Nutritious Winter Recipes from a 55 Plus Community in South Carolina

Comfort food that helps you hit your health goals

With cooler weather and the need for warmth, it can be challenging to eat healthy in the winter. Comfort foods are typically chosen during the winter, but finding nutritious meals is essential to make sure you’re staying healthy.

And at Maple Brook Terrace, we’re no stranger to gourmet meals! Our residents enjoy 24/7 dining, with meals prepared from the freshest ingredients by our Executive Chef any time of day or night. We’d love to share a meal with you, but if you can’t make it for a visit just yet, we are sharing our top ten favorite winter recipes that are nutritious without sacrificing deliciousness.

Try these recipes next time you’re craving something new:

• A warm and hearty soup is sure to fill you up during the winter months. Try slow cooker chicken noodle soup from Southern Living for a tasty meal. For an extra nutrient-dense punch, add whole grain or red lentil noodles!
• These Spanish-inspired chicken and beans are all cooked on one pan for easy meal prep and a delicious meal you can share.
• Love macaroni and cheese but looking for a healthier twist? The Pioneer Woman shares her slow cooker butternut squash mac and cheese for classic comfort with a winter flavor.
• If you are a chili lover, don’t feel like you have to cut it out of your meal plan to be healthy. Switch out your beef for a leaner alternative like lean ground turkey and top it off with avocado. Try this recipe for an easy-to-make healthy chili.
• Adding colorful veggies to your meals is a great way to get the vitamins and minerals you need. Try this brussels sprout side dish that has a delicious, unexpected pomegranate sauce.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, now is the time to invest in one. An air fryer is a great way to eat healthier versions of all of your favorite fried foods. Try this recipe for air-fried buffalo cauliflower bites as an alternative to hot wings You’ll even get some more veggies in!
• Put this protein bowl together in less than thirty minutes! With the ultimate flavor of curry and the nutrition of pomegranates, this curry pomegranate protein bowl is the perfect winter-weather meal.
• Try making this kimchi cauliflower fried rice recipe at home instead of ordering take-out. This recipe calls for some bacon, but we recommend omitting that ingredient and adding some vegetables if you want to be on the healthier side.
• Meat lovers rejoice, because there’s still a way to meet your meat cravings and remain on the healthier side. Try this beef roast dinner recipe cooked to perfection in the slow cooker.
• Is it taco Tuesday yet? Try switching out taco meat for hearty veggies. This roasted vegetable and black bean taco recipe is perfect for those in a hurry on a weeknight.

We hope you love our favorite winter recipes, but if you’re still looking for more cooking inspiration, we recommend websites like Eating Well, Food Network, Cooking Light, and Delish.

Not in the mood to cook at home? We’d love for you to visit us at Maple Brook for lunch or dinner! And for our residents, if you have a favorite recipe, feel free to share it–perhaps you’ll give our chef a new idea for the entire community to enjoy.

To learn more about active living residency or to take a tour of Maple Brook Terrace, contact our friendly team today.