Fit for winter - healthy and sustainable through the cold season with the right preparation in October

Fit for winter - healthy and sustainable through the cold season with the right preparation in October
Photo by Jack Blueberry / Unsplash

October is the perfect time not only to prepare for the darker and colder months, but also to lay the foundations for a sustainable and healthy diet. As nature goes into its resting phase, we can already take steps now to get through the coming winter healthy, full of energy and without wasting food unnecessarily. With the pantry app, you have the opportunity to consciously stock up, make the most of your kitchen and get through the winter in good health.

Plan supplies cleverly - now is the best time!

October marks the transition from the abundance of the harvest season to a time when fresh, seasonal produce becomes scarcer. So it's the perfect time to rethink and adjust your stockpile. With a few smart strategies, you can make sure you have healthy and nutritious meals available in winter without having to shop constantly.

Some storage tips:

Grains and pulses: long-life foods such as quinoa, rice, lentils or beans should have a permanent place in your stash. Not only are they rich in protein and fiber, they are also versatile and can be used in soups, stews and salads.
Preserves and fermented foods: Whether sauerkraut, kimchi or pickled cucumbers - fermented foods not only have an extremely long shelf life, but are also good for your gut health. Now is the time to make these foods yourself or buy them fresh to enjoy in winter.
The Smantry.app helps you to manage your supplies and not forget anything. With the integrated expiration date tracker, you can keep an eye on when you should use up which food before it goes off.

Photo by Anshu A / Unsplash

Meal prepping for the winter

Meal prepping is not only a wonderful way to save time, but also a clever strategy to get through the winter without stress. You can use October to prepare and freeze larger quantities of stews, soups or lasagnas. This way, you'll always have a quick, healthy meal ready when the days get shorter and busier.

Meal prep ideas for winter:

Vegetable stews: use seasonal ingredients such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes and root vegetables to make hearty stews that you can freeze in portions.
Soups: Pumpkin soup, potato soup or a spicy lentil soup are ideal candidates for the freezer. Soups can be reheated wonderfully and spiced up with fresh herbs.
Oven dishes: Lasagnas, casseroles and quiches are perfect for preparing in advance and freezing. You can reheat them directly in the oven and have a full meal on the table in no time.

Sustainable shopping and storage

Conscious shopping in October also means focusing on local and seasonal products that store well. Go for long-life varieties such as root vegetables, pumpkins and apples. Not only can they be stored for a long time, but they also provide many nutrients that strengthen your immune system in winter.

Storage tips:

Root vegetables: Carrots, beet and potatoes can be stored in a cool, dark place for weeks or even months. Make sure to store them in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Pumpkin: Hokkaido and butternut squash have a long shelf life if stored in a cool, dry place. They are versatile and are suitable for both soups and oven dishes.
Apples: Regional apple varieties harvested in October can be stored for months under the right conditions. Make sure to store them separately from other fruit, as they release ethylene, which causes other fruit to ripen faster.
The Smantry app helps you to buy and store seasonal produce in a targeted way, so that you avoid food waste and always get the best out of your stock.

Boost your immune system for the winter

October is also the time to do something good for your body and prepare your immune system for winter. In addition to a healthy, balanced diet, you can now incorporate fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi, which are rich in probiotics and promote gut health. Sufficient fresh fruit and vegetables, such as apples and pumpkin, also provide the necessary vitamins to strengthen the immune system.

Let winter come - you're well prepared! Start now with the Smantry.app, organize your supplies cleverly, discover seasonal recipes and prepare for the cold season stress-free. Download the app and get your kitchen cupboard ready for winter. 🌱❄️

👉 Use the pantry app now and enjoy the winter!