Settling into the weeks of colder and darker days encourages a sense of routine, of nesting, and perhaps even some extra sleep and rest. For many, as we enter late winter we can also find ourselves stuck in a rut with our routines and habits and especially our eating habits. Late winter carries with it cold, damp and heavy qualities. To feel a sense of balance during this time, lean towards warming, nourishing and grounding foods, utilizing spices and stimulating herbs!

Herbs and spices to utilize in winter: Cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger, chili’s, garlic, paprika.

Read More: Pantry Essentials: Medicinal Herbs & Whole Foods

Feeling uninspired to try new things, or not sure how to shake up your weekly menu? Below are a few nutrient rich, winter friendly recipes to try for the month of February:

Breakfast:

• Quick Steel Cut Oats (InstaPot Friendly) – Add fresh fruits like blueberries or apples for sweetness and fiber, a spoonful of nut butter and chia seeds for extra protein, and a dash of cinnamon and ginger for a warming kick.
• Revolutionary Pancakes – Three ingredient, gluten free pancakes that are nutrient and protein rich. Top with yogurt and fresh fruits for added sweetness and a touch of honey for a decadent, quick and easy breakfast.

Lunch:

• Anything You Have Coconut Curry Soup – You can make this recipe a little different every time for a variety of flavors and nutrients.
• Big Comfy Sweet Potato – Loaded with nutrients and plant rich fiber, this easy lunch is customizable to your tastes that day.
• Warming Red Lentil & Sweet Potato Soup (InstaPot Friendly) – a quick and balanced meal that makes for great leftovers for your weekly lunches.

Dinner:

• The Winter Abundance Bowl – A good bowl recipe is essential for any weekly meal prep. Once per week, make a pot of grain of your choice, chop and roast a few veggies like squash and broccoli, and add in extra ferments like sauerkraut or olives and drizzle with olive oil for a a fully balanced, easy to throw together nutrient packed meal.
• Smoky Squash Chili – a vegetarian friendly dinner that freezes well and makes for delicious leftovers on busier week nights.

If you’re feeling a little uninspired this time of year to cook or prepare your meals, start slow and commit to batch preparing one or two meals per week so that you always have a healthy option in the fridge. At RNM, we love to utilize a crock pot or instant pot for a no-fuss, warming and easy meal for the week.

Read more: RNM’s Favorite CrockPot Recipes