Winter Fuel- Stay Healthy with Food and Self-Care Tips this Winter
As the days grow shorter and temperatures dip, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits, whether it's reaching for comfort food or skipping workouts because of the chill. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the colder months doesn’t have to be a struggle. In fact, the winter season presents the perfect opportunity to focus on nourishing your body from the inside out. By eating well and making mindful choices, you can stay energized, boost your immunity, and enjoy the seasonal produce that’s available right at your doorstep.
In this blog post, I’ll share some tips for staying healthy during the colder months, along with local recommendations for healthy, farm-to-table, and vegan-friendly restaurants in central Connecticut that you can support while nourishing your body.
Focus on Whole, Plant-Based Foods
Winter is a great time to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. Root vegetables, dark leafy greens, and warming legumes are full of nutrients that support your immune system and provide sustained energy during the colder months.
You can make hearty soups, stews, and grain bowls that are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Winter squashes like butternut and acorn, as well as brussels sprouts and kale, are packed with antioxidants that help fight off colds and keep your skin glowing.
When it comes to meals out, central Connecticut has a variety of vegan and plant-based dining options.
Check out these healthy eateries where you can indulge in nourishing meals:
Claire’s Corner Copia (New Haven, CT)
A beloved fixture in New Haven for over 40 years, Claire’s Corner Copia offers a diverse menu of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Known for hearty breakfasts, savory lunch options, and indulgent desserts, Claire’s is a go-to spot for healthy, comforting meals. Popular items include vegan lasagna, tofu scrambles, and freshly baked cakes and pies. With its cozy atmosphere and focus on sustainability, Claire’s is a perfect choice for anyone seeking nourishing food in an inclusive, welcoming environment.
Sayulita (Glastonbury, CT) This vibrant Mexican restaurant offers plenty of vegan options, from heartwarming tacos to flavorful bowls filled with fresh vegetables and grains. With two locations, one in Glastonbury, CT and a newly opened restaurant in Essex, CT, Sayulita offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The warming spices in Mexican cuisine, like chili and cumin, can also help boost circulation and keep you feeling cozy.
Support Local Farm-to-Table Restaurants
Eating locally-sourced food not only supports small farmers in your community but also ensures that you're eating foods that are in season and at their peak freshness.
During the winter months, farm-to-table restaurants in Connecticut offer hearty, seasonal fare, such as root vegetables, fresh greens, and even wild-caught fish, all prepared with attention to flavor and nutrition.
Here are some of my favorite fantastic farm-to-table spots to explore in central Connecticut:
Max a Mia (Avon, CT) – Known for its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, Max a Mia offers a rotating seasonal menu that reflects the best of what local farms and purveyors have to offer. Their focus on quality ingredients means you can enjoy comforting dishes without compromising on health.
Blue Plate Kitchen (West Hartford, CT)
Blue Plate Kitchen is a contemporary American bistro that embraces farm-to-table dining with a menu focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They feature a range of seasonal dishes from locally grown produce, sustainable meats, and seafood, ensuring a wholesome and delicious dining experience in a casual yet stylish setting.
Spicy Green Bean (Glastonbury, CT)
Spicy Green Bean is a modern, family-run restaurant in Glastonbury that embraces farm-to-table dining by offering locally sourced, seasonal dishes with bold flavors. Known for its fusion of Asian, Latin, and Mediterranean influences, the restaurant’s menu includes creative dishes like spicy tuna poke, grilled meats, and vibrant vegetable sides, all made with fresh, Connecticut-grown ingredients.
Stay Hydrated with Herbal Teas and Soups
While staying hydrated might seem like a summer-only priority, your body still needs water and nourishment during the winter months.
Hot drinks like herbal teas, broths, and homemade soups are a great way to stay hydrated and keep your body warm. Herbal teas such as ginger, chamomile, and peppermint can soothe your digestion and immune system, while bone broth provides essential minerals for joint health.
Local cafes and restaurants in Connecticut that specialize in healthy beverages and soups include:
Fable Tea Shop: A Winter Hideaway
Fable Tea Shop in Southington, CT, is the perfect winter retreat. With its cozy atmosphere, soft lighting, and calming ambiance, it’s an ideal spot to escape the cold and unwind. The shop offers a carefully curated selection of premium loose-leaf teas, including warming seasonal blends like spiced chai and peppermint, perfect for chilly days. Pair your tea with delicious pastries or light bites, and enjoy a peaceful moment away from the winter hustle. Whether you're sipping solo or with friends, Fable is a cozy sanctuary for tea lovers this winter.
