Dietitians’ tips for eating well this winter

Winter is the hardest time of the year to eat well, say 50% of consumers, according to a recent NESCAFÉ Greenblend survey.

It’s the season we turn to comfort foods and hibernate indoors. Eating well and exercising regularly become more challenging and guilt can begin to set in.  Winter is also a time when we need to stay in good health to help fight off seasonal colds and ills.

But don’t despair. The NESCAFÉ Greenblend Team recently asked registered dietitians for their top tips on how to eat well. Dietitians are familiar with the challenges people face and know some simple and effective advice.

They said there are three steps to healthy eating:
1.       Planning – plan your snacks and meals to avoid being caught out on the run.

2.       Variety and abundance of fruits and vegetables – increase the amounts you eat by making them part of every meal and snack and aiming for half your dinner plate to be veggies each night.

3.       Moderation – all foods can be enjoyed, but be mindful of portion size and frequency.

They also said don’t try and change everything at once. Pick one healthy change at a time and stick to it.

You don’t have to give up all your favourite foods or beverages either. For example, you can enjoy a guilt free hot cup of coffee to escape the chill, knowing it’s also providing some goodness. NESCAFÉ Greenblend offers Kiwi coffee drinkers an extra reason to indulge in their beloved cup of coffee this winter – and it’s a small change that’s easy to make.

Like some fruits and vegetables, coffee naturally contains polyphenols – especially green coffee beans. Polyphenols are dietary compounds that contribute to taste and colour. Scientific experts agree that a healthy diet typically includes foods containing polyphenols. Susan Kevork, Nestlé Nutritionist, explains “This is one way that coffee, as part of a balanced diet, can contribute positively to health and wellbeing”.