Chilly days call for cozy food. Whether you’re out adventuring in the snow, fighting your way through an icy commute, or simply trying to stay warm at home, the thought of a hot and hearty meal brings instant comfort. And it isn’t just your imagination, as warm, protein-rich, calorie-dense foods really do help your body heat back up faster, and make you more resilient through the darker months.
No matter what your day looks like, here are five meal ideas to keep you feeling snug and nourished until warmer weather returns.
1) Maple Turkey Bacon Waffles
A Cozy Meal on Snow Days
The snow is up to the windows, meaning the office and school are closed. It’s not the time for your usual breakfast smoothie or cold cereal. Today you get to start your day with comfort, something you can sit down and linger over before you log in — or start on a jigsaw puzzle or household project you’ve been neglecting for too long.
Maple Turkey Bacon Waffles are a great way to get excited about hunkering down. Paired with a strong cup of coffee and a playlist of your favorite tunes, they’re the perfect treat on a slow, cold morning. And really, when was the last time you got to have waffles on a weekday?
2) Angus Steak Bacon Spicy Corn Burrito
Tasty Fuel for Frigid Temperatures
In the unfortunate situation where you have to actually leave your home and brave the elements, fuel up beforehand with a protein-rich Angus Steak Bacon Spicy Corn Burrito. This simple recipe combines rice, cotija, and Godshall’s Angus Steak Bacon with a spicy corn filling and creamy guacamole, and wraps them all in a soft flour tortilla.
Whether you’re shoveling the driveway or engaging in an all-out, take-no-prisoners snowball fight, these smoky, spicy, nutrient-packed wraps will ensure your body is ready to conserve heat until it’s time to come back indoors.
3) Panko-Crusted Roast Chicken Thighs
The Perfect Dinner on a Cold Winter’s Night
The drive is shoveled and you’ve made it back from sledding without any injuries. You need something warming and protein-rich to help your body recover from the cold. Protein and foods rich in fiber, such as roasted veggies, help your body retain heat longer. To get both in one go, try this simple Panko-Crusted Roast Chicken Thighs With Mustard and Thyme recipe.
Easy, crispy, and delicious, this recipe is also a great way to use up any older root veggies you have on hand. It calls for carrots, but works equally well with potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even beets or radishes. If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of dried Italian Herb seasoning work well. For even more nutrients, pair it with a side dish like this Beef Bacon Wrapped Asparagus.
4) Cold Fighting Chicken Soup
A Classic Go-to for When You’re Feeling Under the Weather
It’s a tradition that starts when you’re young and lasts a lifetime. Sick days during winter call for one thing, and one thing only: soup. A classic chicken or turkey soup is always a safe bet, but if you’re looking for something new, try this Cold Fighting Chicken Soup Recipe.
Made with a warming blend of immunity-boosting ginger, anti-inflammatory turmeric, garlic, and an assortment of veggies, a bowl of this will make you feel better in no time. Plus, this recipe is a great way to use up any leftover chicken or turkey in your fridge or freezer.
Of course, soup alone isn’t going to suffice for the more ravenous appetites. Building the perfect BLT sandwich is an easy way to satisfy those who think “soup” is the first part of “soup and sandwich”.
5) Bacon and Spinach Pasta With Parmesan
Your New Favorite Meal On Damp, Cold Days
There’s something about a damp cold that will consume your entire being, and stays with you even after you’ve sought refuge indoors. Combat feeling chilly from the inside out with a meal rich in Vitamin C, which can help keep you from getting sick, and iron, which prevents anemia.
A warming skillet of Bacon and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan uses six everyday ingredients and cooks the pasta in broth instead of water for extra coziness. We recommend swapping in whole grain pasta, as the extra fiber can help your body keep warm, and turkey bacon instead of pork for a leaner, more protein-rich option.
When it’s cold outside, you can support your body and stay warm with hearty meals including soup, healthy proteins, fiber-rich foods (like roasted veggies or whole-grain pasta), and a few more calories than usual. It’ll be spring soon enough, right?
Hungry between meals? Check out these healthy snack ideas.