Pho at Bui: The Perfect Soup for Cold Days
On a chilly day, there's nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of pho to comfort and nourish you. At Bui Food, a beloved Vietnamese restaurant in Branford, CT, their signature pho is the ultimate winter pick-me-up. This fragrant, flavorful soup is packed with tender rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a rich, aromatic broth that’s simmered to perfection. Whether you choose the classic beef pho or a savory chicken version, the balance of flavors—from the savory broth to the crisp vegetables—offers the ideal combination of warmth and satisfaction.
Pho at Bui Food is the perfect antidote to the winter chill, offering a bowl of soul-warming goodness that will leave you feeling cozy from the inside out. The delicate balance of flavors and nourishing ingredients make it not just a meal, but a comforting experience on a cold day.
Keep Moving and Stay Active
Although it's tempting to stay indoors and curl up by the fire, staying active during the winter months is essential for both your physical and mental well-being. Exercise boosts your immune system, increases circulation, and keeps your energy levels up.
Yoga, Pilates, and light cardio are great options to keep your body moving without overexerting yourself in the cold.
Many local wellness centers in Connecticut offer indoor yoga and fitness classes to help you stay motivated and active:
The Zen Den in Manchester, CT, This cozy boutique yoga sanctuary offers a range of classes that promote relaxation and mindfulness. With a focus on holistic health, this cozy spot is perfect for those looking to de-stress, rejuvenate, and find balance. The Zen Den provides a peaceful environment to unwind and recharge. The tranquil ambiance, combined with personalized care, makes it an ideal place to nurture your body and mind. It’s a true yoga retreat for those seeking calm in the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Eclipse Holistic Health in Glastonbury, CT, is your one-stop destination for everything wellness-related. Eclipse holistic health center offers a wide range of services designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit. From therapeutic massage and acupuncture to nutritional counseling and yoga classes, Eclipse provides a comprehensive approach to health and well-being. Their team of skilled practitioners takes a personalized approach to each individual, addressing specific needs and helping clients achieve their wellness goals. Whether you're seeking relaxation, stress relief, or a more balanced lifestyle, Eclipse Holistic Health offers the tools and support to guide you on your journey to optimal health. Don't forget to join The Omstead at Eclipse for one of our specialty wellness workshops!
5. Treat Yourself to a Little Sweetness
Winter doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to sweets—just choose healthier options! Opt for desserts made with whole, plant-based ingredients like coconut milk, almond flour, and natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or dates.
Many local bakeries and cafes are now offering healthier treats, including gluten-free, vegan, and raw options.
Dee's One Smart Cookie (Glastonbury, CT) – a delightful bakery offering a wide range of delicious, allergy-friendly treats that everyone can enjoy. Specializing in gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan cookies, Dee’s is the perfect spot for those with dietary restrictions or anyone craving a wholesome, tasty dessert. Each cookie is carefully crafted with high-quality, natural ingredients, ensuring every bite is both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you're looking for a sweet snack or a thoughtful gift, Dee’s One Smart Cookie has something for every cookie lover, making it a go-to destination for allergen-free sweets.
Food for the Soul- Stay Healthy, Happy, & Energized All Winter Long
Staying healthy in the colder months is all about making mindful food choices, staying active, and nourishing your body with seasonal, nutrient-rich foods. By embracing plant-based meals, supporting local farm-to-table restaurants, and enjoying warming soups and herbal teas, you can keep your body strong, your immune system supported, and your energy levels high. Plus, Connecticut’s rich culinary scene offers plenty of delicious, healthy options to keep you on track with your wellness goals.
So, get cozy, stay healthy, and enjoy the wonderful, nourishing food that the winter season has to offer!
Stay Warm, Stay Well: Sign Up for Our Winter Wellness Workshops!
Keep your mind, body, and spirit in balance this season by staying up to date on all of our winter wellness workshops at The Omstead. From yoga and meditation to nutrition and stress relief, we’ve got something to help you thrive this winter.
Don’t miss out on the latest events and classes—join our community and be the first to know about upcoming workshops!
Subscribe now and start your journey to winter wellness.
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