to drizzle generously because the dressing transforms the colorful salad into a harmonious, satisfying dish.

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This vanilla cinnamon chia pudding is a creamy, lightly sweet breakfast treat made by soaking chia seeds in a mixture of homemade almond milk, vanilla extract, and a touch of cinnamon. Not to get too scientific, but the seeds absorb liquid and swell to form a naturally thick, pudding-like texture that is similar to tapioca. Cinnamon is a warming spice that helps balance the mellow vanilla flavor, while optional additions like a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh fruit, or nuts create layers of both flavor and texture. Chia pudding seems like a dessert, but it is nutrient-dense and makes for the perfect grab-and-go breakfast.

Chia seeds are naturally rich in soluble fiber, which forms a gel in the stomach, supports digestive function, and keeps you feeling full for longer. The seeds also provide omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Combine all of those benefits with wholesome flavorings like cinnamon, which exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and your chia pudding becomes a well-balanced meal that promotes long-lasting energy, rather than spiking blood sugar. Unlike a lot of breakfasts that rely on refined grains or added sugars, chia pudding derives its sweetness naturally and allows full control over ingredients.

Compared to unhealthy American breakfast classic—think sugary cereals, oversized muffins, pastries, syrup-drenched pancakes, or processed breakfast sandwiches—chia pudding offers sustained energy without the mid-morning crash. Traditional American breakfast foods are generally rich in refined flour, saturated fats, or added sugars. They tend to lack fiber and essential micronutrients as well. Those unhealthy options can elevate blood glucose rapidly, lead to inflammation, and leave you hungry shortly after finishing the food. In contrast, chia pudding contains slow-digesting fiber, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients that nourish the body and help maintain balanced energy throughout the day.

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Do you judge a restaurant or household by the condiments they have? What is the brand and what is the quality of the condiment? Do you love a homemade ketchup, chutney, or dressing? If you answered yes, then you, like us, prefer the preservative-free stuff made with love and care. That’s exactly what this pumpkin seed ranch dressing is: a salad dressing, dip, and sauce that contains tons of nutrients. It may just become a staple around your house!

Ranch dressing is beloved by many people and it is not uncommon for people to have serious opinions about the ranch dressing they enjoy. Usually, the valley is hidden, if you’re picking up what we’re laying down. Unfortunately, most store bought ranch dressings are full of fat, unhealthy inflammatory oils, preservatives, added sugars, and a lot of other problematic ingredients that should not be in a salad dressing. A good ranch dressing should be both creamy and refreshing, packed with herbs and spices, and completely gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and low-carb friendly.

Such is the case with this raw vegan pumpkin seed ranch dressing. It uses pumpkin seeds, homemade almond milk, apple cider vinegar, onion, mint or parsley, dried dill, paprika, mustard powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend all of those ingredients together to create a lovely sauce/salad dressing/condiment. Make sure that you blend until the mixture reaches the consistency you prefer. If you enjoy a thicker ranch dressing, you can add more pumpkin seeds or less almond milk. Play with those measurements to achieve your desired result.

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Most people deal with a gut-related issue at some point during their lifetime. Gut issues can include bloating, gas, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, or more serious issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), leaky gut syndrome, or something more serious. Eating a more nutritious diet can help mitigate a lot of common gut issues that stem from poor eating habits. While this smoothie will not solve your gut issues, it is a great place to start, as it contains ingredients that promote a healthy gut.

Leaky gut syndrome is not technically accepted as a formal medical diagnosis, but it is popular in lay literature. Many gastrointestinal symptoms are ascribed to leaky gut, such as distension, diarrhea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. Healing foods may help alleviate some of these issues, while promoting better gut function in the process. This smoothie is brimming with more nutritious than an average meal in the Standard American Diet. It contains spinach, kale, homemade almond milk, avocado, banana, ginger, hemp hearts, chia seeds, and more!

The mix of bananas and grade A maple syrup naturally sweetens this smoothie. The leafy greens provide vitamins K, A, and C, in addition to magnesium, iron, and fiber. The chia seeds and hemp hearts are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote brain and heart health. Additionally, those two ingredients are naturally rich in fiber, which helps keep you full for longer. Drink this smoothie for breakfast and you won’t need to snack unnecessarily before lunch. It’s such a great way to start your day!

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Fall and winter invite many different squash types. They are gorgeous in color, unique in shape, and are quite versatile. You can steam them, roast them, boil them, puree them, and even add them to foods such as breads and pies. Although the more unique and seasonal varieties show up at local farmers’ markets, you can typically find a good variety at most major grocery stores during fall and winter. 

