It may be cold outside, but winter brings us foods that are smoking hot for health! Be sure to eat these three often.

Broccoli
Broccoli is bonafide nutritional megastar. This non-starchy cold weather veggie is chock full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, yet ridiculously low in calories. Even more remarkable, broccoli is home to over 150 health-promoting phytochemicals, including sulforaphane, now world famous for its anti-cancer prowess. Because I like to eat a lot,
broccoli is my go-to veggie for bulking up my meals and dishes without adding hardly any calories. Strive to include 2 or more servings weekly, and note broccoli is healthiest raw or lightly steamed.

Oranges
This refreshing fruit is a fabulous source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fiber—a sure-fire winner for heart health. In addition, this amazing food contains every known class of natural anticancer compounds making them one of nature’s most perfect “anticancer packages”. For best results, consume a piece of citrus daily.  All citrus fruits are great, but oranges are the superstars.

Kale
All green vegetables are nutritional treasures, but kale is one of the crown jewels. This leafy green is unequivocally one of the healthiest foods you can eat, providing more nutrition per calorie than any other food. Kale also tops the list of the most potent antioxidant vegetables, and of course has just a smidge of calories. When I feel the urge to “really feel” the nutritional power of food, or when I think I am coming down with something, I eat a huge bowl of kale salad. Here is my favorite quick kale salad recipe.