As seasons cycle, so does our body's nutritional needs. It's no coincidence why we crave juicy cantaloupe for summer picnics and savory, warm soups through winter.
We select fruit in the summer for its high water content, our bodies using its many nutrients to replenish us when we sweat. But once the cold temps blow in, we find ourselves tucked indoors more, and we need denser nutrition with richer blends of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
So blend up a batch of aromatic carrot ginger soup and settle in as we explore a variety of Jack Frost's favorite superfoods that'll add a little hygge to your life.
What is hygge? And what does it have to do with superfoods?
Pronounced "hyoo-guh," hygge is the Danish word for "the art of living cozily." In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.
As we dip out of summer into the heart of autumn, the days grow darker for longer, and you may begin feeling the winter blues. The Danes fight this off with hygge, an intentional effort towards gathering coziness, happiness, and warmth. Our personal chef services will help you infuse these feelings of warmth and joy by adding the right nutrients to your family's meals.
Here's how to serve some hygge on your plate!
Here are nine superfoods and their vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that beat the "winter blues" and boost our coziness factor, aka, serve up some hygge.
Turmeric
This orange but subtle spice adds a sweetness to lattes and stir-fry while packing an immunity punch. A cousin to ginger, turmeric has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that boost your immune system. Pair it with black pepper for extra immunity, or stir a teaspoon of it into a small glass of warm milk.
Ghee
Ghee is basically butter hygge-fied. It's clarified butter, which means you slightly caramelize, simmer, and strain it to remove excess water. An ayurvedic superstar, ghee has essential fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties that nurture the immune system. Additionally, it's easily digestible and is a quick source of energy for your body. Add ghee to your morning eggs or even blended in your coffee for an energetic and warming boost. Bonus points if you mix a small spoonful in your turmeric latte!
Brussels Sprouts
Tossed in ghee and steamed, sauteed, or roasted, brussels sprouts are praised for their protective properties against cancer. These little guys pack a punch with Vitamins C, K, and folate. Folate helps maintain happy, balanced white and red blood cell count (Just what the doctor ordered!). Vitamin C is more than an immunity booster. It also links arms with Vitamin K to help our bodies absorb and use iron, which, when low, contributes to low energy, tiredness, and a lack of concentration. Bye, bye, winter blues, and hello focused energy all winter long.
Turkey
Who said only veggies could be superfoods? With high B vitamins like B6 and B12, turkey helps you turn food into energy efficiently. Add in some lean protein and the amino acid tryptophan, which tells the brain to make the "happy hormone" serotonin, and you have a dinner item that doubles as a warm blanket for your wellness.
Cinnamon
Hygge is all about balance - in contentment, happiness, coziness, and friendliness. In a way, cinnamon is, too! This beloved spice does more than add pep to our applesauce; it helps stabilize blood sugar levels - which can balance your mood. It is also full of calcium and iron, giving your immunity and blood cell balance a helping hand.
Kale
We couldn't write a post about superfoods without including something green, now could we? In all seriousness, if your goal is to thrive while indoors this winter, this leafy green should be your new best friend. Kale is full of calcium, various antioxidants, and minerals like iron and magnesium. Magnesium helps regulate nerve and muscle function and can help with relaxation, headaches, and muscle cramps. Be sure to add this Mexican Kale Salad to your lunchtime rotation!
Root Vegetables
Carrots, beets, turnips, and potatoes all have something in common - they grow underground. In the soil, root vegetables absorb minerals like magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus. They also contain plenty of vitamins B6, A, and C. Chop a variety of these root vegetables, then toss in salt, pepper, and melted ghee to roast for a warming, rich and savory side dish for your turkey dinner!
Bone Broth
Bone broth is one of the most recently recognized additions to the superfood lineup, though we've used it for centuries for its medicinal value. Bone broth is made from simmering bones, marrow, and connective tissue of animals, creating a light but savory liquid you can sip as a beverage or use in soups. Bone broth contains collagen and gelatin, which support gut health, reduce inflammation, boost energy levels, and promote great sleep. Talk about a hug in a cup! Warm-up some of our gut-healing bone broth and stir in a small spoonful of turmeric for an early morning drink that may serve you even better than coffee!
Dark Chocolate
You can't have hygge without dark chocolate (That's a rule, right?), and you're in luck because dark chocolate is a superfood! It's a pretty powerful one, too, with mood-stabilizing flavonoids containing more antioxidants than green tea! Flavonoids are phytonutrients that remove oxidative stress, helping you feel more relaxed and increasing your well-being over time.
As you wrap yourself up in a blanket, snuggled into your favorite armchair or corner of the couch, remember to utilize some of these superfoods to practice the art of hygge. And while you're at it, be sure to enjoy a plate of our dark chocolate and cherry scones.
And when you're ready to share the art of hygge with some friends or family, our personal chef services are here to help you plan a menu of whole foods and seasonal ingredients from local farmer's markets to create a healthy, high-end dining experience right in your home.