Petite village

 

     by Gabriella Vetere, RD *

 

It’s coming to the time of the year that is loved by children and hated by dieters: the holidays. Yes, with the weather getting colder you might choose to stay inside rather than go on your afternoon run, or the fact that everyone at work thinks that cookies are the only thing you can bring to a corporate party during Christmas. There are other reasons to celebrate during the holidays that actually won’t ruin all the work you did to fit into your summer bikini.

 

As a dietitian I may think of the seasons changing and the holidays coming in a different way than most people. As soon as I see leaves dropping from our trees outside, I immediately think of all the wonderful winter vegetables I can use in my cooking! There are a variety of delicious, low calorie winter vegetables, from acorn squash and pumpkin to kale and collard greens. The excitement in my house all started to begin when my twin sister and I made butternut squash soup last weekend.

 

Butternut squash is one of the ultimate winter vegetables that I adore. The winter squash is not only sweet, hearty, and delicious, but very nutrient dense as well. Butternut squash is low in fat and high in fiber and potassium, which can help support a healthy heart and skeletal system. It is a great source of vitamin-B6, essential for maintaining a proper functioning immune system (crucial during the flu season), and folate, known for its benefits during pregnancy to prevent brain and spinal birth defects.

 

The nutritional benefits don’t stop there. What butternut squash is most abundant in are the nutrients called carotenoids, which also protect the heart. Butternut squash is especially high in beta-carotene, which plays a role as a co-factor for vitamin-A production in our body. Vitamin-A is known to help deter breast cancer, macular degeneration, and help support healthy lung development in fetuses and newborns.

 

Are those enough health benefits for you?

 

So when you are home, and you are feeling like all you want is a bowl of soup, stir up some of this delicious easy butternut squash soup with homemade croutons. It will warm your soul and help you stay on track during the autumn and winter seasons. 

 

 

*  Gabriella Vetere is a Registered Dietitian residing in the Silicon Valley. She has a passion for health, food, and fitness.  Her experience ranges from childhood to senior nutrition and the prevention and management of chronic illnesses. She takes a practical and caring approach to nutrition counseling and believes in the philosophy of making lifestyle changes for long-term health and well-being. Gabriella received her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and completed graduate work at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.  

Want one-on-one time with Gabriella? Contact her at  gabriella@petitevillage.com for personal nutrition consultations, grocery shopping tours, and kitchen/pantry makeovers.