This article is from the WebMD Feature Archive

Pie, fudge, hot chocolate -- are there any winter foods out there that aren't loaded with calories and devoid of nutritional value? Look no further than your grocer's shelves, because tucked behind the box of discounted candy canes is a shopping list full of healthy and hearty winter delights.

"Winter is a terrific time to enjoy foods of fiber, color and flavor," says Roger Clemens, DrPH, a food science communicator for the Institute of Food Technology. "These foods are rich in fiber, B-vitamins, minerals, and may contain good sources of protein."

Legumes, cranberries, and winter squash are just a few of the nutrition-packed must-haves for cold winter days.

Legumes

"Legumes are a food that often we don't think of during summer, but they're a healthy and hearty ingredient for winter recipes," says Susan Moores, a registered dietitian in St. Paul, Minn.

Rich in important nutrients like fiber and protein, legumes, such as kidney, garbanzo, and pinto beans, lentils, and white and black beans, are a tasty addition to winter soups and stews.

"They have a hearty, meaty taste to them, which makes them great on a cold winter day in a soup or a stew," says Moores, who is also a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

Turkey

One of the first foods people think of when they think "winter" is a Thanksgiving tradition -- turkey.

"Turkey is a tremendous food for winter," says Moores. "It's lean, a great source of protein, and from a calorie standpoint, it's remarkably low."

Turkey soup, a turkey sandwich on a hearty whole-grain bread, as well as turkey on its own, is always a treat on a cold winter day.

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