In summer, we have an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits available to fuel our workouts. In winter, it may feel like you don’t have tasty options. Instead, you grab tomatoes and other flavorless vegetables that are grown in hothouses and aren’t even ripe when shipped to our stores. There are several delicious alternatives that will fuel your workouts and replace flavorless foods while packing your diet with the nutrients and vitamins you need.

Red Delicious Apples – These crimson beauties are packed full of health benefits. Red Delicious apples are graded the highest in antioxidants of any other apple by the USDA. They are also bursting with soluble fiber which lowers cholesterol.

Russet Potatoes – These are crammed full of protein with 3 grams per potato. They also have vitamin C, no fat, no cholesterol, and high potassium. Be sure to eat the skin as well to get 2 grams of fiber.

Cabbage – Slaw has always been the obvious dish when we think of cabbage, but baking or boiling are good options. Once you realize the benefits of this wonderful vegetable, you will want to add it to your diet on a regular basis. Cabbage contains cancer fighting phytochemicals that also protect your body from free radicals. It is a great source of vitamins C and K, and it is a great supplier of fiber.

Beets – Beets can be baked, mashed, or boiled. You can also add them to soups and stews. They cleanse the liver, and clean the blood. Beets are a super anti-inflammatory. Other advantages are that they are rich in potassium, folate, and vitamin C.

Broccoli – To rev up your immunity, have broccoli as a raw snack, and add it as a side dish to meals. Broccoli is chock full of vitamins A and C, which will boost your immune system. It also contains folic acid to help support healthy tissue and to help maintain healthy blood pressure.