Squash is very dense and packed with flavor and nutrients. Most squash tends to have an orange flesh, such as pumpkins, butternut squash, or kabocha squash, which means it is rich in carotenoids. Those plant compounds benefit eye health, skin health, and immune function. They also contain complex carbohydrates and make great alternatives to classically unhealthy starches. Continue reading to learn more about winter squash and how to use them. 

Butternut Squash

A popular winter squash that is typically available year round, butternut squash is the sweetest and most flavorful during the fall and winter. It has a deep, orange-colored flesh that is sweet, nutty, and rich. You can use it in both sweet and savory recipes, such as soups, salads, vegetable medleys, baked goods, casseroles, and pies. You have to peel butternut squash and cut it in half to remove the seeds and stringy bits. 

Acorn Squash

An acorn squash is typically showcased in a themed, decorative box when you enter a grocery store during fall. It has a dark green skin and the shape resembles an acorn, hence the name. The flesh is either bright white or orange. This squash is perfect for roasting. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast it cut-side down until you can easily pierce it with a knife. Serve it as a side dish or stuff the center of a roasted half with quinoa and diced vegetables.

Delicata Squash

This is a cylindrical squash with a delicate, cream-colored skin that has splashes of orange, green, and yellow. The delicata squash, also referred to as the peanut squash or Bohemian squash, can be sliced into rounds or half-moons. It is best roasted, but make sure to scoop out the seeds prior to cooking. It makes for a great side dish, but it can also be a main course if you want to stuff it with different things, such as rice, quinoa, or meat. 

Sugar Pumpkin

The sugar pumpkin, or pie pumpkin, is potentially the most popular winter squash. It is the type of pumpkin that you use if you want to make pumpkin pie from scratch, or if you want to make your own pumpkin puree. They have a bright orange skin with bright orange flesh and tend to be much smaller than traditional carving pumpkins. The rich, buttery flavor lends itself to both sweet and savory recipes. If you roast the pumpkin, you can also add it to a blender and blend with other ingredients to make a pumpkin soup. 

Spaghetti Squash

We saved the most unusual for last, as this oblong winter squash has a stringy flesh that resembles spaghetti once you cook it. Make sure not to overcook the squash or else it will just become mushy. When cooked properly, the strands come apart and you can use it as a pasta substitute. It has a mellow flavor, so it easily takes on a variety of herbs and spices, or even sauces. Cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and roast cut-side down until you can pierce the skin easily with a fork.

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A lot of people think about pumpkin seeds when it comes to roasting the seeds of squash. Roasted kabocha squash seeds are a great alternative to pumpkin seeds and make use of an under-appreciated fall ingredient: kabocha squash. Since you have to hollow out the squash and remove the stringy parts and seeds before you cook the squash, you should save them and make this recipe. To make them, start by scooping out the seeds from a fresh kabocha squash and removing any stringy flesh. Make sure to rinse the seeds thoroughly to clean off any remaining squash. Once clean, pat them dry with a towel because they will not crisp up nicely if you roast them while they are still damp.

Once dry, scatter the seeds, which you’ll season liberally, across a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You don’t have to use parchment paper, but it makes for an easier clean up process. Roast them in a preheated oven at around 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and become crunchy. Be sure to toss the seeds halfway through the cooking process in order to ensure even roasting. Once they are nice and crispy, let them cool slightly before enjoying. You can also store them in an airtight container for about 5 days before tossing them out.

Kabocha squash seeds are a rich source of healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3s work to support brain and heart health. These seeds also contain a lot of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. Additionally, kabocha squash seeds are high in magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants like vitamin E, which can help enhance immune function, improve skin health, and reduce inflammation.

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Hormones serve as chemical messengers that coordinate different functions within the body. There are several glands, organs, and tissues, which make up the endocrine system, that produce and release hormones. These hormones are vital for metabolism, growth, development, mood, and reproduction. 

What Do Hormones Do?

These chemical messengers affect and manage hundreds of bodily processes, many of which involve a chain reaction of several hormones. A hormone acts on a part of the body if it fits, e.g. the cells in the target tissue have receptors that can receive messages from that hormone. A hormone is like a key and the cells in the target tissues act as the lock. If the hormone fits the receptor on the cell wall, it will act appropriately and work, delivering a message that causes the target site to carry out a specific action.

