Let's be honest: who really wants to spend a fortune on fruits and veggies that are probably going to sit in your fridge for a couple weeks before you toss it out? Well, these five January vegetables are in season, meaning they're cheaper, tastier and easily accessible. So get hyped because here's a few hot, new recipes for January veggies that are sure to heat up your winter blues!
1. Citrus
There are plenty of citrus fruits to consume during this time of the year! Add some flavor to your January diet by incorporating lemon, grapefruit, and orange to your favorite meals. These fruits come packed with benefits like kick starting your metabolism, improving you immune system, and brightening you skin ( and really, who doesn't want to clear up a blemish or two?). Check out Martha Stewart's recipe for her Vitamin-C packed Citrus Bars. Or, if you're pressed for time, just try eating these fruits on their own (but maybe not the lemon unless you like sour things like my sister!). Either way, you can't go wrong with citrus!
2. Kale
If it's possible to have a love-hate relationship with a veggie, then that's the kind of relationship I have with kale. Don't get me wrong, it's great for you. It's low-calorie and chock full of Vitamin K. It's definitely the January vegetable to eat, especially when it comes to keeping all of those New Year's resolutions we made to eat healthy. Kale is also high in iron and filled with some pretty powerful antioxidants, among other things. In my mind, I know all that, but sometimes I just can't get over the taste of kale, especially in healthy smoothies! The only time I've eaten kale and absolutely loved it was in this Kale Caesar Salad, which I highly recommend. I didn't think it would be as great a hit as it actually was. Long story short, eat kale.
3. Parsnips
Has anyone honestly gone to the grocery store seeking out parsnips, in particular? If you have, congrats because they have some pretty great benefits. If you haven't, you should be after reading this. Parsnips help improve heart health, and reduce birth defects in infants. It also helps with weight loss, as it is low in calories and high in fiber, making it the perfect snack in between meals. So french fries, meet your match: Baked Parsnip Fries with Rosemary. Everyone has to love french fries, but they never seem to love us back. But these parsnip fries are healthier for you, and will make it that much easier to say goodbye to those greasy potato sticks once and for all!
4. Rutabaga
timsackton on Flickr
Has anyone ever heard of a rutabaga? Because I don't think I ever have. Apparently they're supposed to be really good for you, and can help prevent premature aging. Is there anyone who wants to look 40 when they're actually 30? I think not. So sign me up for all the rutabaga possible because I'm trying to look young forever. Of course it has other health benefits like boosting your immune system, preventing diabetes, and can also help to prevent cancer. I'm honestly not seeing a downside to this January vegetable. And wow, Roasted Rutabaga recipe just makes me crave this veggie even more.
5. Turnips
If Michelle Obama is turning up for turnips, shouldn't we all be? They improve bone strength, heart health, and blood circulation. Among other things, turnips can also prevent cancer, which is always a plus when it comes to eating healthy. The perfect turnip recipe is Sweet Turnip and Carrot Soup, which is exactly what you need in during this snow-filled month. Wouldn't you love to be curled up on the couch, eating soup, and looking out the window watching the snow fall?
What are you waiting for? Give these January vegetables a try. It's the best way to start your year off, as well as the cheapest way to eat healthier!