By Peggy Paul Casella for Fair Food

In winter we all crave meals that stick to our ribs, but that doesn’t mean they have to stick to our waistlines, too. Here are four in-season, nutrient-rich vegetables that will help you start the New Year right, along with some healthy recipes for inspiration.

CABBAGE
Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins K and C and also contains antioxidants and other nutrients that have been shown to help prevent certain cancers, boost heart health, and aid in immunity and digestion.

Red Cabbage Salad with Blue Cheese and Maple-Glazed Walnuts (from Eating Well)

Confetti Slaw with Poppy-Seed Dressing (from Health)

Stir-Fried Soba Noodles with Turkey and Cabbage (from the New York Times)

Shredded Green Cabbage Salad with Lemon and Garlic (from Food & Wine)

Potato, Green Cabbage, and Leek Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche (from Bon Appétit)

CARROTS
Carrots are best known for their high concentration of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A in the body. Plus, they're great sources of vitamin C, calcium, and fiber and are lauded for their potential cancer-fighting, immune system-boosting, vision-enhancing, and blood sugar-regulating benefits.

Roasted Carrot, Parsnip, and Potato Soup (from the New York Times)

Carrot Ginger Zinger Soup (from Food52)

Beet and Carrot Salad with Curry Dressing and Pistachios (from Bon Appétit)

Hot and Sour Carrots (from Eating Well)

Ellie Krieger’s Morning Glory Baked Oatmeal (from the Washington Post)

ONIONS
Like their fellow alliums, onions are rich in sulfur compounds and certain antioxidants that can aid in heart health, kill bacteria in the body, and lower the risk of certain cancers. They are also good sources of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese, and they contain folate, too, which may help regulate your sleep, appetite, and mood.

Quick Pickled Onions (from Bon Appétit)

Sweet Potato, Red Onion, and Fontina Tart (from Eating Well)

Roasted Onions Stuffed with Wild Rice and Kale (from TheKitchn)

Fergus Henderson's Red Salad (from Food52)

Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Onions (from Real Simple)

SWEET POTATOES
Packed with beta-carotene, fiber, potassium, and other essential nutrients, sweet potatoes can help improve blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, fight cancer and other diseases, promote healthy digestion, reduce inflammation, and support eye function.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Mushrooms and Shallots (from Bon Appétit)

Pork and Sweet Potato Chocolate Chili (from Healthy Bites)

Roast Chicken and Sweet Potatoes (from Eating Well)

Savory Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with White Beans and Kale (from TheKitchn)

Slow-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Garlic Labneh (from Saveur)