The body uses hormones for two types of communication. The first type is between two endocrine glands, where one gland releases a hormone, stimulating another gland to change the levels of hormones that it is releasing. For example, this communication exists between the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland. The pituitary gland releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which cues the thyroid to release its hormones that affect different bodily processes. The second type of communication is between the endocrine gland and a target organ. For example, the pancreas releases insulin, which acts on the muscles and liver to help produce glucose. 

Several studies support the fact that promoting a healthy microbiome can have a positive impact on hormonal balance. Consuming probiotics and a plant-rich diet may improve the body’s regulation of ghrelin, cortisol, and insulin. Read on to learn about foods that may help restore hormone balance. 

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds contain lignans, which are a type of phytoestrogen that can mimic estrogen in the body. Researchers have studied them for their potential ability to reduce estrogen levels, particularly in regards to menopause and menstrual cycle irregularities. Flaxseeds are naturally rich in fiber, which may further support hormone balance by promoting a healthier microbiome. 

Leafy Greens

Swiss chard, kale, spinach, arugula, and other leafy greens contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support hormonal health. The antioxidants in leafy greens work to reduce inflammation and assist the body with hormone production. The iron content may also help prevent anemia, while the magnesium content may help the body regulate cortisol. That ultimately leads to a more balanced stress response. 

Berries

Not only are berries low in sugar, but they also contain a lot of antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation, a factor that contributes to hormonal imbalance. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries may cause a slower and lower rise in blood sugar and insulin levels. Additionally, the fiber in berries helps maintain stable hormone levels by promoting optimal gut health. 

Avocados

Praised for their monounsaturated fats, avocados are always welcomed in your diet. Those monounsaturated fats play a crucial role in hormone production, as they serve as the building blocks for hormone synthesis. Avocados are also rich in fiber and magnesium, two nutrients that may help regulate estrogen and cortisol, respectively.

Quinoa

Technically a seed but grouped with whole grains, quinoa is a great source of complete protein, meaning it means all essential amino acids that the body does not make on its own. Those essential amino acids are necessary for bodily functions, including hormone production. Additionally, the complex carbohydrates in quinoa help slow digestion and nutrient absorption, contributing to more stable blood sugar levels. That ultimately helps balance the body’s insulin response. 

Lentils

Similar to other legumes, lentils are rich in fiber, which works to support balanced insulin levels and a healthy microbiome. Like quinoa, lentils are a great source of plant protein and have a low glycemic index, helping you maintain steady blood sugar. The B-vitamins and magnesium in lentils also support hormone production and function. 

Seaweed

Kelp and nori are a couple examples of seaweed that you can eat and they have the potential to influence estradiol levels in the blood. They may also increase the excretion of hormone-related substances in the urine, which can help balance all estrogen types. By potentially regulating estrogen levels and positively impacting gut bacteria, seaweed may be a great option for hormone health. 

Broccoli

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower are naturally rich in indole-3-carbinol. This compound supports the liver in metabolizing estrogen. Broccoli is also a great source of dietary fiber, which aids the regulation of insulin and other hormones.

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Get the ingredients and ready your food processor because homemade energy bites are as easy as one, two, three. An easy-to-make snack that is rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and free of preservatives and added sugars? How many times can we say yes? When you need a boost of energy and want to enjoy something that is wholesome, nutrient-dense, and delicious, turn to these chocolate hemp and pumpkin seed energy bites. They take less than 10 minutes to process and then another few minutes to form into balls. Freeze them until firm and then enjoy!

You will need raw pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, chia seeds, raw cacao powder, Medjool dates, raw sunflower seed butter, alcohol-free vanilla extract, and grade A maple syrup. Once you gather your ingredients, ready the food processor fitted with the ‘S’ blade. You will first have to process the pumpkin seeds with the hemp hearts. Once that becomes a crumbly mixture, add the chia seeds, dates, vanilla, sea salt, sunflower seed butter, and maple syrup to the processor. Pulse until that mixture is a dough-like consistency. It will almost turn into a ball in the food processor. Just make sure to stop blending, scrape down the sides, and continue blending in order to fully incorporate all of the ingredients.

Due to the fact that these energy bites have sunflower seeds, hemp hearts, chia seeds, and sunflower seed butter, they are not lacking in healthy fats, protein, or fiber. That makes them great for enjoying when you want something to hold you over between meals. They are also great to enjoy pre- or post-workout, as the nutrients in them aid both muscle performance and recovery.

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