A SEASONAL TAKE ON HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATING By Beth Sims, Manager, Health and Wellness, Pinnacle Claims Management, Inc.
The holidays are upon us, which means twinkling lights, endless to-do lists and enough food to make your sweatpants the most treasured item in your wardrobe. But before you resign yourself to a month- long cookie coma, let’s talk about a little secret weapon: seasonal produce. Yes, the same stuff you pass by in the grocery store on your way to the bakery can actually help keep you feeling festive and healthy. Eating seasonally isn’t just trendy—it’s practical. Produce harvested in its natural season tastes better, costs less and packs more nutrients. And during the winter months, Mother Nature offers us some real gems. Winter’s MVPs (Most Valuable Produce) • Brussels Sprouts: The tiny cabbages that have undergone a glow-up. Roast them with balsamic and suddenly they’re the star of the table instead of childhood trauma. • Butternut Squash: Sweet, hearty and practically begging to be made into soup. Bonus: it counts as comfort food without the food coma. • Pomegranates: Nature’s holiday decor. Sprinkle those ruby seeds on salads or desserts, and you’ve got instant sparkle and antioxidants. • Citrus: Oranges, clementines and grapefruits are at their juiciest. Think of them as sunshine in edible form, just when you need it most. • Kale & Dark Greens: Before you roll your eyes, toss them with cranberries and walnuts. Suddenly, they’re not a punishment, they’re festive.
Holiday Hacks (That Don’t Involve Skipping Pie) 1. Balance is Better than Deprivation Yes, grandma’s pecan pie is calling your name. Go ahead and just balance it with roasted veggies or a crisp citrus salad so you don’t end up napping under the tree. 2. Upgrade the Classics Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt in dips, try oven-roasting instead of deep-frying, or sneak in extra veggies into stuffings and casseroles. You’d be surprised how forgiving recipes can be. 3. Be Mindful The holidays are about connection, not just consumption. Slow down, enjoy each bite and put your fork down long enough to laugh at Uncle Joe’s recycled jokes. 4. Stay Hydrated Between the eggnog and wassail, don’t forget water. Your future self (and your skin) will thank you. Seasonal eating isn’t about restricting, it’s about celebrating what’s fresh, flavorful and good for you. This holiday season, consider adding some of winter’s finest produce to your plate. That way, when January rolls around, you’ll be starting from a place of balance instead of regret. Because really, the season shines brightest when your table is full of winter produce and your fork still finds its way to a piece of pie.
19 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com November | December 2025
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