During the winter months, most of us find ourselves spending more time indoors. When the view out of the window is gray and dreary and the cold air whips around the corner of your house, all you want to do is retreat to a cozy corner of your home and stay warm. In winter, a home feels warmer when it is filled with tantalizing aromas. Peanuts roasting in the oven is just one example of a way to aromatically warm your home while creating a delicious snack to enjoy while curled up with a good book or movie.
Being indoors in winter gives you more time to enjoy being together as a family. Watching a movie or playing nostalgic boards games with your kids is a wonderful way to spend a winter evening. Having a healthy and nutritious snack such as cashews, peanuts, trail mixes, and chocolate covered fruits and nuts to munch on makes the evening even more enjoyable.
Most of us are bombarded with sweet treats during the holidays. Having nuts and dried fruit available is a welcome alternative to the numerous confections that show up everywhere in December. Buying a bulk amount of your family’s favorite healthy snacks is an economical way to keep nutritious alternatives on hand.
There is always the likelihood of coming in contact, either directly or indirectly, with someone who has the familiar wintertime common cold. Certain vitamin rich foods can help increase your defense against colds. Dried fruit such as blueberries, cranberries, papaya, and mango contain vitamin C and antioxidants to help protect and improve your immune system. Keeping a supply of on the go snack cups filled with these fruits in your desk drawer, your car, or packing them in lunch bags will provide an extra boost to your immune system while satisfying your urge to snack.
Even during the winter, it is important to spend some time outdoors. There will be days when the temperature rises, the sun shines, and being outside is not so unpleasant. This is a good time to grab a pack of trail mix and head out for a nature walk. Just being outside will lift your spirit and your body can benefit from the healthy snack you’ve chosen to take along with you.
When roasting nuts:
Sprinkle with your favorite seasonings
Experiment with new mixtures
Stir in soy sauce or hot sauce for an added punch