By Emily Kho, Contributing Blogger
Winter wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. When the days are short and the weather is chilly, your body naturally craves warmth, grounding ingredients, and immune-supporting nutrients.
These three healthy winter recipes are packed with flavor, whole-food ingredients, and cozy vibes, making them ideal for post-workout meals or wind-down evenings.
1. Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup
A bowl of this vibrant Golden Turmeric Lentil Soup is like wrapping yourself in a blanket, but with bonus anti-inflammatory benefits. The recipe comes from The Bean Bites, yields 4 servings and has a total cook time of 55 minutes.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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4 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
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1 tablespoon ginger, grated
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2 teaspoons ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground turmeric
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1 large carrot, diced
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1 ½ cup red lentils
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4 cups vegetable broth
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups roughly chopped spinach
Instructions
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Warm a medium to large sized dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add coconut oil (or olive oil) and wait until melted and warm.
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Add onion, garlic, and ginger and coat in the oil. Cook 2-3 minutes or until the onion starts to soften.
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Add the cumin, turmeric, and salt and pepper to the mixture. Coat the spices in the olive oil to infuse the mixture with the aroma and flavor of the spices.
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Add the carrot and coat in the mixture. Cook the carrot 3-5 minutes until the carrots start to sweat.
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Add the lentils and coat in the mixture.
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Add the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer for 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally and add additional vegetable broth if needed.
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When the lentils and carrots are soft but before they get mushy, add the tomato paste and stir in the chopped spinach.
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Cook an additional 1-2 minutes or until the spinach is wilted.
Why It’s Great
Red lentils cook quickly and are rich in plant-based protein, while turmeric helps combat inflammation. It’s the perfect combination after a chilly morning walk or strength workout.
2. Roasted Root Veggie Quinoa Bowl
This colorful, hearty Roasted Root Veggie Quinoa Bowl is meal prep–friendly and endlessly customizable. The recipe comes from Real Simple, yields 4 servings, and has a total cook time of 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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1 10-oz. pkg. fresh butternut squash, cut into 3/4-in. cubes
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4 parsnips, peeled and cut into 3/4 in. cubes (about 2 cups)
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8 oz. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered lengthwise
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1 small red onion
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1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
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2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
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1 cup quinoa
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3 cups fresh baby spinach
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1 Tbsp. white balsamic or apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp dijon mustard
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1/2 cup hummus
Directions
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Place a large rimmed baking sheet in oven and preheat oven to 450°F. Toss together squash, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, onion, 2 tablespoons oil, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl. Carefully spread vegetable mixture on preheated baking sheet. Return to oven and roast, tossing halfway through, until tender and browned, about 20 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.
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Meanwhile, cook quinoa according to package directions. Transfer to a large bowl. Add spinach and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss until spinach is slightly wilted.
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Whisk vinegar and mustard in a small bowl. Gradually drizzle in remaining 1/4 cup oil, whisking constantly. Stir 2 tablespoons vinaigrette into quinoa.
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Divide quinoa among 4 bowls. Top with roasted vegetables. Dollop with hummus and drizzle with remaining vinaigrette. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Why It’s Great
Roasted vegetables are grounding and rich in fibre, while quinoa adds complete protein. It’s the perfect nourishing lunch after a yoga or Pilates session.
3. Healthy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
The Healthy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a sweet way to start a winter morning or enjoy as a healthy dessert. The recipe comes from Kim’s Cravings, yields 6 servings, and has a total cook time of 35 minutes.
Ingredients
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1 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond or cashew milk , (any milk product can be used)
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2 large eggs
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1/3 cup maple syrup
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1/4 cup butter or coconut oil, melted
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1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, (can sub with mashed banana)
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3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, (gluten-free as needed)
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon allspice
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 cups finely chopped apple , or 1 small apple (I like Honeycrisp)
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Optional for topping: 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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Optional garnish: whipped topping, ice cream, yogurt, nut/seed butter, drizzle of chocolate, maple syrup, and/or fresh fruit
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×9-inch or 11×7-inch (or other similar size) baking pan with nonstick spray. Stir the liquid ingredients (milk, eggs, maple syrup, melted butter and applesauce) together in one large bowl.
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Add the dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, spices and salt) to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined, then stir in diced apple. Pour the mixture into prepared baking pan. If desired, top with additional apple slices and/or nuts (or stir nuts into the oatmeal, if using).
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Bake oatmeal for 35 minutes or until the center appears *almost* set, which will give you a soft oatmeal. For drier and more solid baked oatmeal, bake until center has set. Cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Spoon or slice and serve with yogurt, almond butter or maple syrup, if desired.
Why It’s Great
These oats are packed with slow-digesting carbs, omega-3s, and cozy flavor. Ideal for fueling early runs or refueling after a cold-day cardio session.
Final Thoughts
Eating well in winter doesn’t mean giving up comfort. It means choosing meals that fuel recovery, boost immunity, and make you feel your best.
These recipes are easy to batch-prep, endlessly adjustable, and ready to support your wellness all season long.
