Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on
It’s the dead of winter, and I mean dead – it was -7˚ in Denver last night! A blanket of snow and silence has descended on the city, the streets are slick with ice, and the thought of going outside is only a thought. Winter is sometimes hard for me; I like warm weather, playing outdoors day and night, and eating the fresh, zesty foods of summer. Cold weather makes life just a little bit harder… going to work is more of a chore, there are more excuses not to exercise or even leave the house, and cooking usually includes more frozen and flavorless choices. And let’s face it, winter is a time when many of us neglect our health and gain weight. Eating nutritious foods that energize the body and finding time to exercise is just as important during the winter!

 

Last night I ventured to the grocery store for some staples and inspiration, and found a nice selection of seasonal produce. Pears, for instance, are harvested in the fall and placed in cold storage for distribution throughout the year. This means that there are fresh, ripe pears available during the winter (I picked up some lovely Bosc and Bartlett pears). Not only good for health, they piqued my interest for experimenting in the kitchen. When it’s freezing outside and the snow is coming down, there is nothing nicer than preparing a warm delight to share with my hubby and cuddling in front of the fire to watch the snow. If I have to be indoors, I may as well enjoy it!

 

 

What’s on the menu this week? First up, Acorn Squash Stuffed with Wild Rice, Pears, Cranberries, and Walnuts, and perhaps Bartlett Pear Muffins for Saturday brunch. Yum!

About Amy Kweller MS, RD

As a Registered Dietitian, I have a professional relationship with pears. But as someone who loves great food, I also have a personal relationship with pears! So there is no better way to spend my time than blogging about this lovely fruit. I will blog about pears from farm to table; healthy living, cooking, and recipes; the therapeutic benefits of pears and a wholesome diet; and how pears can fit into your lifestyle. I have a background in clinical and community nutrition, and teaching others how to lead healthy, fulfilling lives is my goal and passion – so send me your questions. My hope is that everyone who visits this site will find something that lingers long after the browser closes, and I expect that will be a deeper love of pears!

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