They’re not exactly what you’d expect!

The motivation to eat well come January 1st is not a new phenomenon.

The start of the new year seems to be our signal for reflection and new beginnings.

illustration of mushrooms and an orange

Photo: Getty Images

Even dietitians get excited by the motivation in the air!

Read on to learn more, plus what to make with these delicious ingredients.

Oranges

There’s a reason registered dietitians recommend eating seasonally.

It’s because freshly-harvested food is at its peak when it comes to nutrition and flavor.

In the winter months, citrus fruit, like oranges, are readily available and incredibly delicious.

That bright burst of sweet orange tastes just like warm sunshine!

That’s enough to brighten your mood, even according to studies.Plus, oranges boast an impressive nutrition profile.

That’s where convenient and often more affordable canned and frozen varieties come into play.

Pre-cooked, canned seafood is a great staple to keep in your pantry.

Canned seafood can easily be used to create delicious meals fromtostadas,salads,wrapsand even pizza!

Nutritional guidelines recommend consuming seafood at least two times a week.

Stocking up on frozen seafood means you’ll always have something to pull for lunch or dinner.

Most frozen seafood can be thawed overnight or follow package directions for day-of thawing.

Drain your seafood and pat it dry before adding seasonings of your choice and roasting or sauteing.

ThisRosemary Roasted Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoesis a tasty and uncomplicated way to enjoy heart-healthy salmon.

Spinach

Spinach made the list and for good reason.

I love that spinach is a nutrition powerhouse and also love that it’s such a versatile ingredient.

Fresh or frozen, spinach makes a great addition to almost any meal.

Throw it insoups,stews,salads,pasta dishesandsandwiches.

Culinary dietitianMarisa Moore, M.B.A., RDN, LDagrees!

“I keep both fresh and frozen spinach on-hand throughout the winter.

Spinach is versatile in the kitchen.

Mushrooms

Fungi are your friends!

Don’t be afraid to branch out when you’re stocking up at the store!

Add oranges for fresh flavor and vitamin C. Grab some seafood for omega-3’s fats and protein.

Pick up some frozen tropical fruits, which are packed with inflammation-lowering antioxidants and bright flavor.

And don’t forget spinach and mushrooms!

2022;14(9):1847. doi:10.3390/nu14091847

FoodSafety.gov.FoodKeeper App.

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Spinach, mature.

2021;10(8):1952. doi:10.3390/foods10081952

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

National Institutes of Health.

Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin D.