by Stefanie Rosser RD

I don’t know about you, but this cold month has me feeling a little blue. So to give this month a little splendor, here are five things to try this November.

1.Parsnips

One of the great things about Summer is the variety of seasonal fruits and veggies, which dwindles as we get deeper into the fall. If like me, your taste buds are in need of stimulation, the good news is that there is one vegetable reaching its seasonal peak; the parsnip!

This hugely underrated starchy vegetable is packed with vitamin C and fiber with a flavour profile that is a cross between a carrot and a potato. Enjoy them roasted, steamed, mashed for a faux mashed potato or in a soup for a little something different!

2. Cookspiration

Do you ever run out of inspiration for your meals? If so, you can use Cookspiration: a free app created by the Dietitians of Canada that will come to your weeknight rescue. The app provides you with healthy recipe suggestions along with their nutrition facts based on your mood or the types of meals or snacks you wish to prepare.

3. Mtl à table

Exploring new cuisines and tasting new foods is a wonderful way to inspire your meals and add variety to your diet and I can’t think of a better way to do that this month than by taking part in Montreal’s restaurant week.

The 5th edition of MTL à table will take place November 3^rd to 14^th with 150 local restaurants offering special menus ranging from $21 to $41 per person and allowing you to try some of the best the city has to offer. But the food celebration doesn’t end there. Other food-related events you can take part in include guided gourmet tours, wine tastings, dinner and cinema evenings and more.

Check out the entire list of participating restaurants and events here.

 

4. Outdoor sweat sessions

 

If you’re finding it harder and harder to head outside for your sweat sessions you aren’t alone.  The darkness and colder weather has many of our clients tempted to retreating indoors too. But I say, not so fast! 

Why not schedule a weekend hike? There is still plenty of foliage left to enjoy. Also, because it’s the weekend, you can allow yourself to head out later in the day, with the sun shining bright and weather more forgiving. And don’t lock away your bike just yet, there are still some nice weekends to come.

And if you need some extra motivation to keep the outdoor miles up, sign-up to one of the last outdoor races in the city, the 2016 Santa Challenge ! 

 

5. Salon du livre

Of course, the colder weather does have its perks. It makes curling up with a good book and a piping hot cup of matcha latte something to truly look forward to.  So if you’re a passionate reader, stopping by Montreal’s leading book fair is a must-do on your list this month. The 39th Salon Du Livre will take place November 16th to 21st at Place Bonaventure and is an opportunity to meet your favourite authors, discover new books and more.